Park transist system a success
On behalf of the more than 325,000 members of the National Parks Conservation Association and the 2 million visitors who travel to Glacier National Park each year, I would like to offer a heartfelt congratulations to Glacier Park superintendent Mick Holm and his staff for the successful launch of the new Going-to-the-Sun Road transit system.
This Independence Day, I took an expedition to Glacier to experience the new shuttle system firsthand. The new transit center is a beautifully constructed building with a wealth of information about the myriad of recreational and educational opportunities found within Glacier Park.
The volunteers providing assistance to first-time users were polite and knowledgeable. The shuttle buses are comfortable and air-conditioned, and the large windows provide excellent views of Glacier's majestic peaks. To top it off, the shuttles can run on biodiesel, which is good for our environment and Montana agriculture.
The new transit system greatly expands opportunities for hiking. For example, if you want to hike from Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet you no longer need to return to Logan Pass via the Highline Trail — just take the Loop Trail and catch the next shuttle bus back down to Apgar.
Not only does the new shuttle system enhance the visitor experience; it will help ensure that the multi-year reconstruction of Going-to-the-Sun Road is a smooth process.
It is also important recognize the years of hard work by Sen. Max Baucus to secure the initial $50 million of federal highway dollars for Going-to-the-Sun Road reconstruction, as a portion of these funds were used to pay the system's start up costs.
Glacier National Park's new transit system is a model for all of our national parks. As Americans and Montanans, we can all be very proud of Glacier National Park and the National Park Service for the vision and cooperative efforts that have resulted in this emerging story of success.
Will Hammerquist
Glacier program manager
National Parks Conservation Association