Transit for rural Alberta communities received a boost on September 19, 2025 with an announcement of $8 million from the federal government to assess local transit needs and purchase buses, supported by $2 million in local funding.
The investment will support Leduc Transit, an intermunicipal transit partnership between Leduc County and the City of Leduc, allowing the agency to purchase eight new buses to replace the existing fleet and expand services offered.
Accessible, mini, and full-sized buses will also be purchased for the fixed-route service between Red Deer County and the Hamlet of Gasoline Alley.
“This funding represents a significant milestone in supporting rural transit by establishing a fixed route service in Red Deer County, it will unlock new opportunities for community growth by connecting residents, strengthening local economies, and fostering a more inclusive future for our region.”
His Worship Jim Wood, Mayor of Red Deer County
Whitecourt will also be able to purchase additional buses and supporting infrastructure to improve their transit service.
The Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission, the County of St. Paul, Drumheller, Stoney-Nakoda First Nation, the Town of Olds, and Westlock County all received funding for transit feasibility studies. Once completed, studies will help determine how best to meet the public transportation needs of rural communities and suport long-term transit planning.
The funding comes from the Rural Transit Solutions Funder, part of the Canada Public Transit Fund, which supports the improvement and expansion of local transit solutions that help residents of rural, remote, Indigenous and Northern Communities to conduct their day-to-day activities, access services, go to work, school, medical appointments, and visit loved ones.
Transport Action welcomes these investments and encourages supporters to reach out to their MPs and MLAs to ask for ongoing support and operating funding to ensure everybody has access to reliable public transport.
Image sources
- Leduc Transit commuter bus: City of Leduc