Flathead County backs out of deal to operate Glacier National Park shuttles

Flathead County commissioners are pulling out of a 13-year-old agreement to provide local shuttle services for tourists in Glacier National Park.

On Wednesday, Flathead County commissioners notified the Park Service they were terminating the agreement to operate the shuttles.

This deal has moved millions of tourists over the park's busy roads since 2007.

Commissioners cite several reasons for stopping the agreement for the shuttles, operated by Eagle Transit.

The board complains the existing fleet is now at least 10-years old and needs replacement.

They say because the Park Service owns the buses, maintenance is problematic. Commissioners say there's a lack of funding, and service is suffering.

The county says the number of passengers has soared to more than a quarter-of-million people per year, forcing people to wait 2-to-3 hours during the peak seasons.

The board also complains the shuttles provide "little to no benefit" for Glacier's gateway communities.

Commissioners say discussions with the park haven't been productive, but they're willing to listen if the park comes up with other proposals.

Park Superintendent Jeff Mow says the park takes the county's concerns seriously and will be pursuing options for service next summer.