Zion National Park is leading an increasing trend in heavily congested park areas to eliminate private vehicles in favor of shuttle systems as a method of managing overcrowding. During summer days, as many as 2,000 vehicles crowd this fragile canyon corridor. The problem of managing traffic congestion and visitor use here is not new, however. Zion's 1977 Master Plan called for the study of an interpretive transportation system to solve congestion problems and provide better educational opportunities for visitors. Funds were also approved for half of the shuttle vehicle acquisitions.
Progress is assured, but is often slow.
Contracting for construction of related facilities was scheduled for 1997, but was postponed until review by the NPS Development Advisory Board. Despite some temporary setbacks, the transportation system is still on schedule for debut in the year 2000. Benefits are numerous. Traffic gridlock will be eliminated, providing higher quality, safer visitor experiences. Removing private traffic will reduce vegetation impacts along roadside overflow parking areas.