The numbers are in for the Valley Connect summer pilot are in and the numbers look promising.
According to a release by Travel Drumheller, more than 900 riders used the service that operated between Downtown Drumheller, out to the Hoodoos and East Coulee, as well as out to the Royal Tyrrell Museum.
Led by Travel Drumheller, the free hop-on, hop-off shuttle operated Fridays and Saturdays for 10 weeks from June 26 to August 29. Riders used every stop along the route, connecting downtown Drumheller with attractions, businesses and destinations throughout the Valley. Local riders also used the service to get around the community, with Downtown Plaza their most common boarding point.
“Valley Connect was well received by both residents and visitors,” says Lana Phillips, Valley Connect Project Manager. “The ridership and feedback tell us there is an interest in getting around the Valley by bus. We consistently heard that people would like to see service offered more often and connecting more places. The pilot gives us valuable information to help determine what could come next.”
The pilot also complemented the summer FlixBus connection between Calgary and Drumheller, giving visitors another way to reach the community and explore without a vehicle.
Now, residents have an opportunity to help shape what comes next. Travel Drumheller invites community members to visit its booth at the Drumheller Recreation, Arts & Wellness Exhibit on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at the Badlands Community Facility.
Residents can review the results of the pilot, share their thoughts, and provide input on the future of public transportation in the Valley. Feedback gathered at the Exhibit will help inform the final project report and recommended next steps. Valley Connect was designed as a starting point for exploring public transportation in Drumheller.
The initiative combines the summer shuttle pilot with a feasibility study examining how transit could better connect residents, visitors and local businesses. The feasibility study was presented to Town Council on June 9, 2026. Pilot results, community feedback and recommended next steps for public transportation will be presented to the Town of Drumheller at the October 6, 2026 Council meeting.
-With excerpts from release by Travel Drumheller-
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