For the past several years, Test of Metal organizers have operated a shuttle bus service to help spectators access key parts of the course while minimizing the traffic and parking issues that might arise if all tried to get there by private vehicle.
In 2010, the shuttle service included four, 24-passenger buses running non-stop from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and because they were so busy, organizers have added a fifth, 15-passenger vehicle to the mix.
"At the beginning of the day they were jam-packed full, so this year we've got another bus," TOM shuttle coordinator Nicole McRae said. "At the start line it is so full that we have to make multiple trips."
The objective is to get spectators up into the popular Powerhouse Plunge area with minimal traffic and parking issues, McRae said, adding that it's also a great way for out-of-towners who don't know the ropes to enjoy the race.
The two routes take spectators from the start-finish area at Brennan Park up into Valleycliffe, then spectators walk about 200 metres to a second bus that takes them on the forest service roads to the Powerhouse.
This year two buses will run on each route and the fifth will go back and forth between the two, depending on which is busiest, McRae said. Spectators hoping to ride the buses should look for them near the start line at Brennan Park.
