Leading Alberta bus companies team up to connect the province safely

Jul 6 2020, 3:15 pm

All of us living here in Calgary have been forced to postpone travel plans due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

But our province is adjusting to the new normal, and local travel is now possible. Alberta is gradually working through its relaunch strategy, and this has allowed Ebus and luxury coach service Red Arrow to relaunch with limited service.

Both providers initially suspended service on March 30 to rethink their offerings and determine the best course of action. Now, to ensure safety for all passengers and staff, Red Arrow and Ebus have implemented a Safely Clean program with enhanced cleaning protocols and procedures — from check-in right through to disembarking.

This means you can reunite with loved ones in another town once more, travel to restaurants and small family events, and relax with peace of mind knowing you can get there safely.

Ticket and check-in process

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If you’re travelling for work or to explore a new city, you’ll notice some new changes when checking in with Ebus and Red Arrow. Plexiglass screens have been installed at ticket offices for the protection of both staff and passengers.

To assess safety for travel, all passengers are now asked a series of health screening questions. Before boarding, face masks must be worn. If you don’t have a mask, simply purchase one from a staff member at the desk.

All frequently touched surfaces at ticket office locations are being regularly sanitized, and there’s also hand sanitizer available for everyone to use.

Boarding a coach

When it comes to the boarding process, you’ll be asked to social distance while you wait for your luggage to be loaded. Drivers are loading and unloading luggage to reduce the number of touchpoints when storing items during travel.

You’ll notice Ebus and Red Arrow drivers wearing face masks while interacting with passengers and gloves for handling luggage. If you’re riding with Red Arrow, you can avail of complimentary drinks and snacks while boarding as the onboard gallery is unavailable.

Onboard experience

To increase the distance between passengers, seats are being blocked on Red Arrow and Ebus coaches. Additionally, you’ll be required to wear a face mask at all times while you’re on board.

In terms of sanitization, all coaches are being thoroughly cleaned before and after journeys. The service providers are also introducing an industry-leading electrostatic sprayer as part of sanitization between trips.

Route options

As part of the relaunch plan, Ebus is now serving Calgary, Red Deer, and Edmonton six days per week (Sunday to Friday). The Fort McMurray to Edmonton service is operating six days weekly — three days northbound and three days southbound.

Red Arrow will be serving the Calgary Edmonton route and the Calgary Lethbridge route four days per week, with the rest of its routes due to resume service later this year.


During this time of uncertainty, travel plans can change with short notice. To help provide extra flexibility for passengers, Ebus is offering Flex Fares that allow one change per booking.

Meanwhile, Red Arrow’s change and cancellation policy have remained the same. If you need to amend a morning trip with the coach provider, you can do so by giving 30 minutes’ notice, and three hours’ notice for booked afternoon rides.

We all need something to look forward to during this time, and exploring neighbouring cities in Alberta this summer is a safe solution. For more information and to schedule a trip, visit Red Arrow and Ebus now.

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