Greyhound cancels Rocky Mountain bus route

Greyhound is cancelling one of its most scenic bus routes — right through the heart of the Rocky Mountains — because of a lack of riders.

The route runs from Calgary through Banff and Kootenay national parks to Radium Hot Springs, and then down B.C.'s Columbia Valley through Invermere and Fairmont to Cranbrook.

The company said on average only one person a day got on board so it no longer made sense to continue the service.

Service still important

The Mayor of Invermere Gerry Taft called the decision disappointing, because it was an important service for the community.

"Certain times of year when we have seasonal staff arrive to work in the tourism industry. They rely on the service," said Taft.

"We also sometimes have seniors, and other times we have people who don't feel comfortable driving in winter conditions, so it is disappointing."

Taft said there are several reasons so few people bought tickets, and in the end he thinks Greyhound just wanted an easy out.

The company hardly ever advertised the service and was inconsistent with its schedule, said Taft,

"In my mind it's a self-fulfilling prophecy. Greyhound doesn't want to be in the passenger business, so they do a poor job of doing it so they can cut passenger service and focus on freight."

Nevertheless, Taft admits there isn't much locals can do since the B.C.'s  Passenger Transportation Board has already approved the cut

The last Greyhound will rumble through the Columbia Valley next week.

Google Maps: Calgary to Cranbrook