Paws on board: Park City tests dog-friendly bus program

Dogs are now allowed on board Park City Transit buses in a pilot program running until Nov. 1. Photo: Park City Transit

PARK CITY, Utah — If you’re busing around town this summer, you might find labs, retrievers, and all kinds of doodles as fellow riders on Park City Transit. A pilot program launched July 1 by Park City Municipal allows dogs on Park City Transit buses, but not on High Valley Transit routes.

The program was developed by Tim Sanderson, who became the city’s transportation director about 18 months ago. “One of the first things that I heard throughout the community was, ‘We’d love to take transit to trailheads to cut down on congestion, but I hike with my dog, and dogs aren’t allowed on buses.’” 

Service dogs have always been allowed on public transportation; however, after hearing the same story repeated time and again, Sanderson decided to create a pilot program and develop a policy inspired by a similar program in Sedona, Arizona. 

They created a list of guidelines, including a requirement that dogs remain leashed, well-behaved, and under control — or as Sanderson puts it, “’no naughty dogs allowed.” They also designated pet-friendly zones in the back of the buses. After educating bus operators and creating branded muzzles that are recommended for use while dogs are riding on the bus, they were ready to test it out. 

Allison Williams, community event manager for Lucky Ones coffee, and her dogs are frequent visitors to Library Field, a popular spot for dog owners to spend time. As a passionate community member, Williams quickly became invested in the success of this pilot program. “This is groundbreaking for Park City,” she said. With help from the transportation department, she coordinated a dog ride on July 11 to celebrate the program and spread awareness. 

Park City Transit provided an off-duty bus and picked up about 20 dogs and their owners at Library Field, making stops at key destinations around town for photo ops. “It was a way to launch this in a bigger way than what was already generated by the city,” said Williams. 

“Park City, to me, is one of the most dog loving cities I’ve ever been to and visited and lived in,” said Williams, citing trails, parks, and over 30 dog-friendly restaurants. Sanderson and Williams both believe that allowing dogs on buses will give owners a route to these locations without having to deal or contribute to traffic and over-crowded parking. They encourage the community to try it out for themselves. “Instead of driving in your car, bring your best friend on board and enjoy the ride,” said Sanderson.  

The pilot program will run until Nov. 1, at which point the department will take their findings and feedback to the city council for feedback and approval.

One key aspect on the table will be whether this becomes a seasonal or year-round program. “Our challenge in the winter comes with full buses,” said Sanderson. “If it’s so successful that we’ve got so many dogs on the buses, and then we’ve got to get skiers and everything on the bus as well, that may be something that we need to consider. But again, let’s take a look at how popular it is. Because if we’re only getting a few dogs a day, we can work with that.”

Whether Park City Transit goes full-time dog-friendly will ultimately depend on just how many paws end up riding the bus throughout the pilot period and how the community responds.