ABSTRACT
This chapter identifies the current state of alternative transportation systems (ATS) and efforts to detect the benefits they bring to the units of the National Park Service (NPS). A study by the Volpe Center and NPS conducting a National Transit Inventory in 2012 is examined to profile the extent and characteristics of ATS in national parks. Also, to complement recent efforts to inventory transit systems, other efforts have been made by researchers at the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in the Parks Center to measure the benefits of ATS. Selected findings from both studies are explored to identify opportunities and challenges going into the future of alternative transportation in national parks as well as research and management implications. The chapter provides basic information about the NPS units and explores the federal legislation that has propelled efforts to study and address transportation issues in national parks. Finally, it illustrates how ATS fits within the goals and priorities of the NPS transportation program.
