WBA is currently working to renew our Forest Service special use permit so we can operate the Mill Creek Canyon Winter Pilot Shuttle again this coming winter. Shuttle service will be provided with the generous support of the Central Wasatch Commission‘s small project grant.
Last year was our first season running the shuttle in Mill Creek Canyon. Despite a challenging winter with limited snow, we are incredibly grateful to everyone who rode the shuttle, helped spread the word, and supported this effort to improve “transit to trails” access.
Mill Creek Canyon has historically been overlooked in regional transportation planning, which is why the CWC identified a shuttle as a priority. The CWC previously updated its Mill Creek Canyon Shuttle Feasibility Study and submitted a request in the last legislative session for state funding to support a multi-year summer pilot program. That request was not approved, and regardless, winter access was not included in the proposal.
WBA’s goal was to step in to begin collecting data and demonstrating demand for winter transit to trails. Through our winter shuttle pilot program, we are tracking ridership, recreation activities, and dog use to better understand how a shuttle can serve the community.
Looking ahead, construction associated with the Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) project in Mill Creek Canyon is expected to be complete before the season begins, allowing us to take advantage of the new Winter Gate layout. The exact shuttle drop-off location will be finalized once the Forest Service has an opportunity to review the completed project after construction wraps up. We’re hopeful these improvements will create a better experience for shuttle riders and other Mill Creek Canyon visitors.
The best way to prove there is demand is to use it, so please come ride with us this winter!
