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Commission forms Arches shuttle working group amid sharp debate over funding and roles
Summary
The Grand County Commission voted to form a working group to pursue a pilot Arches shuttle (a Via Transportation hub‑and‑spoke pilot with a $3 million not-to-exceed seasonal pilot estimate), prompting disagreement among commissioners about county responsibilities, funding feasibility and whether the Park Service or county should lead such efforts.
The commission approved creation of a working group to coordinate a season‑one pilot shuttle to Arches National Park after a contentious discussion that split the board.
Commissioners who advanced the plan said they were responding to outreach from the park superintendent and urged a pragmatic test. The Via Transportation proposal summarized to the commission proposes a hub‑and‑spoke model operating daily with 12–15‑passenger shuttles and 15–30 minute headways connecting downtown Moab and major trailheads, with season‑one operational costs cited as up to $3 million.
“I believe it’s our responsibility to engage and collaborate on practical solutions that reduce vehicle congestion and improve safety on Highway 191,” a commissioner supporting the working group said, arguing the pilot could generate real ridership data and inform long‑term management.
Other commissioners cautioned that Grand County’s fiscal capacity is limited and emphasized that large parts of park management and access currently fall under the National Park Service’s authority. “We are not the Park Service; our job is to manage county infrastructure and budgets,” one commissioner said, urging a feasibility or university study rather than committing to an operational pilot without secured funding.
Concerns also focused on where the pilot funding would come from; proponents said they were working on grant and partner commitments but acknowledged sources were not yet locked. The commission approved formation of the working group (membership to include commissioners and county staff) on a 4–3 vote; dissenters opposed forming a group until more funding and clarity on the county’s role were available.
The working group will convene stakeholders, refine scope and pursue external funding. Commissioners said they expect regular reports and will not obligate county funds for operations without clear budget authority and identified funding sources.
