Banff National Park Sees Surge in Public Transit Usage During Summer Months
Banff National Park officials are proud to announce and celebrate significant transit-related milestones achieved during the 2023 summer season. The park's sustainable transportation initiative has influenced a notable increase in transit ridership to and throughout Canada’s first national park, indicating a positive behavioural change amongst visitors and an advancement of environmental conservation efforts.
- Roam Transit, the regional operator with routes throughout the town of Banff and to all main destinations in Banff National Park, such as Lake Louise, Lake Minnewanka, Johnston Canyon, Sulphur Mountain as well as to Canmore, announced on September 26 that it has transported two million riders to date – the first time this number has been reached in a calendar year, and a 60 percent increase in ridership compared to the same period in 2022.
- Parks Canada shuttles, operating to both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, are reporting a 29 percent increase in ridership from 2022 (as of September 24) with 302,770 passengers visiting these iconic locations car-free. In 2022, prior to the Moraine Lake Road closure to personal vehicles, a total of 215,797 passengers chose Parks Canada shuttles while 5,000 personal vehicles were turned away daily.
- The Town of Banff is reporting a shift away from personal vehicle use within the townsite. Despite personal vehicle volumes entering the townsite over September long weekend remaining consistent with 2019, personal vehicle traffic across the Bow River Bridge, the route to the top tourism destinations in the area, was down 18 percent combined with a 67 percent increase in local transit ridership compared to 2019 and a 39 percent increase compared to 2022. Contributing factors include free transit for locals and Banff Gondola passengers, increased transit frequency, a new pedestrian bridge, amongst others.
- On-it Regional Transit, with routes from Calgary to Banff, is reporting an increase of 4,847 riders in August 2019 to 10,475 in August 2023 – a 116 percent rise.
Banff Mayor Corrie DiManno believes the rise in visitors to Banff from Calgary via On-It and within the townsite via Roam Transit's local routes is an encouraging indicator of a shift in behaviour. "We are very grateful to all of the visitors who left their vehicle behind and instead chose to take transit to and around Banff this summer. For the last several years, we've been working towards strengthening our transit services to make this as easy and enjoyable as possible and as a result, it is rewarding to see the growth in ridership. I hope we continue to see even more progress in the future as Banff strives to be a world leader in sustainability."
These ridership milestones also point to a growing awareness and appreciation for the park's unique wilderness, with transit use helping minimize the impact on its delicate ecosystems, according to Lake Louise, Yoho & Kootenay Superintendent François Masse. “By embracing sustainable transportation options, visitors to Banff National Park have demonstrated an understanding and appreciation for how these decisions can positively impact their experience and the environment they come here to enjoy. Reducing the number of personal vehicles on our roads is a benefit to both the park's natural environment and the overall air quality of the surrounding area, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future we can all enjoy together.”
As visitors continue to flock to Banff to witness the stunning larch season, Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, the Town of Banff, and Parks Canada are eager to remind visitors of the convenient public transportation options at their disposal. “By working with partners like Banff & Lake Louise Tourism and the Town of Banff, we are helping visitors plan ahead so they can explore the park car-free, which is the best and most hassle-free way to experience the national park,” said Salman Rasheed, Superintendent for Banff National Park.
For those looking to explore the area's popular attractions, local transit services will continue to operate until after Thanksgiving (October 10) and pre-planning provides visitors certainty in accessing iconic destinations and continues to be the most efficient way to experience the park.
For more information about public transit services in Banff National Park, please visit explorethepark.ca.
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Banff and Lake Louise offer incredible experiences that reconnect people to the natural world. Situated in the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains in Banff National Park, within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, accessible year-round adventure and wellness are cultivated every day of the year by visitors from across the globe. Home to three ski resorts, countless glacier-fed lakes, two vibrant townsites, and authentic Canadian culture and cuisine, this place is unforgettable, and it’s truly alive.