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City Bus in 2025. (Image Credit: File Photo/CHAT News)
TRANSIT

City of Medicine Hat to offer transit services on three statutory holidays during pilot project

Jan 22, 2026 | 11:11 AM

Those who utilize public transit in Medicine Hat will be able to continue to do so during three statutory holidays in 2026.

The City of Medicine Hat has introduced a pilot project that will provide transit service on some holidays, starting with Family Day on Monday, Feb. 16.

The City said that the pilot project will assess ridership levels and the benefits of providing service on statutory holidays.

The pilot is made possible through funding previously approved in the 2025-26 budget.

It was initiated in response to rider requests for statutory holiday service, according to the City.

The pilot project will help determine whether the usage supports the financial commitment required.

City of Medicine Hat Manager of Transit Services Gordon Dykstra said this initiative highlights Medicine Hat Transit’s commitment to maximizing the value and quality of the service provided, while also being fiscally responsible.

“Having played a key role in launching this pilot through their feedback, riders now have the opportunity to influence the long-term approach to statutory holiday transit service through their usage,” Dykstra said.

The 2025 survey had overwhelming support for Family Day and Canada Day on July 1, the first two days the pilot project will be offered.

The City stated that the third and final statutory holiday will be based on use over the first two days, including the usage patterns of riders taking advantage of holiday service.

There will be three days that the City will consider for the final statutory holiday in the pilot.

These include National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Wednesday, Sept. 30, Remembrance Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11, and Boxing Day on Saturday, Dec. 26.

Medicine Hat Transit will offer its Sunday service hours, 8:15 a.m. to 7:15 p.m., on the three statutory holidays included in the pilot.

Dedicated on-demand or adaptive transit services will not be included within this pilot project.

However, the City stated that standard transit buses are wheelchair friendly and able to accommodate those with accessibility needs.

The results of the pilot project will help Medicine Hat Transit better understand community service needs for statutory holiday service moving forward.