The Grand County Commission voted 4-3 on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, to select Via Transportation as the preferred operator for a planned fare-free shuttle service connecting Moab and Arches National Park. The decision marks a significant step toward launching a one-year pilot program scheduled to begin Sept. 1.
Operator Selection and Funding Details
The selection of Via Transportation advances a proposed $3 million pilot project designed to test whether transit services can reduce traffic congestion and improve visitor access. According to reporting by Moab Times, the commission also formally approved a Utah Department of Transportation grant agreement during the same July 7 meeting.
Commission Chair Melodie McCandhest, who serves on the shuttle working group, noted that Via was chosen as the strongest fit because the company already operates Moab Area Transit and possesses existing knowledge regarding local transportation needs. The shuttle working group includes representatives from Grand County, the National Park Service (NPS), the City of Moab, and various state and federal partners.
Financial Structure of Pilot
The overall budget for the pilot includes a $1 million grant from the Utah Department of Transportation and a $1.5 million matching contribution from the National Park Service. The NPS has identified the Federal Lands Transportation Program as its funding source and has committed to providing the funds, though the agency noted that some remaining steps must be completed before the money is officially obligated.
Via's proposal for the operation estimated costs at approximately $2.65 million, which falls below the Grand County Commission's not-to-exceed limit of $2.86 million for the operator contract. This estimate covers essential expenses including vehicles, drivers, fuel, maintenance, technology, and insurance.
Proposed Routes and Schedule
The proposed shuttle service would operate seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during two specific seasonal windows: Sept. 1 through Oct. 31, and March 1 through June 30, 202 . The system is intended to be fare-free for all visitors.
Under the plan submitted by Via, the Arches Visitor Center would act as a central transfer point. A route through Moab would connect two to three stops within the city to the visitor center, while an in-park route would link the visitor center to key destinations such as the Windows area and the Delicate Arch trailhead at Wolfe Ranch. The proposal also includes using Panorama Point as an overflow stop when parking areas reach capacity.
Broader Transportation Goals
The shuttle pilot is part of Grand County's broader Access and Capacity Enhancement (ACE) efforts, which aim to address future visitation challenges through improved connectivity and transportation strategies. The project follows the National Park Service's decision not to continue the Arches National Park timed-entry reservation system for 2026, after several years of seasonal reservation pilots held between 2022 and 2025.
Commissioners supporting the initiative stated that the pilot will provide real-world data to guide future transportation decisions. Via's proposal includes technology and data collection systems designed to help both Grand County and the NPS evaluate the program by tracking passenger boardings, vehicle miles traveled, on-time performance, and customer ratings.
Commission Dissent and Oversight
The selection process was not without opposition. Commissioners Jacques Hadler, Trish Hedin, and Mary McGann voted against the selection of Via, citing ongoing concerns regarding the project's cost, timeline, and transparency. These commissioners also opposed a May decision to allocate $500,000 in transient room tax mitigation funds toward the pilot program.
The National Park Service stated it reviewed the submitted proposals only to ensure no operators had conflicts that would prevent them from working within the park, and the agency did not participate in the actual selection of Via.
Next Steps for Implementation
Several administrative hurdles remain before the Sept. 1 launch. County Attorney Stephen Stocks stated that the county must still negotiate and approve a formal agreement with Via, as well as finalize a Cooperative Management Agreement with the National Park Service to define agency responsibilities.
While the draft agreement between Grand County and the NPS is complete, it is currently undergoing legal review by attorneys for both agencies. Chair McCandless indicated the document could return to the commission as early as the July 21 meeting or by August 4 at the latest. Additionally, the county plans to issue a separate request for proposals for shuttle attendants to assist passengers and coordinate operations in busy areas.
