A new fleet of zero-emission electric shuttles are closer to operating in Sabino Canyon, a destination that attracts 1 million visitors annually, an official said.

The first 62-passenger electric shuttle was tested Sept. 3 and is being used to train drivers along the routes through Sabino and Bear canyons, roughly 6 miles of travel.

Four other open-air shuttles are being tested by California-based Trams International, before providing services to approximately 100,000 annual riders, according to the Coronado National Forest.

“Based on what happens with those vehicles, there will be adjustments made to the vehicle here in Sabino Canyon and then those other vehicles will be coming in as they are ready,” said Heidi Schewel, a forest spokeswoman.

While officials believe the fleet will arrive this fall, an official date has yet to be determined.

When operational, the electric shuttles should provide “quieter” and more “efficient” travel seven days a week, according to Schewel. The shuttles will bring fully integrated ticket sales, including cellphone payments and credit- and debit-card sales for visitors. The previous shuttle vendor operated on a cash-only basis.