Red Bus

In the 1930s, the White Motor Company, Cleveland Ohio, built a new type of bus that would become the primary mode of transportation in National Parks. Count Alexis de Sakhoffsky, a stylist for industry designed the buses with a rollback convertible top. Each row of seats had its own entry door, and every window rolled up and down. They were perfect for seeing National Parks.

100's were built as National Parks standard touring vehicles. Each park group chose a way to distinguish its fleet of vehicles in the publics eye. Yellowstone's bus fleet was yellow, and the fleet for Glacier National Park was red and black.

The buses served the parks well during the years between the two world wars, but after WWII, they began to disappear. As rail travel declined and personal automobile travel increased, the buses faded from all the National Parks except Glacier.

History of Buses in Glacier National Park

The buses survived in Glacier because of the famous "Going to Sun Road," built in 1933. Prior to the road's opening, the only access to Glacier's high country was still by horseback. As soon as the road opened, it was acclaimed for its beautiful scenery and daring engineering.

Many people feared the breathtaking drop along the road, and found it hard to sightsee while driving; thus, the red buses became one of the most popular modes of transportation to the park's high country.

Almost as popular as the buses themselves were the drivers, or "gearjammers," who earned that nickname due to the sound that the gears would make as the buses made their way up the steep mountain passes of the park. The drivers, all employees of Glacier Park, Inc., the private concessioner that owned and operated the buses, were known for their unforgettable and unique tours.

In the fall of 1999, old age, metal fatigue, and reliability concerns finally stopped the historic "Reds". At the time of their suspension, Glacier's fleet of 33 was believed to be the oldest sightseeing fleet in existence. They are also believed to hold the record for the longest continuous service of any bus fleet in the US, and possibly the world. The oldest units in the fleet have been on the road for over 64 years.

Rehabilitation of the Red Buses

Through the unique partnership between the National Park Foundation, the National Park Service and Ford Motor Company, the red buses are being restored. Using alternative fuel technology, Ford is refurbishing the buses and returning them to service at Glacier National Park.

The private concessioner and owner of the red buses, Glacier Park, Inc., has donated the buses to the National Park Foundation so that they can be restored by Ford Motor Company, and then returned to the National Park Service. Upon completion of the project, Glacier Park, Inc., will continue to operate them in Glacier National Park.

As a Proud Partner of America's National Parks, Ford Motor Company is committed to finding alternative transportation solutions that enhance the visitor experience while protecting the environment - the red buses are a perfect example of such solutions.

Ford Motor Company is able to preserve the exterior of the red buses and, through the use of alternative fuel technology, make them cleaner and quieter than the originals.

The refurbishment of the buses includes replacing the old bus chassis with a Ford factory-built chassis and powertrain. Fueled by an environmentally responsible bi-fuel system for gasoline and propane, the buses will be 93% cleaner than the original fleet.

The new engines will dramatically reduce emissions, qualifying the buses for a ULEV (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) rating. Ford, in conjunction with Clean Fuels USA, will install a public propane-refueling station right outside of the park.

Currently, propane has the potential to reduce smog-producing emissions by 67% below that allowed by law.