Grab your bear can or camp chair, kick your feet up and chew the fat about anything Sierra Nevada related that doesn't quite fit in any of the other forums. Within reason, (and the HST rules and guidelines) this is also an anything goes forum. Tell stories, discuss wilderness issues, music, or whatever else the High Sierra stirs up in your mind.
Just now returned Tuolumne and Valley...some interesting news -
The last year's "free" hiker bus (Valley - TM) will now cost $14.50/pp - one way. YARTS ($9) is much cheaper.
The local TM shuttle - hiker drop-off bus (Olmsted Point - TM store) will now also have a nominal fee attached. No price announced yet, or how they will collect...
The Valley shuttle buses - Valley loop - seems less buses running - now only runs every 15 - 20 minutes in peak hours...every 30 on the off-hours...lots of disgruntled riders/ crowds on each stop.
First impression...Not so impressed with this new Aramark company...does not appear to be "hiker friendly."
Or maybe, they just don't understand Yosemite yet...sigh.
I have had mixed experience with Aramark. The people on the phone and who I directly interacted with have been friendly, knowledgeable, and quite helpful. The facilities, how things operate, and prices have been far less than even adequate.
I suggest we all keep track of our experiences with Aramark in Yosemite this year and write identical letters to Don Neaubacher (Yosemite Superintendent), Jonathan Jarvis (NPS Director) and Sally Jewel (Department of Interior) describing what occurred. It's the only way I can see to maybe force Aramark to improve their service. It's obviously already not what we want or even require.
I don’t need a goal destination. I need a destination that meets my goals.
Aramark (maybe a Marriott co in disguise) used to, or still does have the monopoly on airport concessions before Marriott took over. I remember dismal service by ballagoolas and high prices.
GREAT idea on the letters at the end of the season. Don't know what/how things would change; because a contract is a contract and they will have to run it out or buy them out. Unless they violate the terms; it's a contract.
Talked with the Village transportation kiosk guy, (the one behind the Village store) yesterday. (BTW, was 101º in the Valley)...asked him same question. He looked in his big Daily transportation book...(lol...his bible he said), - was not there. He surmised that the bus not yet running...probably will start/coincide with water being turned on/TM campground opening ~ June 10th.
He looked further, found a memo stating prices but no mention of times...yet.
Stay tuned.