The Columbia Valley Transit Service provides transit service between Canal Flats and Invermere, and Edgewater and Invermere.  Columbia Valley Transit is operated by Next Gen Transit and is funded by the RDEK and BC Transit.

There are two types of transit offered through Columbia Valley Transit:

• Scheduled - There are regularly scheduled stops on the Canal Flats-Fairmont-Invermere route and the Edgewater-Radium-Invermere route offered 5 days a week (Monday to Friday). For the bus schedule and detailed information on fares, visit: BC Transit - Welcome to Columbia Valley.
• On-Request Service - You can arrange for pick up/drop off through the on-request service, which is available between Radium and Invermere Monday to Friday between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Passengers must phone 24 hours in advance to book a seat. To book an on-request pick up, call 1·855-993-3100 Option 1 or 1-250-364-3262 and leave a message with your name and phone number. When the scheduler calls you back, you will be asked to give them detailed information on your pick up / drop off location, time of travel and return trip arrangements.

There is no transit service on Saturdays, Sundays and Statutory Holidays.

There is also a Health Connections Transit Service that connects Columbia Valley residents to their non-emergency medical and specialist appointments in Cranbrook.  To learn more, visit the Health Connections page.

Fares / Tickets

• Local Fare (Radium, Invermere, Windermere, Fairmont) - $2.00. Children 4 and under ride free when accompanied by an adult.
• Regional Fare (Edgewater, Canal Flats) - $2.50. Children 4 and under ride free when accompanied by an adult.
• Monthly Bus Pass - $42.00. Available from the bus driver.

Please have exact change as the driver cannot make change. Fares are subject to change.

There are a number of ticket outlets around the Columbia Valley including: Canal Flats Village Office, AG Valley Foods, Invermere City Hall, RDEK and the Radium Visitor Centre.

If you are a low-income senior or a person with disabilities, you may qualify for the BC Bus Pass Program, which provides a universal bus pass. For more information on the qualifications, call 1-866-866-0800.

For more detailed information on fares and tickets, visit BC Transit - Welcome to Columbia Valley or contact Next Gen Transit at 1-855-993-3100 Option 1 or direct 250-364-3262.

Bus Stops in Rural Areas

In rural areas and along Highway 93/95 where there are no designated bus stops, the bus can be flagged down along the route.  When you want to catch the bus, find a safe location along the route (such as a driveway or postal box area) and wave the bus down. Make sure you are visible, and if it is dark wear light/bright clothing and carry a flashlight.  Stand in a well-lit area if possible.  To get off the bus at an unmarked stop, let the driver know in advance where you want to get off and he/she will stop in a safe area as close to your requested stop as possible.

Bike Racks

The busses are equipped with two bike racks that are available for use during daytime hours (the bikes block the headlights so can't be used in the dark). BC Transit has loaded a video to show how to use the bike racks:

Additional Information:

• For bus schedule and route information contact Next Gen Transit at 1-855-993-3100 Option 1 or direct 250-364-3262. or visit BC Transit - Welcome to Columbia Valley.
• Decisions on fares, routes and service levels are made by the RDEK. If you have questions, concerns or suggestions to improve the transit system, please contact RDEK Coporate Officer Tina Hlushak at 250-489-2791 or toll-free 1-888-478-7335.