The 23-passenger electric shuttles travel the scenic 1.9-mile Bear Canyon route to Bear Canyon Overlook and Seven Falls Trailhead and complement the larger, 62-passenger Sabino Canyon Crawler (electric power car and trailer), which operates on the 3.7-mile Sabino Canyon route. The smaller shuttles also will operate on the Sabino Canyon route during low-volume months.
The Sabino Canyon Crawler service is operated by the Regional Partnering Center, a 501(c)3 nonprofit entity managed through Pima Association of Governments.
“I think this is an amazing improvement,” said Santa Catalina District Ranger Donato DelMastro said of the new vehicles. “Who can’t get excited about replacing old, smelly, loud diesel buses with quiet and efficient electric shuttles? This will absolutely improve the visitor experience in Sabino and Bear canyons.”
Tucson Electric Power provided $2.5 million in overall capital investment for the Sabino Canyon electric shuttles and electric utility work to support the shuttle system, and it provides ongoing investment in the system.
“We’re proud to support a project that protects Sabino Canyon while expanding access for the community,” said TEP Senior Vice President of Customer and Strategic Affairs Dallas Dukes. “Our investment in the electric shuttle system reflects our commitment to long-term environmental stewardship and to partnerships that make a real, lasting difference for southern Arizona’s most treasured places.”
Chris Garcia, General Manager of the Crawler system, said the new vehicles can run all day in Bear Canyon on one charge and make about 13 runs in Sabino Canyon. Last year, the system carried over 95,000 passengers.
The RPC, which has a special use permit with the U.S. Forest Service to operate the Sabino Canyon Crawler service, advances policies, practices and solutions to regional planning, environmental and energy challenges in Pima County. PAG is the region’s metropolitan planning organization for transportation, air quality, water quality and economic vitality.
“We’re grateful for Tucson Electric Power’s support that made this expansion possible,” said Mary Carter, director of Mobility Management and Services for Pima Association of Governments. “TEP’s contributions provided the financial foundation to sustain and extend our electric shuttle service, and we appreciate our ongoing partnership.”
The wheelchair-accessible Sabino Canyon Crawler operates 360 days a year at 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road. Shuttle fees do not include the $8 daily or $10 weekly vehicle fee to the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. Shuttle tickets may be purchased in person or online at SabinoCanyonCrawler.com. The St. Louis, MO-based MTM Transit operates the Sabino Canyon shuttle services under contract with the RPC.