Glacier National Park’s free optional shuttle system that provides daily service along the Going-to-the-Sun Road during peak season begins operating on Friday and will continue through Sept. 5.

In addition, limited shuttle service to Logan Pass from Apgar Visitor Center will operate through Sept. 18 this year in response to public interest in having shuttle service extend into September, according to Jim Foster, Glacier National Park’s chief of Facilities Management.

“The public has been asking the park to extend the shuttle service into September for a number of years,” Foster said. “This year we are pleased to accommodate that request on the west side of the park and see how many visitors take advantage of the bus during the shoulder season.”

WEST SIDE SERVICE

The first shuttle bus, called the Express Shuttle, leaves Apgar Visitor Center at 7 a.m. and goes straight to Logan Pass. Following this first bus, additional Express Shuttles leave Apgar Visitor Center at 7:05 a.m., 7:18 a.m., 7:23 a.m., and 7:36 a.m. for a non-stop trip to Logan Pass.

After reaching Logan Pass, the 7:00 a.m. and 7:18 a.m. Express Shuttles continue on to St. Mary Visitor Center. The other Express Shuttles return westbound to Avalanche Creek from Logan Pass to begin regular service between those two destinations.

At 7:56 a.m. and 8:17 a.m. an Express Shuttle leaves Apgar Visitor Center and makes stops only at Avalanche Creek, The Loop, and Logan Pass.

Regular shuttle bus service begins each day at 9 a.m. with buses departing every 15-30 minutes from every stop, with a transfer required at Avalanche Creek. The last bus of the day leaves Logan Pass at 7:00 p.m. for the Apgar Visitor Center.

The west-side shuttle service will continue operating through Sept. 18.

EAST SIDE SERVICE

The St. Mary Visitor Center is the hub for shuttle services on the east side of the park. East side buses begin service at 7 a.m. from the visitor center and depart every 40 to 60 minutes. The last bus of the day leaves Logan Pass for the St. Mary Visitor Center at 7 p.m. The east-side service will continue operating through Sept. 5.

The shuttle service is free, wheelchair accessible, and first-come, first-served. Bicycle racks are available on some of the buses.

Expect limited seating at most locations during periods of heavy demand. Smoking, pets, and open containers of alcohol are prohibited while riding the buses.

Bear spray must be safely secured to prevent accidental discharge on the buses. For more information on the shuttle system, visit http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/shuttles.htm.