BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK — Bryce Canyon National Park has announced the award of the contract for the park’s shuttle bus operation to Red Canyon Transit LLC. The contract is in effect from March 25 through March 24, 2027 with five additional option years.
Under the new contract, Red Canyon Transit will continue to operate Bryce Canyon’s shuttle bus system and maintain a fleet of eight transit buses. The shuttle bus system provides a convenient and predictable way for visitors to access viewpoints, amenities and trails in the iconic Bryce Amphitheater area of the park as well as hotels and campsites in nearby Bryce Canyon City. Buses are designed with both accessibility and recreation in mind, and include wheelchair lifts as well as two-capacity bicycle racks in front.
Shuttle bus service is funded with park entrance fees and remains free for visitor use with park admission. Shuttle service will continue to run from April through October each year. The 2022 season will run from April 1 through Oct. 23. The guided Rainbow Point shuttle tour will not be offered this year, however, local companies continue to provide commercial interpretive and recreational shuttle services throughout the park.
Bryce Canyon’s shuttle system has been in operation since 2000. Ridership on the system has grown considerably in the last decade, which has reduced the park’s carbon footprint and vehicle congestion at popular viewpoints and the Visitor Center. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were approximately 750,000 passenger trips annually, with a peak of 822,000 in 2018.
Red Canyon Transit LLC is based in Utah and specializes in fixed-route public transportation. From 2015 to 2020, the company held the contract for the park’s shuttle bus operation and agreed to a one-year extension to provide service through 2021.
Its founding members previously operated Lewis Bros. Stages, which historically provided bus service to Bryce Canyon National Park and destinations across the country. Founded in 1914, Lewis Bros. Stages held the park’s first shuttle contract from 2000 to 2009.
Find more information about Bryce Canyon National Park’s shuttle bus system visit online.
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