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Utah Openlands proposes free shuttle pilot to Bonanza Flat to reduce canyon traffic and increase access
Summary
Utah Openlands proposed a reservation‑based shuttle pilot from Big Cottonwood base to Bonanza Flat and Bloods Lake to reduce parking and congestion in canyon roads. The pilot (weekend service July–Sept) is estimated at $75,000 for the season with Openlands pledging up to half; partners and local jurisdictions were asked to contribute.
A Utah Openlands representative briefed the council on a proposed Transit‑to‑Trails pilot that would run free, reservation‑based shuttle service on weekend days from a Big Cottonwood Canyon meeting point to Bonanza Flat and Bloods Lake during the July–September recreation season. Staff said the pilot would use 14‑passenger vans with bike racks, require reservations through an app, and run about once an hour with return slots, and that Park City’s prior pilot provided a successful operational model.
Openlands estimated the seasonal pilot cost at about $75,000 and pledged to contribute up to 50% of that amount; the remainder would come from partner cities, county contributions, grants and donations. The presenter cited cell‑phone data showing substantial Salt Lake City usage of Bonanza Flat and said a regional funding approach — including commitments from Brighton and other partners — would reflect how users come from across the valley. Council members praised the equity and congestion‑management goals and asked staff to pursue coordination with UTA and transportation staff on meeting‑point logistics and outreach for West‑Side residents.
