The Bus-Up 90 Snoqualmie Shuttle has ended service due to regulations by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC). Although Bus-Up 90 was a concessionare of Washington State Parks, the  Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission has stepped in and determined that the shuttle service is subject to regulation as an auto carrier, rather than as an excursion service or a charter service. The WUTC regulations and requirements make it impossible to continue the shuttle. Service has ended, Labor Day, September 1, 2008 was the last run.

The termination of service was mandated by WUTC economic regulation. In no way was passenger safety or insurance coverage in doubt. As a charter and excursion operator, Bus-Up 90 and its passengers were fully insured and safety was always a priority.

We regret that we are unable to continue this viable service, however the WUTC has made determination that this service needs  comply with the same regulations that a regularly scheduled intercity bus service would have to have.

(updated 9/4/08)

Seattle PI "Getaways" article

The Getaway section of the Seattle Post Intelligencer of Thursday, August 24th had a full color five-page article sharing the experience of riding a bike downhill on the Iron Horse Trail and the convenience of the Bus-up 90 Snoqualmie Shuttle.  If you missed this article by Greg Johnston with photos by Stephen Brashear, visit the PI's website for an online version.

Link to "Rolling on the Old Milwaukee rail line" article

The recreational shuttle to Snoqualmie Pass on the I-90 corridor began July 11, 2008. The “Bus-Up 90 Shuttle” is for hikers and bicyclists using the John Wayne Pioneer Trail (Iron Horse State Park) between Cedar Falls near North Bend, and Hyak, just east of the summit. The last run was September 1, 2008, and service is unlikely to resume due to pressures brought on by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC). It was fun while it lasted.

For many years this trail, which follows the Milwaukee Road Railroad right of way across much of Washington, has been a popular destination for outdoor activities. The new shuttle will provide better access to the Western Cascade Mountains portion, by letting gravity help users hike or bike downhill from Hyak  to Cedar Falls.