Park City Transit moves toward year-round Dogs-on-Bus Program

The dogs on buses pilot program began in June 2025. Photo: Park City Municipal

PARK CITY, Utah — Park City Transit’s four-legged passengers have received a year-round pass on local buses.

After piloting a “dogs-on-bus” program from June 2 to November 1, city staff recommended that the city council adopt a year-round policy allowing pets to ride alongside their owners at the council meeting on Thursday.

The pilot program was designed to improve accessibility for dog owners, reduce car use, and strengthen community connection to public transit. During the six-week stretch from July 16 to August 24 alone, 190 dogs boarded Park City buses, 72 of them on the Purple 9 route.

For the duration of the pilot program, there were zero reported safety incidents and just one complaint, which related to cleanliness.

Staff overseeing the program noted that the community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with residents expressing enthusiasm. They recommended that a year-round policy would be easier to administer and communicate to riders than a seasonal approach, while also supporting the city’s larger goal of increasing public transit use.

The majority of council members were supportive of allowing the program to run year-round, leading to an affirmative vote to make the program year-round. Staff emphasized that there will still be flexibility in adapting the program as problems and needs arise.

“My answers on the direction would be woof and woof — and that’s a yes,” said Councilmember Bill Ciraco during the discussion.

Under the proposed policy, all dogs must remain leashed and muzzled while on the bus, regardless of size. Bus operators retain discretion to deny boarding if a bus is full or if a dog is behaving inappropriately.

Dogs are only allowed on Park City Transit buses and not on High Valley Transit.