The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) engaged Volpe to complete an inventory of alternative transportation systems (ATS) for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The purpose of the ATS inventory is to identify ATS operating within or serving BLM lands, financial and operational attributes of these ATS, elements of success of existing ATS, and sites with strong potential for future ATS on BLM lands. 

 

ATS include not only vans and shuttle services but also connections to regional transit systems, regular sightseeing tours, and nonmotorized connections for transportation purposes. ATS bring benefits to public lands, including conservation of natural and cultural resources, reduction of congestion and pollution, improvement of visitor mobility and accessibility, and enhanced visitor experience. These benefits align with the BLM’s goals for visitor experience and resource preservation. 

 

The inventory research uncovered 48 formal and informal ATS currently in operation or planned for future operation that access BLM lands. These include at least 11 connections to regional transit systems, 22 sites with shuttle and bus services provided by outside operators, and 15 nonmotorized infrastructure connections. Some of the ATS described in the inventory have direct, formal connections to BLM recreation sites whereas others are ATS operating in close proximity to BLM sites and include informal nonmotorized infrastructure that is utilized to access BLM sites.

 

The Bureau of Land Management Alternative Transportation Systems Inventory Report (PDF)

 

Transportation and the Bureau of Land Management (PDF)