TUCSON — U.S. Senator Martha McSally, joined Representatives Raul Grijalva, Ann Kirkpatrick and former Oro Valley Mayor Satish Hiremath to inaugurate the Sabino Canyon Crawler. The officials came together to cut the ribbon on the new open-air electric shuttle.
The Regional Canyon Center, in partnership with the Coronado National Forest, launched the new set of emission-free shuttles on Saturday, November 9, 2019 that are meant to adapt to the “changing public demands” officials have seen at the park, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
McSally stated in a press release that it took her “persistent advocacy to demand that the Forest Service respond to the community needs and open up the bidding process for a cleaner, quieter, safer service for all who enjoy this treasure.”
USDA Forest Service Kerwin Dewberry, Forest Supervisor stated in McSally’s press release: “Today’s event was a great success and would not have been possible without the help of all of our community partners and representatives in Congress—especially Senator McSally. We are grateful to all of our community members who contributed to the project and look forward to the new service serving our community for years to come.”
More than a million people visit Sabino Canyon every year and 10 percent ride the trams.
The U.S. Forest Service has provided a tourist shuttle service up Sabino Canyon since 1978. The new crawler service, in partnership with TEP, will include five, 62-passenger zero-emissions electric trams.
McSally plays around with Hiremath during the inauguration of the Sabino Canyon Crawler.