A project to fix Millcreek Canyon’s aging road began earlier this year, but a new study finds that a proposed shuttle service could also help address transportation concerns as the canyon’s outdoor recreation popularity continues to soar.
That’s, of course, if the federal government signs off on it.
“A shuttle is feasible and would help reach the goals of reducing canyon traffic congestion, mitigating parking issues and reducing user-conflict within the canyon,” the Central Wasatch Commission determined in a Millcreek Canyon shuttle feasibility study released ahead of its commission meeting on Friday morning.
The commission, which seeks to address management issues in the mountains shared by Salt Lake and Summit counties, estimates that a pilot program shuttle with 30-minute service would likely cost up to $300,000 per season, while a 15-minute service could cost up to $725,000. That’s based on a recommended seasonal service that would run from May through October, when people are more likely to hike, mountain bike or picnic in all areas of the canyon throughout the day.
It adds that existing parking infrastructure on Virginia Way in Millcreek “provides the opportunity” for a place people can park and ride up to the canyon. The study says a “successful shuttle would be able to accommodate dogs and bikes” because the canyon is popular for its mountain biking and on-leash dog access.
Members of the commission seemed optimistic about the findings, first unveiled in September, especially after a similar concept tested in Utah this year offers hope that the transit-to-trails concept can work.
Park City’s weekend bus service to Bonanza Flat and Bloods Lake, which debuted this summer, averaged 770 riders per week in its first year, according to Park City Councilman Bill Ciraco, who is also a Central Wasatch commissioner. The city also recorded 1,000 weekly parking transactions during that time.
Paid parking during peak times combined with a bus service, he explained, ultimately increased parking utilization, allowing more people to use the lots and enjoy the outdoor area rather than creating an endless gridlock.
“It actually worked out really, really well for us,” Ciraco said during a commission meeting on Friday. “It really is an effective tool in, sort of, managing demand in a way that helps you preserve the asset — it doesn’t get trampled.”
Park City Transit also recorded no issues with four-legged friends, addressing a concern the Central Wasatch Commission raised during the discussion over potential shuttle service in Millcreek Canyon. The transit provider allowed dogs on buses as long as they were muzzled, and also offered free muzzles to those traveling without one.
Dealing with feds and funding
The proposed shuttle service for Millcreek Canyon has challenges that Park City was able to avoid, however. Any proposals will require U.S. Forest Service approval since the federal agency oversees most of the canyon land and parking management, Millcreek Mayor Jeff Silvestrini noted.
“We’re dead in the water without the Forest Service,” added Brighton Mayor Dan Knopp.
Since there’s a toll at the mouth of the canyon, federal foresters also brought up concerns that a shuttle would cut fee revenue that goes toward land management. A pilot program would “likely increase overall revenue,” but not enough to cover the cost of the project, the commission report determined.
The commission explored a concept of keeping the entrance fee for vehicles at $5 and implementing a $2.50 shuttle service, and found that “outside funding sources” would still be needed to cover the cost of seasonal service. It also found that the service could run without outside funding if recreation fees were raised to $12 and fares were set at $7.
But it’s unclear whether a $2.50 fare — similar to Utah Transit Authority’s bus fare — will attract ridership. That’s why Cottonwood Heights Councilwoman Ellen Birrell recommended a cost analysis of implementing free or “extremely inexpensive” service.
“I think we need to be very careful how we launch this, to make sure that we’re incentivizing people to change their habits and try the shuttle,” she said, noting that some people will prefer driving up the canyon anyway, and it may not solve the canyon’s transportation concerns.
Silvestrini agreed that it would be ideal, but it may not cover the program’s cost. The study recommends that the commission seek grants, funding from government, and nonprofit or philanthropic entities, or increase recreation fees to cover costs before any service begins. Finding a “tourism-based transit” operator was also suggested.
That challenge will loom before any service gets going, Silvestrini added in his last meeting before he steps down as Millcreek’s mayor.
Meanwhile, the Forest Service has yet to comment on the study, as it remains furloughed during the federal government shutdown. Commission members said they plan to meet with the agency, as well as the Utah Department of Transportation, Salt Lake County and Millcreek governments, and the Granite School District to go over its findings sometime before the commission votes on whether to adopt a strategy.
Commission members also noted that winter recreation remains a draw in Millcreek Canyon, which is why some recommended exploring further expansion sometime after service is tested.