BOW VALLEY – Those who rely on public transit to get around the Bow Valley will soon be able to take the bus to Lake Louise and the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.
On Oct. 9, the transit commission will launch two more bus routes – Routes 7 and 8.
“This expansion of services is a huge step toward better connecting the Bow Valley by public transit and toward offering people an alternative to driving their vehicles in the valley,” wrote Martin Bean, CAO of the Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission
According to a press release, Route 7 will depart every 30 minutes from downtown Banff during peak hours of the day, seven days a week.
The schedule has been designed to provide convenient connections for commuters riding the Banff-Canmore route (Route 3), with transfers at the Banff High School transit hub. The Route will depart every 30 minutes between 7 and 10 a.m. and again between 4 and 7:30 p.m. Fares for the route will be $2 one-way.
“By creating this new route we hope to provide a more efficient transit experience for current bus commuters, as well as an appealing option for people who haven’t tried taking the bus to work,” wrote Bean.
“We’re also happy to be able to give artists, faculty, and guests of Banff Centre an easy way to travel around Banff.”
Route 8 will connect Banff to Lake Louise, making stops at Samson Mall and the Lake Louise lakeshore.
This route will expand next summer to include stops along Bow Valley Parkway, including Johnston Canyon. Fares for this route will be $8 one-way.
The new route will replace Parks Canada’s seasonal route to Lake Louise over the past two summers.
“Roam’s new Regional Banff-Lake Louise route is a watershed moment for the Bow Valley and a huge milestone for Roam Public Transit,” wrote Davina Bernard, board chair for the transit commission.
“Now Roam provides connectivity to all residential and business communities, from Canmore to Lake Louise.”
The schedules for Route 7 and Route 8 will be available before the Oct. 9 launch.
For more information on current transit routes, schedules, and fares for Banff, Canmore, and Lake Minnewanka, go to roamtransit.com.
