Input on starting a trail shuttle

January 29, 2007 10:56 AM

Looking for information on starting a shuttle service for backpacking/biking trails.

I'm submitting a grant to start a shuttle service that would ferry backpackers, hikers and mountain bikers between trail heads and optional local lodging. I envision this to be initially operated for two months in both the fall and the spring.

I'm looking for two types of input: 1) actual experiences using trail shuttles (good, bad, best practices); 2) actual experience operating shuttles of any kind (equipment, employee, insurance, liability, logistical issues). Thanks!

posted by F Mackenzie to Travel & Transportation (6 answers total)

I've only used one shuttle service for mountain biking.

The one thing I was grateful for (and this may be obvious) was the knowledge the driver had of the trails.

The ride was somewhere around an hour and the driver was able to give some general information about the area (wildlife, land value, conservation) and specific trail directions and advice which was both valuable and entertaining.

I was of course well prepared with a map/water/first aid etc but the knowledge of a local who has ridden the trails is a fine thing indeed.
posted by skinnydipp at 11:17 AM on January 29, 2007

If I've only got a weekend to get out in nature, I like to stay there for as long as possible. Unfortunately, the shuttle along my favorite trail only runs through the middle of the day (10-2ish, IIRC). Whether I took the shuttle on Saturday and hiked back to my car, or hiked out and returned to my car on the shuttle on Sunday, I'd lose a half-day out of my 2-day trip. Thus, I don't use the shuttle.
I'm definitely not saying everybody else's scheduling preferences coincide with mine. What I am saying is that it might be worthwhile to determine what travel times would be most useful to your potential riders, if the shuttle won't be operating round-the-clock. I would assume you'd try to maximize convenience for the greatest number of people, in order to be helpful to as many as possible.
(Great idea, by the way!)
posted by vytae at 12:20 PM on January 29, 2007

I'd like to second trail knowledge. What you want is not just someone who drives you to the top of the hill, but who can help you plan a route, draw or give you a map, warn you of dangers, and basically make the experience significantly better once you get OFF the shuttle.
posted by unSane at 1:29 PM on January 29, 2007

I've always wanted to see a kayak/canoe shuttle. Hope that's not too offtopic ..
posted by GregX3 at 9:41 PM on January 29, 2007

Definitely look into the cost of auto insurance, maintenance, car payment, liability insurance, fuel, business licenses, etc. to determine the profitability of your idea. That's the stuff that most people forget to consider in small businesses like these.
posted by qwip at 2:46 AM on January 30, 2007

Response by poster: Thanks for the input thus far!
posted by F Mackenzie at 10:07 AM on January 30, 2007