Feasibility of a Public Transportation System in Yellowstone National Park

Collier, Claire

Feasibility of a Public Transportation System in Yellowstone National Park

Persistent URL

https://dspace.allegheny.edu/handle/10456/51392

Author(s)

Collier, Claire

Date Issued

November 20, 2020

Abstract

Yellowstone National Park (hereafter referred to as Yellowstone) is experiencing increased visitation in a time when sustainable development is being widely adopted. Because of this, a solution is needed to alleviate the overcrowded conditions in Yellowstone. The objective of this study is to determine if it is feasible and practical for Yellowstone to implement a public transportation system to reduce stressors on the park caused by excessive private vehicle use. Ideally, this system would consist of frequent and abundant loop shuttle services for the different regions of the park. Because of high levels of overcrowding and traffic congestion, this study proposes to start with a bus loop for the West Yellowstone to Old Faithful corridor that travels back and forth between the two destinations. This study takes a multi-step approach to analyze the feasibility of public transportation in Yellowstone. First, it analyzes public opinion on national park shuttles. Costs and benefits are analyzed for the potential shuttle system. While the costs were found to be very high, especially the upfront capital costs, Yellowstone is encouraged to implement public transportation to any extent because of the numerous short-term and long term benefits that it provides for the park’s natural resources, visitors, and spending budget.

Major

Environmental Science

First Reader(s)

Pearce, Kelly