BANFF, AB, June 18, 2026 — Banff residents now have a new way to get around without owning a car. Through a collaboration between the Town of Banff and Communauto, a new car-sharing service is launching with five vehicles located at three stations across town.
“We are very excited to introduce another way for Banff residents to live car free or car light. We hope this affordable new initiative will help families reduce the number of vehicles they need, while also making it easier for Banffites on moving day, travelling into Calgary, or accessing remote trailheads,” said Banff Mayor Corrie DiManno. “It gives residents the convenience of a vehicle when they need one, without the financial burden of owning a car.”
Reserved exclusively for Banff residents, the service offers a practical and affordable alternative to private vehicle ownership while supporting the community’s environmental and mobility goals.
The three stations are:
- Bear Street Parkade (2 vehicles)
- Beaver Street across from the High School (2 vehicles)
- Cougar Street at Fox Street (1 vehicle)
The two vehicles at Bear Street Parkade are available for booking starting today, while the remaining vehicles will be added in the coming weeks.
By giving residents access to a vehicle only when they need one, car sharing helps reduce transportation costs, make more efficient use of parking space and decreases reliance on private vehicle ownership and its associated costs.
“Carsharing is particularly well suited to communities that want to prioritize public transit and active transportation while offering a credible alternative to private car ownership,” said Marco Viviani, Vice President at Communauto. “Through our collaboration with the Town of Banff, we are proud to offer a solution that enables residents to rely more on transit and active mobility, knowing they can access a car when they need one—reducing the costs, constraints, and environmental impact associated with owning a vehicle.”
The launch reflects the shared commitment to providing transportation options that complement walking, cycling and Roam Public Transit in one of Canada’s most active communities. In Banff’s 2025 town-wide resident survey, only 18% of residents use a vehicle as their primary method of transportation in summer (43% in winter). Roam is Alberta’s third-largest transit service by ridership and connects Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, several main national park destinations, and all neighbourhoods in town.
“The same size since 1990, Banff has limited space for parking and housing, and residents continue to face a high cost of living,” said Mayor DiManno. “This partnership with Communauto helps residents avoid the costs of fuel, maintenance, and repairs, while allowing the municipality to prioritize land for much-needed housing instead of for parking.”
How to Use the Service
Banff residents interested in joining can sign up online through banff.communauto.com. New members must register with the promo code BANFF60 to be able to book cars. Plus, they’ll receive a $60 driving credit to help them discover carsharing. This offer is available exclusively to Banff residents who are new to Communauto and is subject to eligibility requirements.
Different plans are available to suit various mobility needs. Communauto offers a no commitment option ($0 monthly fee) while paying a monthly fee unlocks lower rates per hour and per kilometre. Memberships can be free or as low as $5 per month.
A half-day return trip to Canmore will cost roughly $45, and a typical full-day return trip to Calgary will cost roughly $120. Fuel and other maintenance costs are all included in the cost.
Getting started is simple:
- Reserve a vehicle through the Communauto app or website.
- Pick up the car at a designated station.
- Drive for as long as needed and return the vehicle to its station.
- Enjoy rates that include fuel and maintenance.
The initial Banff fleet consists of 4 compact sedans and hatchbacks, plus 1 minivan.
About Communauto
Founded in Quebec City in 1994, Communauto is the largest carsharing service in Canada and the oldest in North America. Present on two continents in around twenty cities—including Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Halifax, and Paris—it operates both reservation-based (round-trip) and free-floating (one-way, no reservation) services. With a fleet of more than 7,000 vehicles, Communauto has the largest shared electric vehicle fleet in Canada and one of the largest in North America. As a company with a social, environmental, and urban mission, its goal is to reduce the impact of cars on cities while improving access to mobility by offering an alternative to private car ownership.
About the Town of Banff
The Town of Banff was incorporated to provide services for visitors to Canada’s first national park and to preserve the UNESCO World Heritage Site. With an area limited to less than 4 square kilometres and finite space for roads and parking, the municipality prioritizes active transportation and maintenance of mountain vistas and the Rocky Mountain aesthetic. All decisions are evaluated on maximizing the protection of wildlife and environmental conservation, while providing an inclusive, high quality of life for 9,000 residents who welcome about 4 million visitors each year from around the world.
The Town of Banff is backstopping revenue, if required, up to $75,000 over a three-year pilot. The number and type of vehicles, parking locations and structure will be evaluated each year.
Media Contacts
Jason Darrah
Director, Communications & Marketing, Town of Banff
403 762-1207
[email protected]
Charlotte Poirier Stephens
Marketing, PR, and Partnerships Advisor
Communauto
[email protected]