A $15 shuttle ride from Salt Lake City International Airport to Park City could become reality this winter if organizers close a nearly $390,000 funding gap.

The Park City Council expressed broad support at its Aug. 21 work session for a proposed 15-week pilot program that would run hourly buses between the airport and local hotels from 4 a.m. to midnight, KPCW reported. No funding vote was taken. Council members directed staff and project partners to return this fall with a formal funding request.

The pilot is a partnership among Park City, the Park City Chamber and Visitors Bureau, Snow Country Limousine, Summit County and local hotels, according to TownLift. It grew out of the city's Emerging Disruptors program, which flagged an airport connection as a way to cut congestion and car traffic into town.

The numbers

The full program would cost an estimated $820,000, covering advertising, maintenance and reduced ride fees. The Summit County Council already awarded the pilot a $160,000 restaurant tax grant in June. Park City councilmembers are now weighing whether to match that amount.

Even with both government contributions, organizers face a roughly $390,000 shortfall, according to KPCW. To close it, they are seeking $10,000 commitments from local hotels.

Jennifer Wesselhof, president and CEO of the Park City Chamber and Visitors Bureau, told the council the shuttle fits the town's broader goals. "It falls within our community-wide sustainable tourism plan," Wesselhof said. "It also allows us to better position ourselves as a car-free destination."

How it would work

The reservation-based service would carry about 90 passengers per day, making 9,500 trips over the season. At full capacity, organizers estimate 37,000 total passengers. Riders would book ahead, allowing Snow Country Limousine to scale vehicle size to demand.

The $15-per-person fare would undercut rideshare services, which run about $60 per car for the same trip. Passengers would be dropped at specific hotels and other council-approved locations.

If the full $820,000 cannot be raised, organizers said the pilot's scope can be scaled back. The lodging industry has also expressed interest in a summer version of the service.

What's next

Council members raised questions about long-term financial sustainability and whether the shuttle would benefit local residents, not just visitors. Several said they want Summit County's total contribution to match whatever Park City commits.

A final funding vote is expected this fall. If approved, the shuttle would launch for the winter 2026-27 season.