Severn Lamb, a leader in the manufacture and supply of leisure, resort and amusement transport, has shared details of its partnership with the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area in Arizona, US.
Sabino Canyon Recreation Area is part of an environmentally sensitive and protected land managed by the US National Forest Service. It wished to upgrade its visitor transportation system from diesel-powered vehicles to cutting-edge, fully electric shuttles. The project aimed to improve guest experience, reduce environmental impact, and increase operational efficiency.
Enhanced visitor experience & significant cost savings
Sabino Canyon Recreation Area previously used the Chance Sunliner Tram, which could accommodate 55 passengers. The tram ran on diesel and gas, with high fuel costs of $30k a month. In addition, the tram suffered frequent oil leaks, was noisy during operation, and emitted toxic fumes.
In contrast, its new Trams International 6000 Series Tram has a capacity of 62 guests and is fully electric. The tram offers a clean, quiet operation which improves the quality of the surrounding environment and the visitor experience. With electricity costs of $7k a month, the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area is now saving $23k a month in fuel.
The new shuttle also provides an improved audio guide solution, with seatback controllers with earbuds and a pre-recorded audio tour – rather than a driver with a megaphone. Visitors can now enjoy an enhanced tour of Sabino Canyon’s natural and cultural history, triggered by geocoded points along the route. The audio guide is available in both English and Spanish.
The visitor experience is further enhanced by an upgraded ticketing system, which supports debit and credit card purchases and advance bookings, and features a solar-powered kiosk. The new trams are wheelchair accessible, and their increased capacity means that seats are available for staff and volunteers. With the new tram, the attraction can also offer onboard support and assistance for distressed hikers, as well as evening tours and ghost runs at the end of the day.
Furthermore, guests can enjoy a more professional service as all drivers now have Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) and wear uniforms.
Professional service
Public feedback shows that visitors value the quiet, fume-free operation and that tours are more professional and organised. They note the increased presence of wildlife in the canyon due to quieter, cleaner operation, without any engine rumble.
A representative from Severn Lamb says: “The transition to all-electric visitor transportation vehicles supplied by Trams International has brought significant improvements to the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area. The enhanced visitor experience, substantial cost savings, and positive environmental impact demonstrate the benefits of this upgrade.
“By investing in electric shuttles, Sabino Canyon has not only improved its operational efficiency but also enriched the natural and cultural experience for all its visitors.”
Severn Lamb recently announced that it is seeking talented individuals to join its team as project managers and design engineers. The firm continues to grow and take on new projects, and so now is an ideal time for skilled professionals to become a key part of the expanding team.
