NPS - National Park Service
09/05/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/05/2024 10:14
Zion National Park shuttles are now electric
News Release Date: September 5, 2024
Contact: [email protected]
WASHINGTON - Zero-emission electric visitor transportation is now operational at Zion National Park. National Park Service Director Chuck Sams was joined by General Services Administration Administrator Robin Carnahan, Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians Chairman Roland Maldonado, officials from the Zion National Park Forever Project, the National Park Foundation and local leaders to unveil the new fully electric fleet at an event in Zion National Park on Sept. 4.
Today's milestone furthers the goals of President Biden's Federal Sustainability Plan, which directs federal agencies to lead by example and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, including by transitioning the federal fleet of 600,000 vehicles to zero-emissions vehicles.
The new fleet is the culmination of a multi-year partnership with federal, state, local, and non-profit organizations, including $33 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. While Zion is the first park in the National Park System to transition to a fully electric transit fleet, the NPS is actively working to transition large bus fleets like those at Grand Canyon, Acadia, Yosemite, Bryce Canyon, and Harpers Ferry national parks.
These battery powered buses, which Zion acquired through GSA's Fleet program, and demonstrate the National Park Service's continued leadership in environmental sustainability and advances the Biden-Harris administration's goal to transition the Federal vehicle fleet to electric vehicles as part of its strategy to address the climate crisis.
"As stewards of our national parks, our goal is to protect these landscapes for future generations," National Park Service Director Chuck Sams said. "This step towards a clean energy future supports the protection of America's most treasured landscapes, natural wonders, and historic sites in the face of a changing climate."
"Across government, we're working hard to meet the Biden-Harris Administration's governmentwide goal of transitioning the fleet to 100% electric vehicle acquisitions by 2035, including the thousands of government vehicles we manage here at GSA," said GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan. "This is another way government is leading by example by showing that sustainable travel is possible. Together, we can drive our sustainability goals forward, decrease pollution in our communities and national parks, and protect our nation's natural beauty for future generations."
More than 4 million people visited Zion National Park in 2023. Zero-emission buses improve the visitor experience with higher total capacity on board and quieter operations as the vehicles move through the park, and modernize a fleet of propane-powered vehicles that were in service for over 20 years.
"This new electric shuttle fleet is operational due to the amazing work of transportation specialists and engineers at our park, regional and national technical centers and partner staff," said Zion National Park Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh. "Zion is committed to an electric future to protect the environment and improve visitor experiences in the park."
"Zion National Park Forever Project was instrumental in supporting the launch of the original shuttle system in 2000, and we are proud to continue that legacy with the introduction of this new electric vehicle shuttle. This project exemplifies the ongoing collaboration between our organization, the National Park Service, and our dedicated supporters," said Zion Forever President & CEO Natalie Britt. "Together, we are making meaningful strides in enhancing visitor experience while upholding our commitment to sustainability."
The National Park Service began providing free shuttle service in the park's Zion Canyon and the Town of Springdale in 2000. The National Park Service developed this system with the Town of Springdale, engineers at the Federal Highway Administration, and Utah Department of Transportation, and with state, county, and municipal partners' input. Shuttle buses provide service for millions of riders a year and have successfully reduced traffic congestion and crowding so that visitors can enjoy Zion Canyon. Since the shuttle system began operation, the number of visits recorded at Zion has risen from about 2.4 million in 2000 to a record 5 million in 2021.
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 430+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.