TUCSON, Ariz. — There have been a lot of changes with the Sabino Canyon shuttle over the past year, and there will soon be one more big change.
Diesel powered trams were a staple at Sabino Canyon for more than 30 years, until the service stopped last summer.
Temporary gas-powered shuttles have been taking visitors through the canyon since March.
Park staff started testing new shuttles this week, at Sabino Canyon and also in California, before they're rolled out to the public.
This is the all new electric shuttle coming to @SabinoCanyonAZ really soon! The @forestservice says drivers started testing them this week before they roll out to the public.
— Natalie Tarangioli (@ntarangioli) September 6, 2019
I’m live with more details at 5 & 6 on @kgun9 pic.twitter.com/RdKFXCBVzv
Heidi Schewel with the U.S. Forest Service says a lot of testing and training is needed because it's a completely different vehicle from what the drivers are used to. They are see how the new shuttles handle the curves, narrow bridges, and steep grades of the canyon.
There's no set date for the release of the new shuttles, but the Forest Service says it will be in the very near future.
