April 16, 2000
If you're a fan of Zion National Park, and of course many millions of people around the world are, you're going to have to get used to a whole new way of seeing it.
Utah's most popular national park is about to make tourists get out of their cars.
Environment Specialist John Hollenhorst explains.
This is the way most people come to Zion.
With the car, the family, and the family dog.
But starting May 23rd, they'll have to park the car, leave the dog, and catch the bus, if they want to see the main tourist attractions. Welcome to the new Zion transportation system.
They're test-driving the first of a couple dozen propane-powered bus-and-trailer combos that carry 100 people. No dogs allowed.
Kirk Scott/Transportation Manager: "THEY'RE VERY CLEAN BURNING, MUCH CLEANER THAN A DEISEL ENGINE. AND MUCH QUIETER AS WELL."
Don Falvey/Superintendent, Zion Nat'l Park: "THIS IS THE CULMINATION OF A DREAM THAT I'VE HAD FOR A LONG TIME."
In fact, they've been talking about it since the 1970's. And for a very good reason. Spectacular Zion Canyon is too narrow to accomodate much parking. On busy days, nearly 3,000 cars compete for about 300 parking spaces.
SUPERINTENDENT DON FALVEY/ZION NATL. PARK: "BUILDING MORE AND MORE PARKING LOTS WITHIN THE CANYON, WE'RE DESTROYING THE VERY PURPOSE FOR WHICH THE PARK WAS ESTABLISHED."
Cars will still be allowed to drive through the park, on Highway 9. But they'll be banned on the road that goes up Zion Canyon.
The only exception is for those who have reservations up-canyon at Zion Lodge.
Dan Woldt/Louisiana Tourist: "I CAN SEE WHERE THE TRAFFIC COULD VERY EASILY GET TOO CONGESTED, GET FRUSTRATING. AND I THINK THE TRAM, I THINK IT'S A GREAT IDEA."
The bus will be free, so sit back and relax. There are big windows to take in all those sights Zion is famous for. The buses will stop at the popular hiking trails and scenic attractions.
A second bus loop extends into the town of Springdale.
They're scrambling to finish a new look, fancy bus-stops with shade shelters, which merchants hope will bring more business to town.
Zion is considered a pilot project for the whole national park system. Yosemite and Grand Canyon are expected to follow soon. A key question: how willing are tourists to give up their cars.
Richard Dunkle/Idaho Tourist: "BUT I DON'T THINK MOST PEOPLE ARE GONNA LIKE IT IF THEY HAVE TO WAIT A HALF-HOUR AND 45 MINUTES FOR A SHUTTLE, I DON'T THINK THEY'RE GOING TO LIKE IT."
KIRK SCOTT/TRANSPORTATION MANAGER: "THE MAIN PORTION OF THE DAY IT'S GOING TO BE EVERY 6 MINUTES THE BUSES WILL BE COMING BY."
After the service kicks in May 23rd, it will become a seasonal thing in Zion, operating seven months out of the year, from April to October.
In the winter, have at it with those cars.
