Bus economics

It is obvious the National Park Service has a money and financial problem and part of their solution is to eliminate half of the Glacier Park Red Bus fleet.

It is also apparent that those who made the decision to implement this plan did not take into consideration the emotional impact this will have on hundreds of past Gearjammers as well as thousands of tourists who had the fun of riding in these wonderful buses over Logan Pass and down the Going-to-the Sun Road to enjoy the beautiful views of Glacier Park.

Not only did this Red Bus fleet survive World War II but also, in its original form, it “toured” Glacier Park for the next 60 years.

In 2002, Ford Motor Company completely modernized the “machinery” parts of the buses and kept the original look. Therefore this Red Bus fleet is certainly capable of further use for at least another 30 years.

It appears that the National Park Service didi not consider that they are the only fleet of buses like this in the world, and frankly the Red Bus fleet should be a protected property just like the Park. 

The ones who came up with this “plan” are trying to take the easy way to solve part of their problems. Instead, they should use their efforts to increase and enhance the use of the buses and improve the economic profitability of the operations. If they follow through with the proposal and eventually destroy the Red Bus fleet, shame on them.

Johnnie T. Ridgway

Gearjammer 1947, Bus No. 86

Bothel, Wash.