Exploring Accessibility with Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission - Roam Transit
Located in the scenic Canadian Rockies, Roam Transit is the public transportation service operating within Banff and Canmore, Alberta. It plays a vital role in providing access to the stunning landscapes of the Bow Valley while keeping sustainability in mind. With the growing demand for accessible transport options, Roam Transit has made significant strides to ensure that their services are available to everyone, including those who require specific accommodations.
Wheelchair-Accessible Features
One of the key features of Roam Transit is its attention to accessibility. The system includes a wheelchair-accessible entrance on all buses, ensuring that passengers with mobility challenges can board easily and safely. Additionally, there is a wheelchair-accessible car park provided at several transit hubs, making it convenient for individuals who rely on wheelchairs to access the service without hassle.
Feedback from users has highlighted the importance of these features. Many have expressed appreciation for the bus drivers who assist passengers with entering and exiting, demonstrating a commitment to providing respectful and efficient service.
User Experiences of Roam Transit
The feedback regarding the Roam Transit app has been mixed. While some travelers report success using the app to check schedules and plan their routes, others have shared frustrations with its reliability, noting that inconsistencies can complicate travel plans. For instance, a visitor mentioned, "I could have walked and been on time" after a driver missed their stop, even when alerted by the passenger. Such experiences reinforce the need for improved communication and training for staff to minimize misunderstandings and delays.
Many riders have praised the cleanliness and comfort of the buses, especially during harsh winter conditions, where heated interiors provide a warm retreat from the cold. However, concerns about timeliness have been a recurring theme; customers often report late buses, which can be incredibly frustrating, particularly for those relying on transit to reach work or appointments.
Driving Change for Better Service
It's clear that while Roam Transit has made commendable efforts towards accessibility and environmental sustainability, there are areas that require improvement. Passengers have voiced the need for better coordination between buses, clearer information regarding schedules, and more responsive customer service. One user highlighted that they experienced difficulty when trying to pay with cash, as drivers often do not provide change, which can lead to confusion and unpleasant interactions.
Despite these challenges, many local residents and visitors emphasize the value of Roam Transit as a cost-effective way to explore Banff and surrounding areas. Some have even stated that taking the bus saves them time and stress associated with parking and navigating through busy tourist areas. The sentiment remains that the service has immense potential but needs ongoing refinement.
Conclusion: A Work in Progress
In conclusion, Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission's Roam Transit offers an essential service for residents and visitors alike, with wheelchair-accessible features that promote inclusivity. Addressing the feedback from users will help improve the overall experience and reliability of the transit system. Whether you're planning to visit iconic sites like Lake Louise or Johnston Canyon, Roam Transit aims to provide a convenient and sustainable way to explore the breathtaking beauty of the Bow Valley.
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Terrible service. Line 2 in Banff on 07/27/2020 at 17:10. Due to COVID, we preferred to pay without cash. The driver refused card payment, despite a card reader being present. She insisted on cash only. I offered a 20CAD bill, but she claimed not to have change and directed us to a nearby vending machine, instructing us to catch the next bus. We quickly obtained tickets (though we would have preferred to avoid touching the machine, but were left with no alternative). Politely requesting her to wait, she drove off, leaving us to wait for the following bus. Unlikely to use this service again.
Laura Moore (2025-07-16, 12:51 a.m.):
It was convenient most of the time. The only hiccup I encountered was trying to return to my hotel from the Banff Gondola station at 9:05 pm. There were so many people that not everyone could fit on the bus, and with no proper queue system in place, it turned into a bit of a free-for-all as everyone rushed to board or face a potentially lengthy wait for the next bus. It would greatly benefit the service to have double the buses running during this peak time, especially since this coincides with the gondola closing and a surge of passengers needing transportation.
Megan Jackson (2025-07-10, 4:19 p.m.):
Yesterday, the driver we had seemed more focused on his earphones than on our destination, causing him to miss our stop twice. Today's experience was even worse. While waiting in line for the gondola, we were at the front when a lady cut in front of me to ask the driver about directions and timetables. I stood there with my tickets in hand, assuming the driver had noticed them. After waiting for a while, I eventually took a seat, thinking he had seen me. However, it turns out he had been telling me to wait (3 times), but I mistook it for him speaking to the lady who wasn't even taking the bus. He remained seated, glowering at me, and then aggressively exclaimed, "What's your problem? I told you to wait 3 times!" His behavior left me feeling very intimidated.
Theresa Foster (2025-07-08, 9:49 p.m.):
No complaints here! The buses run right on schedule, the drivers are lovely, and it's budget-friendly too! A mere $2 for a one-way journey within Banff (you can pay using the Token Transit app or cash - exact change required) or a complimentary bus pass for residents.
The Canmore bus (number 3) is incredibly convenient, and the Lake Louise bus (8x) offers comfort with customizable seating for just a $20 day ticket.
Allison Clark (2025-07-07, 7:47 p.m.):
Multiple handy pick-up spots scattered across Banff. The drivers are great at giving you a heads up when you're boarding the correct bus. Plenty of trips available during the week, making it easy to get around town, to the gondola, and even to Lake Louise. Only encountered one driver who was quite strict about no standing passengers - she made sure to stop taking on passengers once all the seats were taken. Apart from that, all the journeys were pleasant experiences.
Logan King (2025-07-07, 1:58 p.m.):
I am writing to express my extreme disappointment and frustration with the service provided by one of your bus drivers, Mr. Fumi M., during my recent trip on June 11 from Lake Louise to Banff Downtown.
My friend and I arrived at the bus stop in Lake Louise at 5:55 pm to catch the 6:12 pm bus to Banff Downtown as we had reserved. However, the bus driver did not allow us and the people behind us to board, and the bus left at 6:00 pm. We waited for the next bus, which arrived at 6:35 pm. As we were the first in the queue, we showed our e-ticket to the driver, Mr. Fumi M., and tried to explain our situation. However, he shouted at us, interrupted us, and scolded us. He even incited other passengers to boo at us. His behavior was unprofessional and left us feeling embarrassed and humiliated.
Despite our efforts to explain our situation politely, Mr. Fumi M. did not listen and insisted that we go to the end of the non-reservation queue. He even asked us to get off the bus and take the next one, even though we already had seats. His behavior was unreasonable and insulting. When we arrived at Banff Downtown, he gave me a $20 Canadian dollar bill, which I consider to be a bribe.
I would like to bring to your attention the disorganization of your ticketing system. If your bus drivers are not well-trained to handle ticketing problems, please offer them appropriate training or provide extra staff to handle these issues.
I urge you to investigate this matter thoroughly and take appropriate action against Mr. Fumi M. His behavior was unacceptable and it made us feel like he was being discriminatory. He repeatedly interrupted and scolded us, even though we were polite and trying to explain our situation. When my friend asked him to give us half a minute to explain our situation, he even counted with his fingers from 1 to 30 and showed a face with disdain. This behavior is unacceptable and discriminatory.
I chose your company's services primarily because the Parks Canada website specifically mentions that you are their partner. However, the unpleasant experience I had, particularly where discrimination took place in areas with a high concentration of tourists, is entirely unacceptable.
I hope that you will take this matter seriously and take appropriate action to prevent such incidents from happening in the future. I would appreciate a prompt and satisfactory response.
Randy Edwards (2025-07-05, 8:25 a.m.):
During our 8-day stay in Banff, we had the pleasure of experiencing the excellent service provided by all the bus drivers. However, the Asian gentleman who drives in the evenings stands out as truly exceptional! Despite not being able to understand his words, his performance is simply amazing. He definitely deserves a raise for his outstanding work!
Russell Hill (2025-07-05, 12:27 a.m.):
Just had another experience with Roam: they expect passengers to be aware of their own tardiness, yet maintain a flexible schedule that requires the use of an app for connections. The catch? The app doesn't even notify you if your bus is delayed, putting your connections at risk. This unreliability is a major reason why individuals prefer using personal vehicles instead of public transportation for important appointments.
Update: The new app functions somewhat better now, but Roam's punctuality remains a constant issue as indicated by their posted signs at stops. My advice? Take the bus that arrives before the one that supposedly gets you there on time.
Do not rely on Roam's apps or bus schedules. They often fail to update all timings, resulting in conflicting information between different apps and schedules. I've been forced to cancel appointments last minute due to their inconsistencies, and today, I'm late for work. Thanks a lot, Roam, you're simply the worst.
Margaret Russell (2025-07-01, 9:33 p.m.):
Roam transit proved to be quite handy for getting around the Banff area. We used it last year to travel from Canmore to Banff, and this year we hopped on from Banff to Lake Louise. Our favorite journey was to Lake Minnewanka on Route 6, where we caught sight of some impressive bighorn sheep. Bonus points for this route being covered by our hotel bus pass! One thing to note is that there isn't much space for luggage on the longer routes (like from Banff to Lake Louise), so it may not be the most practical choice for traveling between hotels. Additionally, the layout of the lower deck on the double-decker bus can be a bit tricky, as it's easy to stumble on your way down if you're exiting through the lower compartment.
Diane Gray (2025-06-26, 4:47 a.m.):
The bloomin' bus didn't stop or pull over for me to hop on. I made sure I was at the stop 10 minutes early because this company is notorious for never being on time. Ended up freezing me buns off for another 30 minutes in -24 degrees waiting for the next bus. Utterly ridiculous!
Grace Robinson (2025-06-24, 5:52 a.m.):
The bus didn’t stop because it was "FULL", you know? But I was just by meself on the bus stop waiting 20 minutes already because the bus was late! In -20 degrees, when the bus finally came - route 1 - he just waved at me at the sign that is full but I could definitely see there was a space for one more person to stand. The walk from the Rimrock to town is too long and dangerous along side the road, mate! Then I had to wait another 30 minutes for another bus, also with a sign that is full but thank God the driver let me in - with plenty of seats to fit another 30 people.
This is a big waste of my time, innit? There should be extra buses on long weekends for people going to the gondola and hot springs, you know, specially for me - as a worker who finished the shift at 4 pm and starting me second job at 6 pm and almost not making me second job on time is outrageous. Please Roam - do something about this, would ya?
Angela Thomas (2025-06-22, 5:45 p.m.):
I was absolutely gobsmacked by the disrespect and mistreatment that a few of the staff members had to endure, yet they upheld their professionalism admirably. The team here is truly excelling at managing individuals who struggle to adhere to simple instructions. I observed one staff member, Natasha, being subjected to abusive behavior, and she handled the situation remarkably. All in all, it's a finely operated transportation service that can be greatly advantageous for those who possess a modicum of intelligence. Superb drivers, superb staff. Would wholeheartedly recommend!
Jennifer Perry (2025-06-19, 12:24 p.m.):
I have to say, my journey with Roam transit was absolutely splendid! The drivers were incredibly courteous, and it was a fantastic perk to have this service complimentary with my hotel reservation. The wide array of stops they offered was impressive, and the fact that their vehicles are electric is just fantastic! Not to mention, their bus exteriors with those decals are simply awesome.
Jeffrey Anderson (2025-06-18, 1:04 p.m.):
My good lady and I are currently on holiday in Canmore, in the Three Sisters Parkway locale, for a week's time and have been utilizing the Roam transit bus service each day since our arrival. The buses are consistently punctual, spacious, and impeccably clean. We've visited Canmore on numerous occasions in the past and this bus service has proven to be quite advantageous for us. It allows for swift journeys into town and facilitates the planning of longer days and evenings without the hassle of parking or driving back to our abode. It would be splendid if the transit system has plans in the pipeline for electric buses, as they would further alleviate the vehicle congestion in Canmore and lessen the environmental footprint in this stunning region. Well done, indeed.
Christina Robinson (2025-06-16, 7:12 p.m.):
If you're thinking about catching the 8x bus to Lake Louise, just a heads up that the process is a bit chaotic. Once you've got your ticket, you'll need to book a specific time slot for the bus. Otherwise, you'll find yourself stuck in the messy "walk on" line, where people tend to cut ahead.
My advice? Consider renting a car instead.
Michelle Morales (2025-06-14, 2:27 a.m.):
A company that solely aims to extract money from visitors to Banff, with the most appalling customer service and employee attitude I have ever encountered in Canada. My experience involved two families, totaling 4 adults and 3 children, who had pre-booked tickets on Roam Transit for $25 to Lake Louise on August 15th at 1:45 PM. Arriving at the bus stop at 1:33, we were informed by the staff that we were 3 minutes late for check-in and therefore could not board the bus. Despite being new to the area and attempting to navigate our way, we were simply directed to review the terms and conditions. While it was stated in the T&C that passengers must arrive 15 minutes prior, it also indicated that seats would be reallocated if individuals were not present 10 minutes before departure. The staff refused to empathize with our situation, suggesting that we join the line without reservations and potentially board any available seats on subsequent buses. With three children and temperatures reaching 35 degrees that day, the staff remained obstinate. Their discourteous behavior extended to the driver as well. It appears their motive is driven by the practice of last-minute ticket sales, even when buses are fully booked, while attempting to circumvent those with reservations to maximize profits. This encounter stands out as my worst experience in Canada.
Lawrence Lewis (2025-06-13, 12:04 a.m.):
Top-notch transportation service! My mates and I were in Banff over the weekend and were given free bus tickets to use around town. We didn't even touch our wheels the entire time and the bus timetable was spot on!
Theresa Sullivan (2025-06-12, 6:35 a.m.):
In theory, it's a great way to avoid the hassle of searching for parking. We utilized the transportation service to travel from the Banff campground to town, then from Banff to Lake Louise, and back to our campsite. Overall, our experience was fairly typical. However, we were quite disappointed with the service. We spent over $100 on a day pass for our family. While waiting at Lake Louise for a bus back to Banff, we waited for about 2 hours despite the buses supposedly arriving every 20 minutes. I only spotted 2 buses during that time, which was far below the expected frequency. Consequently, there was an excessively long queue of people waiting, standing for hours. This situation particularly affected tired elderly individuals and young children.
In conclusion, we wouldn't opt for this transportation service again.
Margaret Diaz (2025-06-09, 3:33 p.m.):
My lad absolutely adored this bus service. The drivers are such a friendly and kind bunch. Clear routes and helpful locals and drivers to assist you with getting around.
Julie Brooks (2025-06-08, 1:32 a.m.):
Aside from the exceptional bus driver, Ryan M., who deserves a 5-star rating, this company truly disappoints. I waited for 2 hours to board the bus to Lake Louise, which is simply unacceptable. If they expect people to rely on public transportation, they should ensure it meets basic standards. They need to bring in additional buses, as the line we were in had only 2 buses, despite the clear demand. Lake Louise didn't become famous overnight, so they should be better prepared. With all the worldwide advertising they do, they should have anticipated the crowds. I cannot in good conscience recommend Banff to anyone after this experience. It felt even worse than boarding a bus in some third world countries I've visited. The two "workers" outside could easily sell and check tickets to ensure timely boarding. It's unclear what they were doing during this chaos.
