Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, marks the public release of the updated Mill Creek Canyon Shuttle Feasibility Study, performed by Salt Lake City-based transportation planning firm Fehr and Peers. This updated study examines a Mill Creek Canyon Shuttle as a transit solution after it was identified as a potential option in the 2012 Mill Creek Canyon Transportation Feasibility Study and the 2015 Mountain Accord Charter. The final report concludes that a Mill Creek Canyon Shuttle is a feasible transit option for the canyon, offering a solution to the pressures of ever-growing populous and mounting parking congestion.

To determine the feasibility of a Mill Creek Canyon Shuttle, the following analyses were performed:

• Review of past studies and existing conditions.
• Calculations of parking demand.
• Scoping of possible staging areas for shuttle operation.
• Shuttle operations’ impact on recreation fees.
• Estimation of operation costs and the creation of a proposed shuttle service plan.

The final study was preceded by a two-week public comment period in October, during which 82 individual comments were submitted to the CWC. The overwhelming majority of comments were in strong favor of a Mill Creek Canyon Shuttle. Additionally, in the summer of 2025, the CWC received 375 public comments during the 30-day comment period for the scoping phase of the study. All public comments can be viewed at cwc.utah.gov.

“Mill Creek Canyon is a vital cornerstone of the Millcreek community and is widely enjoyed by many. In recent years, increased visitation has led to traffic and parking pressures in the canyon and residents, underscoring the need for an effective transit solution,” said Millcreek City Council Member Bev Uipi. “I’m encouraged by the release of the Central Wasatch Commission’s Mill Creek Canyon Shuttle Feasibility Study and its conclusion that a canyon shuttle is, in fact, a feasible and effective transit option for the community at-large.”

The study outlines the feasibility of two potential summer shuttle service plans, operating from June through October with 10 hours of service on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The shuttle service plan concepts consider a range of parking locations, staging areas, and fare models. Proposed routes include up to seven stops throughout the entire canyon, with each shuttle carrying up to 25 passengers.

This study only investigates the feasibility of a Mill Creek Canyon Shuttle rather than creating a realized shuttle program. 

If, in the future, a plan moves forward to pursue a shuttle program, the CWC would oversee the operational contract with the shuttle provider and secure the necessary permits. To launch the shuttle service, CWC would need to obtain approvals from UDOT, Millcreek, and the U.S. Forest Service. In addition, CWC would be required to complete a NEPA analysis to evaluate any potential environmental impacts the shuttle may have on Mill Creek Canyon. The locations served within the canyon would depend on the existing construction in Upper Mill Creek Canyon, which is estimated to be completed by the summer of 2027.

To read the full report, visit cwc.utah.gov.