Commercial, Distributed Energy Resources, GHG Emissions  -  September 11, 2024

Zion National Park Transitions to Electric Shuttles

 Zero-emission electric transportation for visitors is now operational at Zion National Park. 

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.  

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.   

President Biden’s Federal Sustainability Plan 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 battery-powered buses, which Zion acquired through GSA’s Fleet program,  demonstrate the National Park Service’s emission goals.

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 in a statement. “Zion is committed to an electric future to protect the environment and improve visitor experiences in the park.”  

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 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.