The Grand County Commission voted 4-3 on July 7 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 major milestone for a $3 million pilot program scheduled to launch on Sept. 1.
Via Transportation Selected as Operator
The selection of Via Transportation moves the proposed one-year transit initiative closer to implementation. According to reporting by Moab Times, the company's proposal includes an estimated operating cost of approximately $2.65 million, which falls below the Grand County Commission's established not-to-exceed limit of $2.86 million for the operator contract.
This estimate covers a wide range of operational necessities, including vehicles, drivers, fuel, maintenance, technology, insurance, and other essential operating expenses. The shuttle service is expected to utilize 10 ADA-accessible vehicles, each capable of seating roughly 30 passengers.
Proposed Shuttle Routes and Schedule
The shuttle pilot is designed to run during two distinct seasonal periods: from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31, and again from March 1 through June 30, 2027. The service intends to operate seven days a week between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Under the proposed plan, the Moab route would provide service every 30 minutes, connecting two to three locations within the town to the Arches Visitor Center. An in-park route would run more frequently, with vehicles arriving roughly every 15 minutes to connect the visitor center to key destinations such as the Windows area and the Delicate Arch trailhead at Wolfe Ranch. Additionally, Panorama Point could serve as an overflow stop when parking areas reach capacity.
Funding and Agency Contributions
The project's budget relies on a combination of local, state, and federal funds. In addition to the county's contribution, the overall pilot includes a $1 million grant from the Utah Department of Transportation and a $1.5 million matching contribution from the National Park Service (NPS).
The National Park Service confirmed to Moab Times that it has identified the Federal Lands Transportation Program as its funding source and has committed to the $1.5 million contribution. While the agency noted that certain administrative steps must be completed before funds are officially obligated, officials do not anticipate any delays in funding. The release of these funds is contingent upon the signing of a Cooperative Management Agreement.
Addressing Park Congestion
The pilot program serves as part of Grand County's broader Access and Capacity Enhancement (ACE) efforts, which aim to address future visitation challenges in both Arches National Park and the surrounding gateway community. Commissioners supporting the effort stated that the transit system will test whether such a service can effectively reduce congestion at the park entrance and within parking areas while improving overall visitor access.
The decision comes after the National Park Service opted not to continue the timed-entry reservation system for Arches National Park during the 2020 season, following several years of seasonal reservation pilots held between 2022 and 2025. The NPS told Moab Times that a one-year pilot could provide critical data to help the park understand visitor demand.
Contractual and Legal Hurdles
Despite the selection of an operator, several administrative hurdles remain. County Attorney Stephen Stocks noted that the county must still negotiate and approve a formal agreement with Via. This process is complicated by the fact that the final operator contract must align with the requirements established in a separate Cooperative Management Agreement between Grand County and the National Park Service.
Commission Chair Melodie McCandless stated that the draft agreement between the county and the NPS is currently complete and has moved to the agencies' attorneys for review. She indicated that the document could return to the commissioners for a vote as early as the July 21 meeting, or no later than Aug. 4.
Dissenting Votes and Selection Process
The commission's decision was not unanimous. Commissioners Jacques Hadler, Trish Hedin, and Mary McGann voted against the selection, citing ongoing concerns regarding the project's cost, the timeline, and the transparency of the procurement process. These commissioners also expressed opposition to a May decision by the county to commit $500,000 in transient room tax mitigation funds toward the pilot.
The shuttle working group—which includes representatives from Grand County, the NPS, the City of Moab, and other state and federal partners—recommended Via after reviewing three different proposals submitted during a 10-day response period. Commission Chair McCandless noted that Via was the strongest candidate because the company already manages Moab Area Transit and possesses existing knowledge of local transportation needs.
Next Steps for Service
Looking forward, Grand County plans to issue a separate request for proposals to hire shuttle attendants. These employees will support operations by assisting passengers, providing information, and coordinating movement in high-traffic areas.
While the selection of Via is a significant step, the final routes and stops remain subject to change before the Sept. 1 launch date.
