CANYON VILLAGE â Even in the twilight years of life, Walt McMahon isnât one to eschew a technological innovation when he sees one.
So when the University of Illinois emeritus economics professor happened upon an all-electric, driverless mini-bus during his first-ever trip into Yellowstone National Park on Tuesday, he was immediately intrigued.
âThis thing is the future,â McMahon said. âIâm 93, so if these things are going up to the top of a hill or a long way, that would be perfect.â
McMahonâs travel mate, Eileen Borgia, thought an automated shuttle system like the one launching in Canyon Village this week would be a worthwhile investment elsewhere. The couple was on a western roadtrip, and while passing by the Tetons came across the weekend edition of the Jackson Hole Daily, which printed a cover story about the regionâs unprecedented early-summer visitation.
Yellowstone National Park s Automated Vehicle Shuttle System Now In Operation – Sheridan Media
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Yellowstone to test automated shuttle system around Canyon Village this spring
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Written by Andrew-Rossi on April 20, 2021
The automated shuttles will start rolling around Canyon Village as a prelude for future visitor services and more self-driving vehicles in the national parks.
This week, two automated vehicles arrived in Yellowstone. These shuttles will start circling through areas around Canyon Village as part of a trial that could have big implications for the future of the National Park Service.
Courtesy Yellowstone National Park
The Yellowstone program has been dubbed T.E.D.D.Y. – The Electric Driverless Demonstration in Yellowstone.
Automated vehicles in the park were announced last fall. It’s part of a trial program to see if the NPS can integrate these vehicles into park settings to enhance the visitor experience.