Banff Residents Fare Free – Roam Transit

Banff Local Routes are Fare Free for Residents!

Banff Town Council has voted to use revenues collected from the town's paid parking program to fund accessible and affordable transit for residents. Starting Friday, May 20, 2022, residents of Banff will be able to board local Banff bus routes without having to pay fares. These routes include Sulphur Mountain (Route 1), Tunnel Mountain (Route 2), as well as seasonal routes Cave & Basin (Route 4) and Lake Minnewanka (Route 6).

How does fare free work?

Banff residents will receive a Smart Card they must present upon boarding a Roam bus. Each resident will get their own Smart Card that they cannot share with others. A Smart Card is a plastic, reusable card. Banff Resident Smart Cards will be separate from other Smart Cards used for Roam Transit fares. Upon boarding, users will tap their Smart Card on the farebox for a fare free ride.

Getting your fare free resident pass

All Banff residents who would like a fare free Smart Card can apply on the Roam Transit website starting Monday, May 9, 2022. In-person paper applications can also be processed starting the same day at the Roam Customer Service Desk, located inside the Banff Visitor Centre (224 Banff Ave). Each Smart Card will require a $5.00 deposit fee, which can be paid after pass approval when you pick up your card. Please wait until you receive a confirmation that your application has been verified to pick up your fare free Smart Card. Verification can take up to three business days.

Residents must provide documents with proof of residency that shows their physical address. Examples of proof of residency documents that will be accepted are:

  • Current lease or rental agreement
  • Utility or Internet bill
  • Property tax bill
  • Proof of current homeownership
  • Employer Housing agreement form (download available)

Online applications open Monday, May 9, 2022.

If you are unable to apply online, please visit our team at the Roam Customer Service Desk in the Banff Visitor Centre (224 Banff Ave).

What if I already have a Banff Local Smart Card?

If you already have a Banff Local Smart Card or Token Transit pass, Roam is happy to refund your remaining balance or Smart Card deposit. Please wait until after May 20, 2022, to visit our Customer Service desk in the Banff Visitor Centre (224 Banff Ave) to receive your refund.

Begin you application process below.

Fare Free Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Which routes are considered “Banff local”?

    Sulphur Mountain (Route 1), Tunnel Mountain (Route 2), Cave & Basin (Route 4), Lake Minnewanka (Route 6)

  • How do I apply?

    All Banff residents who would like a fare free Smart Card can apply online. Applications will be processed starting on Monday, May 9, 2022. In-person paper applications can also be processed beginning the same day (May 9) at the Roam Customer Service Desk, located inside the Banff Visitor Centre (224 Banff Ave). Each Smart Card will require a $5.00 deposit fee, which can be paid after pass approval when you pick up your card. Please wait until you receive a confirmation that your application has been verified to pick up your fare free Smart Card. Verification can take up to three business days. Residents must provide documents with proof of residency that shows their physical address. Examples of proof of residency documents that will be accepted are listed above.

  • How can I get my child their fare free pass?

    Fare free applicants have the choice to "Add another family member" upon their own application for a fare free pass. Guardians can use this to add children (Youth 13-18) to the program and only have to supply their name, age group and relationship to the applicant. Children 12 and under are free to travel on Roam and do not require a Resident Pass.

  • What if my name is not on any of the documents needed for proof of residency?

    If your partner is the primary housing agreement or bill holder, they can apply for your fare free pass for you. Similar to how guardians can apply for a child's fare free pass, your partner will have the choice to "Add another family member" upon their own application.

  • Why isn’t Route 3 considered “local”?

    At this time, the Canmore/Banff Regional (Route 3) service is cross-funded by both the Town of Canmore and Town of Banff. As it is a regional route that services both areas, it is unfortunately not considered a local route to either town.

  • What if I already have a Banff Local Smart Card?

    If you already have a Banff Local Smart Card or Token Transit pass, Roam is happy to refund your remaining balance or Smart Card deposit. Please wait until after May 20, 2022, to visit our Customer Service Desk in the Banff Visitor Centre (224 Banff Ave) to receive your refund.

  • What if I lose my fare free pass?

    If your fare free pass is lost and you wish to replace it, you will be required to pay an additional $5.00 card deposit fee for a new one. Our Customer Service team at our Customer Service Desk (224 Banff Ave) will require you to bring photo ID so they can look you up in our system and process a new card.

  • Can others use my fare free pass?

    No, your fare free pass is assigned to you and registered under your name.

  • Why are you charging $5 for a fare free pass?

    Take good care of your Smart Card, and please don’t alter your Smart Card by punching a hole in it or applying stickers to it, as doing so can render the card unreadable. Deposit returns/refunds can only be applied to functioning cards. (See our Smart Card policy)

  • I live in staff accommodation in Banff - how can I apply?

    Yes! To apply, please download a copy of the Employer Housing Agreement Form (link here) and have your staff accommodation manager sign and confirm that you reside in a staff accommodation located in Banff.