Airport shuttle pilot ends; metrics show $28 net cost per rider

The START/Jackson Hole Airport/Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Board airport shuttle pilot ended April 6, and a final metrics report flags a high net cost per rider and slipping ridership as partners weigh what (if anything) should replace it.

According to the Airport Shuttle Pilot Data Metrics Report, the shuttle’s net cost per passenger was $28.03 (after fares), compared with START’s overall net cost per passenger of $7.79. The report also lists a gross cost per passenger of $44.52 and estimates annual marketing costs by the airport and Travel & Tourism Board at about $90,000.

Ridership also trended down over time, with average daily ridership of 73 in the 2023-24 service year, 63 in 2024-25, and 61 in 2025-26 year-to-date, the report says. The report concludes that “cost per rider is too high” and that “ridership is declining,” and calls for transportation groups to evaluate lessons learned, opportunities and challenges before considering any future airport shuttle service.