The Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Public Transportation Authority (NAIPTA) will offer a new “Mountain Express” route to Arizona Snowbowl on peak days this winter, creating a new transportation option to reach Flagstaff’s ski and snowboard area.
The inaugural year will be a pilot program, with service offered on days that are predicted to have the highest attendance at Arizona Snowbowl. The Mountain Express will connect NAIPTA’s Downtown Connection Center on Phoenix Ave., between Milton Rd. and Beaver St. with the Hart Prairie Lodge at Arizona Snowbowl, via the Fort Valley Parking Area at Highway 180 and Snowbowl Rd. Service dates include:
· January 9, 16, 17, 23, 30
· February 6, 13, 14, 20, 27
A full service schedule and additional information can be found at www.mountainline.az.gov/mountainexpress. Riders must purchase a day pass, or present another valid Mountain Line pass, to board the Mountain Express. A regular day pass is $2.50 and discount is $1.25 (Ages 7-17, 60+, or Medicare/Disabled – proof of eligibility required for discount fares). Exact change is required. Riders can board at other Mountain Line stops and connect to the Mountain Express at the Downtown Connection Center.
“Transit service to Snowbowl has been talked about for several years, and we are pleased to make it a reality this year with our pilot program,” said NAIPTA CEO & General Manager Jeff Meilbeck. “Taking transit to Snowbowl is a great alternative to the single occupancy vehicle, especially for visitors to Flagstaff and those without access to a car.”
“Arizona Snowbowl is extremely pleased to have developed this pilot program with NAIPTA,” said Arizona Snowbowl General Manager J.R. Murray. “This is a positive move forward, utilizing the resources of NAIPTA to help mitigate traffic issues and provide reliable transportation on peak days. We hope that this proves a viable service and that the program can be expanded in future years.”
NAIPTA is the transit agency in northern Arizona operating the Mountain Line, Mountain Lift and Mountain Link systems in Flagstaff. NAIPTA also coordinates services with Campus Shuttle Service at Northern Arizona University. Visit www.mountainline.az.gov for more information.