Visalia approves $2 million for Sequoia National Park buses
Posted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 12:04 pm
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercuryn ... 419110.htm
Visalia approves $2 million for Sequoia National Park buses
Associated Press
VISALIA, Calif. - The city will spend more than $2 million on buses to shuttle visitors to Sequoia National Park.
The city council approved the spending Monday so Visalia can buy or lease buses to capitalize on tourism to the park, about 55 miles away. Park officials have supported the idea in hopes of easing traffic and parking congestion.
The buses will leave from Visalia and will offer rides between lodges and major attractions such as the General Sherman Tree, the Giant Forest Museum, Crescent Meadow and Moro Rock.
City officials said the trip from Visalia will cost about $5 to $10 and will likely include the entrance fee to the park. Bus rides within the park will be free.
A shuttle system has been in the works since a restoration project began in the Giant Forest in 1999, said park spokeswoman Alexandra Picavet.
The city plans to start the shuttle service May 25 in time for Memorial Day weekend, the kickoff to the park's peak visitor season.