KGUN 9NewsLocal News

Actions

Nonprofit restarts Sabino Canyon shuttle service

Posted at 7:40 AM, Dec 14, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-14 13:35:12-05

TUCSON, Ariz. - A nonprofit is taking over shuttle service at Sabino Canyon.

The Coronado National Forest issued a permit to Regional Partnering Center, which will implement a fully electric shuttle system in phases, starting with a transitional service.

RPC was selected back in March as the new operator of the shuttle with a five-year special use permit.

Sabino Canyon has been without a shuttle since June. People from all over the world enjoyed the old Sabino Canyon tram since 1986.

RPC is ordering electric, zero-emission shuttles from Trams International, and Tucson Electric Power is helping to finance the purchase. RPC will launch an online ticketing system and tickets will still be available onsite.

"We apologize for any inconvenience to the public due to the gap in shuttle service," said Santa Catalina District Ranger Charles Woodard, in a statement. "The new permit meets our goals for a 21st century transportation system in the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. We look forward to having the transitional system in operation in the near future."

The shuttle service will run daily from 9 to 5 a.m. and will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.