Tucson-based non-profit to run shuttles at Sabino Canyon

TUCSON, Ariz. – A Tucson-based non-profit has been awarded a permit to run shuttles at a popular recreation spot in southern Arizona.

The Sabino Canyon Recreation Area hasn’t had shuttle service since June 30, when the previous permit expired.

The Coronado National Forest sought input from the public, which wanted a competitive process, and did an environmental analysis.

The forest announced Thursday that the Regional Partnering Center will run the new shuttle service. It will use gas-powered vehicles but eventually switch to an all-electric, open-air fleet.

Forest spokeswoman Heidi Schewel says the non-profit is readying its vehicles, building a ticket kiosk and working on an interpretation program. A date hasn’t been set for shuttle service to resume.

The recreation area in the Santa Catalina Mountains draws more than a million visitors a year.