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Calgary Transit
Calgary Transit
Calgary Transit
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Calgary Transit
ParentCity of Calgary Transportation Dept.
Founded1909 in its current form, 1884 to 1894 for the original Calgary Transit system.
Service areaCalgary, Alberta
Service typeBus and light rail
Routes265 (147 regular, 116 school express, 2 LRT)
Stops6,151
Stations45 LRT stations
Fleet1,101 buses
258 light rail vehicles[1]
Daily ridership534,900 (weekdays, Q2 2025)[2]
Annual ridership144,385,200 (2024)[3]
Fuel typeBus: Diesel, Gasoline, CNG
LRT: Electric (600 V DC)
DirectorSharon Fleming
Websitecalgarytransit.com

Calgary Transit is the public transit agency which is owned and operated by the city of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. In 2019, an estimated 106.5 million[4] passengers boarded approximately 1,155 Calgary Transit vehicles.[4] It operates light metro (LRT), urban tramway (in the downtown free-fare zone), bus rapid transit (BRT), para-transit, and regular bus services. In 2024, the system had a ridership of 144,385,200, or about 534,900 per weekday as of the second quarter of 2025.

History

[edit]
This 1947 image shows an older streetcar vehicle passing one of the new electric trolleybuses that replaced all the streetcars.

What would eventually become Calgary Transit began as the Calgary Street Railway [5] on July 5, 1909,[6] with twelve electric streetcars serving what was at the time a city of 30,000.[7][8][9][10][11][12][13] This streetcar service expanded throughout the next thirty years (including the Depression) until 1946, when the company was renamed to Calgary Transit System as electric trolleybus vehicles began replacing the local streetcars. Eventually the electric trolley lines were phased out together — to be replaced by diesel buses. In 1972, CTS assumed its current name of Calgary Transit.

Between the early 1970s and 2000, Calgary Transit had a three tier bus service. Standard bus routes were identified with white bus stop signs. Blue Arrow bus routes, marked by blue signs, provided limited stops, and all day service to suburban neighbourhoods from the city centre. Express service was indicated with red signs and provided extremely limited bus service to the far reaches of the city during peak hours only. These tiers have been slowly phased out, since Calgary Transit began expanding CTrain lines and capacity and implementing BRT service. The last Blue Arrow route was cancelled in December, 2019. Express routes now appear side by side on the same signs as regular routes. MAX routes appear on a separate white and grey sign, while non-MAX BRT lines (routes 300, 301, 302, and 305) appear on red and white signs.

Archaic signs. Left: White sign, for regular routes. Right: Red sign, for express routes
The current styles of bus stop signs in Calgary. Clockwise from top right: CTrain replacement shuttle, MAX BRT, non-MAX BRT, and a regular route sign.

In 2012, Calgary Transit planners presented mayor Naheed Nenshi's council with a tentative 30-year plan 'RouteAhead' to enhance the capacities of Calgary Transit.[14][15]

On December 13, 2012, Craig Hardy, became the one hundred millionth rider of the year. He received free transit for a year and was celebrated by mayor Nenshi.[16]

Calgary Transit Monthly Boardings, 2010 to September 2023.

CTrain light rail system

[edit]
Calgary Light Rail System Map
A CTrain at Crowfoot station
Train in red and white livery arriving at Anderson station
Main article: CTrain

On May 25, 1981, Calgary Transit became one of the first transit systems in North America (behind Edmonton LRT which opened in 1978) to operate a light rail system — the CTrain, on which construction had begun in 1978. The original line (referred to internally as the Red Line, and externally as Route 201) ran from Anderson station (just north of Anderson Road in the south end of the city) to 8th St SW in Downtown Calgary.

On April 27, 1985, a northeastern-bound line (Blue Line/Route 202) was opened, running from 8th St SW to Whitehorn station (just south of the intersection of McKnight Boulevard and 36th Street in the northeastern quadrant of the city), and on September 4, 1987, a northwestern-bound line (C-Line / part of Route 201) was opened in time for the 1988 Winter Olympics, running from downtown to University station (directly east of the University of Calgary campus, between 24th and 32nd Avenue on Crowchild Trail).

On September 3, 1990, a 1 km extension of the northwest line to Brentwood station (south of Brisebois Drive on Crowchild Trail) was opened; on October 9, 2001, two new stations — Canyon Meadows station (north of Canyon Meadows Drive and west of Macleod Trail) and Fish Creek–Lacombe station (south of Bannister Road and west of Macleod Trail) were added to the south line; on December 15, 2003, Dalhousie station (south of 53rd Street in the median of Crowchild Trail) was added to the northwestern line.

On June 28, 2004, two new stations for the south line opened: Shawnessy station (south of a brand new interchange at Macleod Trail and Shawnessy Boulevard) and Somerset–Bridlewood station (south of 162nd Avenue and just north of Shawville Gate).

On December 17, 2007, an extension was made to the Route 202 northeast line (first extension ever on the history of the line) from Whitehorn to the new McKnight–Westwinds station.;

On June 15, 2009, Crowfoot station was added on the northwest line located directly west of Crowfoot Town Centre in the median of Crowchild Trail.

On August 27, 2012, Martindale and Saddletowne stations were added to the northeast line, bringing the total number of stations on this line to 10.[17]

On December 10, 2012, the West LRT opened, with six new stations and Downtown West–Kerby station in downtown.[18][19] Since it is Calgary's newest LRT line in 25 years, it is an extension of Route 202 (Blue Line). After this opening, the CTrain system total length is now 56.2 kilometres (34.9 mi) long.

Future extensions include the North Central line and the Southeast line (together running as the Green Line) running from north of North Pointe Bus Terminal, down Centre Street, through downtown, into the communities of Ogden, Douglasdale and McKenzie in the southeastern portion of the city, finally ending at the South Health Campus in Seton.[20] Phase one of the North Central Line will travel from Eau Claire downtown to Shepard in the SE. This is seen as the most complex portion of the line, requiring tunneling through downtown as well as a large elevated portion. Construction started in 2018 on works to enable future rail construction.[21][22]

On July 18, 2007, Calgary Transit officially unveiled a new red and white livery for its CTrain, articulated buses and every new bus or train coming into the system.

On August 27, 2008, a train en route to the Somerset station collided with a construction crane in between the Dalhousie and Brentwood stations. Six were injured in the accident, including one child.[23]

On February 18, 2009, Calgary Transit celebrated the 1,000,000,000th rider, randomly selecting a passenger, Shelly Xiao during a ceremony at the 1 Street SW CTrain station.[24]

Bus rapid transit and future

[edit]
Articulated bus
Main article: MAX (Calgary)

On August 30, 2004, Calgary Transit opened a bus rapid transit line to operate future CTrain routes (the D-Line and an as-yet unplanned northbound line), using conventional buses until articulated buses entered service on June 25, 2007. The BRT system consisted of a single route, Route 301, serving the northern and western parts of the city. A subsequent route, Route 305, was added in 2008, serving the Bowness and 17th Avenue East corridors. A third route, Route 302, entered service on August 31, 2009, along a proposed southeast LRT corridor.[25]

The BRT is considered to be the successor to the Blue Arrow service introduced to the 1970s: both were a series of limited-stop routes that were to be intended to be replaced by LRT service in the future — however, the Blue Arrow service was never a true BRT (limited stop service, stopping at designated blue bus stop signs, was its only distinctive feature), the modern BRT includes priority at traffic signals, enhanced passenger waiting areas and offers a shorter travel time to the downtown with greater capacity articulated buses. The Blue Arrow name all but disappeared in 2000 in order to unify all bus stops under one common scheme, but certain Blue Arrow routes are still in service to this day. In fact, Route 305 replaces a Blue Arrow route (Route 105).

On September 28, 2009, Council approved the Calgary Transportation Plan (CTP), fulfilling Council's priorities of "a city that moves."[26] The CTP identified over 20 corridors that would serve as the city's future Primary Transit Network.[26] These corridors laid the foundations of Calgary Transit's future BRT network. Preliminary functional studies were undertaken – specifically for 17 Avenue SE (2010)[27] and the Southwest Transitway (2011)[28] – to explore the feasibility of major transit projects for the near future. On January 11, 2011, Council approved the Bus Rapid Transit Network Plan, which outlined 11 BRT projects that the City plans to pursue in the short, medium, and long terms respectively.[29]

Proposed, planned, and under construction transit projects for the future Calgary rapid transit network. Map based on LRT Network Plan (2008), BRT Network Plan (2011), Route Ahead Plan (2013), and other City documents.

These plans included the introduction of 9 new BRT routes: the Airport BRT (short-long term), which would connect the Downtown Core with Calgary International Airport;[29] the Southwest Transitway BRT (short-medium term), which would connect the Downtown Core with Mount Royal University (MRU) and Woodbine;[29] the Southwest Crosstown BRT (short-medium term), which would connect Westbrook Station with MRU and Quarry Park;[29] the North Crosstown BRT (medium term), which would connect Saddletowne Station with 16 Avenue N and the University of Calgary;[29] the 17 Avenue SE Transitway BRT (medium-long term), which would connect the Downtown Core, Inglewood, 17 Avenue SE, towards the East City Limits;[29] the 52 Street E BRT (medium term), which would connect Saddletowne and South Health Campus through the Southeast Industrial Area;[29] the Sage Hill BRT (long term), which would connect Brentwood Station with the Sage Hill Transit Hub using the Shaganappi HOV;[29] the 162 Avenue S BRT (long term), which would connect Somerset-Bridlewood Station with Providence;[29] and the Southeast Crosstown BRT (long term), which would connect Somerset-Bridlewood Station with South Health Campus through Marquis of Lorne Trail.[29] The plans also included enhancements of existing routes 301, 302, and 305.[29]

The Airport BRT was actualised on July 27, 2011, with Route 300.[30] This line was introduced after Calgary's Mayor promised to make the airport more accessible via public transit.[31] On March 12, 2012, BRT service was cut significantly in Calgary. The 302 now runs with shuttle buses during off peak hours and weekends. The 305 does not run on weekends at all. These are both due to low ridership. The Southwest Crosstown BRT was actualised on December 10, 2012, with the Route 306. This route runs from Westbrook Station to Heritage Station, connecting MRU and Rockyview Hospital.

In December 2012, Council approved the RouteAhead Plan, which outlined the major transit projects the city would pursue for the next 30 years.[32] RouteAhead identified the BRT routes Southwest Transitway, North Crosstown, Southwest Crosstown, 17 Avenue SE, 52 Street E, and Sage Hill (called Shaganappi HOV) as the key priorities for the city.[32]

Plans not included in RouteAhead – like the 162 Avenue S BRT and the conversions of Route 300 and the 17 Avenue SE BRT into a LRT – were identified as projects to be conducted beyond the 30-year RouteAhead timeframe.[32] RouteAhead also foreshadowed the plan of a new BRT route: the North Regional Context Study/144 Avenue N BRT (long term), which would connect Tuscany Station with the planned Stoney Station (Blue Line northeast extension), passing through communities north of 144 Avenue North and CrossIron Mills.[33][34]

On November 19, 2018, Calgary's BRT network received an overhaul, and saw the introduction of three new lines. The new lines were incorporated under the MAX branding: MAX Orange (Route 303), connecting Brentwood Station with Saddletowne Station, passing through 16th Avenue N; MAX Teal (Route 306), connecting Westbrook Station with the Douglas Glen Transit Hub, passing through MRU, Rockyview Hospital, Heritage Station, and Deerfoot Meadows; and MAX Purple (Route 307), connecting the Downtown Core with East Hills, along a dedicated transitway along International Avenue (Deerfoot Trail to 52 Street SE).[35] The former route 306 was reincorporated under MAX, and busses are now labelled as "MAX Teal." In order to make the new service unique from existing "BRT" routes, new stops now have heated shelters, real-time information, elevated sidewalks, and security cameras (for MAX Purple). MAX Purple is the first service in Calgary to run on a dedicated transitway.[36] In November 2019, the Southwest MAX line, renamed MAX Yellow, opened to the public. It is the second bus service in Calgary to operate in a dedicated transitway. This route runs from the Downtown Core to Woodbine, passing through MRU and 14 Street SW. As the Currie Barracks area of Calgary develops, the route will eventually be re-routed to serve that area. When a bus equipped with a Luminator Spectrum colour display operates a MAX route, the corresponding colour is displayed alongside the route name.

On September 4, 2023, Calgary Transit eliminated route 305.[37]

Bus routes

[edit]
Further information: List of Calgary Transit bus routes and List of Calgary Transit Bus Terminals

Current service and fleet

[edit]
The NovaBus LFS CNG forms the newest part of the CT fleet, with all units sporting the most updated livery.

Calgary Transit operates 147 regular scheduled bus routes[38] as well as over 150 school express[39] or special routes using over 1,000 vehicles, all of which are low floor and wheelchair accessible, and most of which have bicycle racks.[40][41] Vehicle models used include the 40-foot (12 m) New Flyer D40LF, D40LFR, XD40, XN40, as well as the Nova Bus LFS diesel and LFS CNG. The 60-foot (18 m) articulated bus fleet is composed of the New Flyer D60LFR and XD60. Community Shuttle, which provides scheduled local service with smaller buses, is currently made up of ARBOC Freedom vehicles.

The light rail vehicle (LRV) fleet includes the system's original Siemens–Duewag U2 cars, 110 Siemens SD-160s, and 69 Siemens S200s. Calgary Transit's 72 original style SD160s were delivered in three orders between 2000 and 2007 and have all since been retrofitted with Air Conditioning and the newer red and white livery.[42][43][44] In June 2010, 38 new restyled Siemens SD160s, featuring factory equipped AC and various cosmetic and technical changes over the previous series, began to arrive.[45] In January 2016, the first of 63 Siemens S200 cars began arriving which entered service in July 2016.[46]

The CTrain system along with several mainline bus routes provide the backbone of the system while many feeder bus routes and express services act to complement this backbone service. Service frequency on the CTrain and busier bus routes is typically from 5–30 minutes with operating hours of about 5 am – 2 am. Most feeder bus routes run at 15–45 minute intervals with similar operating hours on most routes and reduced on others. In addition there are many rush hour only services, some are feeder routes and some are express routes, these usually run 10–30 minutes apart.

Fares

[edit]

Calgary Transit currently operates as a single fare zone, with a flat rate fare for all standard service including bus, BRT, and the CTrain. As of January 2024, a single adult fare is $3.70, or $2.50 for youth. Children under 12 can ride for free.[47] Books of 10 tickets are available at par to 10 fares. Monthly passes are also available, with youth passes for $82.00, and adult passes for $115.00. Seniors (65 and over) pay $154.50 for a yearly pass which is valid from July 1 to June 30 of the following year and which entitles them to travel at any time.[48] Occasionally sponsors allow for free travel across the network for one day, such as New Year's Eve 2023 which was funded by Toronto-Dominion Bank.[49] TD also sponsors the Free Fare Zone, where travel between all CTrain stations along 7th avenue downtown is free. In order to transfer from one transit vehicle to another, proof of fare from the CTrain, or a transfer from a bus is required. A transfer or proof of fare is valid for 90 minutes from the time of issue, for any transit service (including stopovers). Fare inspections take place on the CTrain.

In cooperation with many of the post-secondary schools located in the city, a Universal Pass (U-Pass) program is offered to all students, paid as part of their tuition.

Detailed Fare Table:

Fare Type Price[50]
Cash Fare or Adult Single Ticket (Valid for 90 Minutes) $3.70
Youth Cash Fare or Youth Single Ticket (Valid for 90 Minutes) $2.50
Children Under 12 Free
Book of 10 Adult Tickets $37.00
Book of 10 Youth Tickets $25.00
Day Regular Adult Pass $11.60
Day Youth Pass $8.50
Monthly Pass (Adult Regular) $115.00
Youth Monthly Pass $82.00
Monthly Pass (Low-income, sliding scale) $5.60–$56.00[51]
Senior Citizen (65 years & over) Annual Pass (Regular Rate) $154.50
Senior Citizen (65 years & over) Annual Pass, (Reduced Rate) $31.00[52]
UPass – ACAD,[53] Mount Royal,[54] SAIT,[55] St. Mary's[56] $160.00
UPass – University of Calgary (Full-time students only) $160.00[57]

Connect Card

[edit]

The "Connect Card" is the name of Calgary Transit's proposed electronic fare smart-card. After two years of work and after installing smart-card readers on every bus and at all CTrain stations that were supposed to start working in the summer of 2012, Calgary Transit cancelled the deal with its contractor, Spain-headquartered Telvent. The City of Calgary announced on November 8, 2012, that crews will remove the new smart-card machines out of all Calgary Transit 1,000 city buses and 160 LRT pay machines after repeated glitches and delays.[58] About one year later, the City then announced that they would relaunch the initiative, again with Telvent as the provider. In June 2015, the City of Calgary decided to scrap the Connect Card project and attempt to recover costs from Schneider Electric (formerly Telvent).[59]

Following the failure to implement CC, Calgary Transit reported in November 2016 that they were in contact with their counterparts in Vancouver, Edmonton, Salt Lake City and Philadelphia to study how the cities implemented their transit smart card systems.[60]

MyFare App

[edit]

In summer 2020, after a year-long trial, Calgary Transit rolled out its MyFare app for mobile devices, based on Masabi's Justride platform.[61][62] The app, downloadable from normal app stores, allows users to purchase most types of fare media, either via an online account or as guests. Payment is charged to a debit or credit card.

Once activated, the fare media is valid for the period specified in the attached terms and conditions. Users call up the media, then scan the device against a reader on buses; CTrain fare inspectors have portable readers. Many citizens resent the fact that single-ride tickets, if not activated, expire 7 days after purchase date.[63]

Facilities

[edit]

There are six major Calgary Transit facilities to store and maintain the transit fleet, as well as run several operations departments to keep the system running:[64]

  • Spring Gardens Administrative Building/Garage: Conventional and shuttle bus storage, administration, machine shop, body shop, heavy duty diesel mechanical shop, bus operator training, maintenance and equipment training
  • Victoria Park Garage: Articulated and Conventional bus storage, body shop, call centre, heavy duty mechanical shop, bus and rail operations control centre, protective services
  • Anderson Garage: Conventional bus storage, LRV storage, LRV light/heavy duty maintenance, bus/LRV body shop, machine shop, heavy duty diesel mechanical shop, LRV operator training, maintenance and equipment training
  • Haysboro LRV Storage Site: LRV storage
  • Oliver Bowen Maintenance Facility: LRV storage, LRV light/heavy duty maintenance, machine shop
  • Stoney Garage: Conventional CNG bus storage and CNG fueling station.

Public Safety and Enforcement

[edit]
Calgary Transit Public Safety and Enforcement
Common namePS&E (Public Safety & Enforcement Unit)
AbbreviationCT PS&E
Agency overview
Employees140 Officers + management
Jurisdictional structure
Operations jurisdictionCity of Calgary, Canada
Governing bodySolicitor General of Alberta
Operational structure
HeadquartersCalgary, Alberta
Peace Officers140
CiviliansN/A
Elected officer responsible
Agency executive
Website
Official Website

The Calgary Transit Public Safety and Enforcement Section (formerly the Calgary Transit Protective Services) is the enforcement agency for Calgary Transit. Formed in 1981, as special constables under the Police Act of Alberta, special constables had most authorities given to regular police constables. In 2008, the new Peace Officer Act replaced the old police act. Officers were then renamed as "peace officers" under this act and given full peace officer powers in the province of Alberta.

Mandate

[edit]

The main duties of a Calgary Transit peace officer are to protect the public using the system, its employees and its assets. Officers must respond to requests for assistance from customers and employees which include arresting persons found committing criminal offences (indictable or summary conviction) on or in relation to Calgary Transit facilities, vehicles and property.

Other duties includes public education, regular patrols of the transit system, customer relations and issuance of violation tickets.

Officers

[edit]

PS&E peace officers have similar powers of a police officer to enforce federal statutes and various provincial statutes while in the execution of their specifically appointed duties, as they pertain to Calgary Transit property. Officers enforce the Criminal Code of Canada (CCC), the Gaming and Liquor Act of Alberta, the Traffic Safety Act of Alberta (TSA) – non-moving violations, the Provincial Offences and Procedures Act (POPA), Trespass to Premise Act (TPA), the Petty Trespass Act of Alberta and all municipal by-laws for the City of Calgary.[65]

PS&E officers have a Memorandum of Understanding or (MoU) with the Calgary Police Service that gives transit peace officers extended authority to arrest and detain individuals with outstanding warrants and execute these warrants. This extended authority also allows for transport of arrested individuals to the Calgary Court Services Section (CSS) or Calgary Remand Center (CRC).

Currently, the force deploys 140 officers with full peace officers status. All officers are equipped with handcuffs, OC spray, collapsible batons and protective body armour.

A Ford Police Interceptor Utility used by Calgary Transit Peace Officers.

In June 2009, a new mountain bike unit of eight officers was created and deployed. Officers went through an intensive week-long training program through the internationally recognized Law Enforcement Bike Association (LEBA).

PS&E partners with the local municipal police force:Calgary Police Service, in enforcing laws in the Calgary area on transit properties. As with most agencies, PS&E utilizes its own radio service; and a centralized call taking and dispatch centre.

Commuter Rail

[edit]

Calgary Transit briefly experimented with a commuter train in 1996. The service consisted of a single line, running from a platform at 162 Avenue SW (present-day Somerset–Bridlewood station) to Anderson station (then the terminus of the South Line), where commuters could transfer to the CTrain network. Running every 20 minutes during the morning and evening rush hours, the free service carried an average of just over 800 people per day. The city did not lay any new track, but ran the trains on the CPR freight line running alongside the South Line's tracks. Siemens RegioSprinter diesel multiple units were used as the rolling stock.[66] With a top speed of 120 kilometres per hour, the train could cover the roughly 7 kilometres in a matter of minutes. The city ultimately decided not to implement permanent commuter rail. The CTrain system was later extended along the same corridor, with more stations and regular service.

In recent years, transit planners and some politicians have discussed adding commuter service to Airdrie (currently served by express bus routes by Airdrie Transit), Cochrane, Okotoks (none, Okotoks Transit is a local on-demand service), Strathmore (none, only on-demand mobility van service by Handi-Bus) and other nearby cities and towns, but no firm plans have been made.[67]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Calgary Transit

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Calgary Transit is the municipally operated public transportation agency serving the city of , , , delivering safe, accessible, reliable, and courteous transit services that connect residents with key destinations across the region. It encompasses a network of bus routes, the CTrain light rail system, paratransit via Calgary Transit Access, and on-demand services, operating 365 days a year to support a growing urban population. With over 3,000 employees, including operators, maintenance staff, and office personnel, it stands as the City of Calgary's largest public-facing business unit. The system's origins trace back to 1909, when streetcar service launched with 12 vehicles operating along 25.7 kilometers of track to serve a population of about 30,000. Gas-powered buses were introduced in 1932 to reach underserved areas, gradually replacing streetcars by the and electric trolley buses by the early 1970s. In 1972, it formally became Calgary Transit under the city's Transportation Department, introducing express bus services, and the modern era began in 1981 with the opening of the first 10.9-kilometer CTrain line from Anderson Road to downtown. Today, the CTrain consists of two lines—the Red Line (northwest-southeast) and Blue Line (northeast-west)—spanning 59.9 kilometers with 45 stations, while the bus fleet supports over 140 routes. Ridership has shown strong recovery and growth post-pandemic, reaching over 101 million trips in 2024, a 12 percent increase from 2023, with the alone accounting for a significant portion of usage. Calgary Transit emphasizes , with 100 percent of its vehicles equipped for riders with disabilities, and integrates innovative features like the My Fare mobile app for contactless payments and real-time tracking. Looking ahead, the agency is transitioning toward a zero-emission future, including plans to procure 120 new electric buses announced in 2025, with deliveries starting in 2027 and entering service by 2028, and ongoing expansions under the RouteAhead 30-year strategic plan to enhance frequency, coverage, and integration with regional transit.

Overview

Service Area and Coverage

Calgary Transit operates as the primary public transportation provider within the City of , , , delivering transit (LRT) and bus services that connect the downtown core, expansive suburban areas, and key destinations including the . The network spans the urban footprint of , a city covering approximately 825 square kilometers, ensuring accessibility to residential, commercial, and educational hubs across its quadrants. The system's coverage encompasses two LRT lines—the Red Line serving northwest and south corridors, and the Blue Line covering northeast and west routes—alongside an extensive bus network of about 265 routes, including 148 regular bus routes and 114 school express routes. These services radiate from major transit centers like downtown terminals and park-and-ride facilities, providing reliable links to suburbs such as those in the northwest (e.g., ) and southeast (e.g., Seton), as well as ongoing expansions into developing peripheral neighborhoods via on-demand and dedicated bus options. Calgary Transit's operations integrate with select regional amenities, notably through dedicated airport shuttle routes like MAX Orange (Route 300) and Route 100, which provide direct connections from the downtown core and northeast terminals to (YYC), supporting seamless transfers for passengers without extending to inter-city rail services. Calgary Transit CTrain and buses operate approximately from 5 AM to 1:30 AM on weekdays and Saturdays, and from 8 AM to 11:30 PM on Sundays and holidays, with no overnight service; adjustments apply for peak demand, holidays, and special events.

Ridership and Performance

Calgary Transit's ridership in 2024 totaled over 101 million trips, representing a 12 percent increase from 90 million trips the previous year and approaching 85 percent of pre-pandemic levels from 2019. This growth reflects sustained recovery and investments in service frequency, particularly on the Primary Transit Network, with ridership surpassing 2019 figures. Ridership patterns show distinct peaks during morning and evening rush hours from 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m., when demand surges due to commuter travel, with service operating every 3 to 5 minutes to accommodate higher volumes. Usage also spikes during major events such as the , prompting temporary enhancements like additional two-car trains to handle crowds exceeding average loads. Off-peak periods see more moderate demand, supporting efficient resource allocation across bus and rail services. Performance metrics emphasize reliability, with Calgary Transit targeting 90 percent on-time performance system-wide through ongoing improvements in scheduling and . Following the fall 2025 service changes effective September 1, which introduced MAX branding for Route 301 and expanded fixed-route options in areas like Livingston, service reliability has been bolstered by adjusted frequencies and new on-demand integrations, contributing to smoother operations amid growing demand. Economically, Calgary Transit supports reduced and by shifting riders from personal vehicles, providing broader societal benefits that extend to non-users through lower road maintenance needs and improved air quality. In 2024, the system achieved a slight reduction in operating cost per trip via strategic investments, though city funding remains critical to sustain affordability and expansion amid rising expenses.

History

Early Streetcar Era

Public transit in Calgary originated in the late , coinciding with the city's incorporation as a town in and as a city in , though formal organized services emerged later. The electric streetcar system, operated by the Calgary Municipal Railway, was established in , marking the beginning of electrified public transportation in the city. The initial network featured 12 streetcars running on 25.7 km of track, connecting downtown areas to key destinations such as the Exhibition Grounds and serving a population of approximately 30,000 residents. During the and , the system expanded significantly to meet growing urban demand, with routes extending to neighborhoods like Bowness, Ogden, and Elbow Park, and incorporating up to 80 streetcars at its peak operation. By the mid-20th century, the network had developed into 13 lines, facilitating access to residential and industrial areas while supporting the city's economic boom driven by and . The rise of automobiles in the post-World War II era contributed to declining streetcar ridership, as personal vehicle ownership increased and road infrastructure prioritized cars over rail. This led to the gradual abandonment of the streetcar system, with the final streetcar service ending on , 1950. As streetcars were phased out, Calgary transitioned to alternative modes, introducing trolleybuses in 1947 to maintain electric service on select routes. Gas-powered buses were introduced in 1932 to serve areas not reached by streetcars. The system fully shifted to diesel buses in the late and early for greater flexibility and cost efficiency. In 1946, the operator was renamed the Calgary Transit System to reflect this evolving multimodal approach.

Post-War Expansion and Modernization

Following the end of , Calgary experienced rapid population growth, increasing from approximately 130,000 in 1950 to nearly 500,000 by 1975, which necessitated significant expansion of the transit system to accommodate suburban development. The bus and trolley networks were extended to serve emerging neighborhoods, with fleet sizes growing to handle rising demand from . By the late 1960s and early 1970s, trolley buses were phased out in favor of diesel buses, which offered greater economic efficiency and routing flexibility to better align with the city's expanding layout. Planning for a modern transit (LRT) system began in the 1970s amid ongoing bus network enhancements, including the introduction of the Blue Arrow express bus service in 1972 to provide faster connections along future LRT corridors. Construction of the initial line commenced in 1978, reflecting a strategic shift toward rail-based to support the city's booming economy and . The first 10.9 km south line, running from Anderson Road to 7th Avenue S.W., opened on May 25, 1981, marking the revival of rail service after decades of bus dominance and immediately boosting transit capacity for daily commuters. Subsequent expansions solidified the CTrain as a cornerstone of Calgary's transit infrastructure. The northeast line, spanning 9.8 km to Whitehorn station, opened on April 27, 1985, sharing a downtown segment with the south line to enhance connectivity across quadrants. This was followed by the northwest line in 1987, extending service to the area in preparation for the , which further accelerated ridership and system integration. In the 2000s, Calgary Transit pursued route optimizations through measures like traffic signal priority for buses at key intersections starting in 2000 and the implementation of high-occupancy vehicle lanes on major arterials, improving efficiency and speed on express services as precursors to full . The launch of the MAX (BRT) network in November 2018 represented a major modernization milestone, with initial lines—MAX Orange, , and —introducing dedicated infrastructure, high-frequency service, and enhanced amenities to connect high-demand corridors like 32nd Avenue N.E. and Crowchild Trail. These routes complemented the by providing cost-effective rapid service to underserved suburbs, contributing to ridership growth following its launch. Not all initiatives succeeded, as demonstrated by a 1996 pilot using a RegioSprinter for service from Anderson station to a temporary platform at 162 Avenue S.W., which operated briefly during the summer before being discontinued.

Light Rail Operations

CTrain System

The is Calgary Transit's network, comprising the Red Line and Blue Line that together span approximately 60 km of track and include 45 stations. The Red Line runs northwest-southeast from to Somerset-Bridlewood, while the Blue Line operates west-northeast from 69 Street SW to Saddletowne, with both converging in for efficient cross-town connectivity. This configuration serves a significant portion of the city's commuters, with approximately 34% of downtown workers using transit in 2023, primarily via the system. Operations feature SD160 low-floor vehicles, with a total capacity of up to 200 passengers per car, including ~60 seats, and support formations of three to four cars during peak demand (detailed further in the Vehicle Fleet Composition section). Trains run at frequencies of every 7 minutes during rush hours and 10 minutes off-peak as of 2025, facilitated by an system that ensures safe spacing and efficient movement along the routes. Key stations such as City Hall/3 Street SW and 7th Street SW offer direct access to major employment hubs, retail areas, and cultural sites in the core, with platform designs optimized for quick boarding and alighting. All 45 stations incorporate full features, including elevators, ramps, and for visually impaired users, enabling seamless travel for passengers with disabilities. The network handles approximately 279,000 weekday boardings as of Q2 2025, underscoring its role as a high-capacity backbone for urban mobility. Recent enhancements, such as the Sunnyside Station pedestrian upgrades—including new safety gates and improved crossings—were completed on July 27, 2025, to better accommodate growing foot traffic and enhance user safety. Looking ahead, the forthcoming Green Line will integrate with the existing and to expand coverage (detailed in the Green Line Development section).

Green Line Development

The Green Line LRT project represents 's most ambitious expansion of the network, aimed at providing a north-south corridor to alleviate congestion in high-density areas. Phase 1 focuses on the southeast segment, spanning 16 km of twin track with 10 stations from Shepard station to the Event Centre/Grand Central Station in . This segment will connect residential communities, employment centers, and health facilities, including integration with the existing system at the Event Centre station. The full envisioned Green Line extends 46 km from Seton in the southeast to 160 Avenue N in the north, with the north central leg from northward currently in planning stages. Planning for the Green Line began in the early 2010s, with formal approval of Phase 1 in 2020 following federal and provincial funding commitments. Construction on the southeast segment commenced in spring 2025, with a groundbreaking ceremony held on June 26, 2025, and is projected to take six years for completion in 2031. The total cost for Phase 1 has been estimated at $6.25 billion, funded by contributions from the City of (~$3.2 billion), the ($1.53 billion), and the ($1.53 billion). Key features include 28 low-floor Urbos 100 light rail vehicles capable of carrying up to 288 passengers each, six LRT bridges, a new maintenance and storage facility, and three park-and-ride lots to enhance accessibility and reliability. The project has faced significant challenges, including delays stemming from 2021 funding disputes when the provincial government paused its contributions pending a review, halting and extending timelines by over a year. Further complications arose in 2024 amid cost escalations and scope revisions, leading to the prioritization of the southeast segment over the portion, which remains in functional planning with a for elevated tracks. Environmental assessments, including testing and impact mitigation studies, were completed in 2024 to address , , and concerns along the alignment. These hurdles have been mitigated through revised contracts and additional federal support secured in early 2025, ensuring progress on the core southeast build.

Bus Services

Route Network

Calgary Transit's bus route network is organized into distinct categories to provide comprehensive coverage across the city, excluding operations. Regular routes, numbered in the 1–199 series, form the core of the system and offer all-day local service with stops spaced approximately 250–400 meters apart. These include both primary network routes, which operate at high frequencies of 10 minutes or better for 15 or more hours daily along key corridors connecting major destinations like and hospitals, and base network routes that provide broader community coverage with service every 30 minutes or better on weekdays. As of 2025, the system includes approximately 166 bus routes in total, encompassing regular, express, and special services. Express routes, typically numbered in the 200 series and above, focus on peak-period travel with limited stops spaced 800–1,500 meters apart to expedite trips to or other hubs. Specialized school routes, designated in the 400–900 series, operate seasonally to serve student demand, often as express services, and are prioritized after regular route investments to maximize efficiency for broader ridership. Examples of regular routes include Route 1, which connects Bowness and Forest Lawn via , and Route 99, serving the and Oakridge areas near Heritage. Bus rapid transit (BRT) and MAX routes fall under the 300 series, such as Route 300 to the airport, but are treated as premium subsets within the broader network. The network follows a hub-and-spoke design centered on , with many routes radiating to residential communities and feeding into stations for seamless transfers. This structure emphasizes direct routing on major corridors for the primary network while using base routes to fill coverage gaps without excessive deviations. Service types vary by demand, including peak-only expresses for commuters and all-day locals for general access. Seasonal adjustments occur regularly; for instance, the summer 2025 changes discontinued low-use Route 69, while fall 2025 introduced new routes like 137 (Livingston to North Pointe Terminal) and 63 (Alpine Park to Fish Creek-Lacombe Station) to enhance connectivity. These modifications are informed by ongoing performance reviews to balance efficiency and rider needs.

Bus Rapid Transit Initiatives

Calgary Transit's MAX (BRT) network, branded as MAX, was launched on November 19, 2018, initially comprising three lines: MAX Orange, MAX Teal, and MAX Purple, to provide enhanced service with fewer transfers and better connections to major destinations including stations and other bus routes. The system expanded with the addition of MAX Yellow on December 23, 2019, serving southwest from to Woodpark via and Rockyview Hospital. In September 2025, MAX Green was introduced, rebranding and integrating the former Route 301 BRT North as a fifth line from North Pointe to along Centre North and Harvest Hills Boulevard, further extending rapid transit coverage to north-central . The MAX network features dedicated bus lanes where feasible, transit signal priority to minimize delays at intersections, and queue jumps allowing buses to bypass stopped traffic, all contributing to improved reliability and speed compared to standard bus routes. Infrastructure enhancements include larger platforms, heated shelters, real-time passenger information displays, improved lighting, and at key stops, designed to enhance passenger comfort and . Fares are collected on-board consistent with the broader Calgary Transit system, though select high-volume corridors like the North Central BRT explore opportunities for off-board payment to further reduce dwell times. Among the lines, MAX Orange exemplifies the system's crosstown focus, spanning approximately 20 km from Brentwood LRT Station in the northwest to Saddletowne LRT Station in the northeast, connecting residential communities, commercial areas, and employment hubs while incorporating mixed-traffic segments with priority measures for efficient operation. Other routes include MAX Purple from East Hills to along 17 Avenue SE, MAX Teal from Westbrook to Douglas Glen serving south , and MAX Yellow linking southwest destinations to . These limited-stop services operate at high frequencies, typically every 10-15 minutes during peak hours, reducing overall travel times through fewer stops and optimized . As part of Calgary Transit's RouteAhead 30-year strategic plan, MAX expansions are targeted through 2030 to support , including further infrastructure upgrades like additional dedicated lanes and station enhancements on existing corridors, alongside integration with the evolving bus fleet. With procurement awarded in 2025, the network will incorporate 120 battery-electric buses as part of a broader fleet transition to zero-emission vehicles, with deliveries beginning in 2027 and initial deployments planned to align with high-demand routes like MAX lines for sustainable operations. This initiative aims to serve a growing share of bus ridership—estimated at significant portions of corridor demand—while enhancing environmental performance and service reliability.

Fleet and Infrastructure

Vehicle Fleet Composition

Calgary Transit's bus fleet consists of approximately 1,170 vehicles, encompassing standard 40-foot buses, 60-foot articulated buses for high-demand routes, and smaller shuttles. The majority of these buses are low-floor models designed for improved , with all active vehicles equipped with wheelchair ramps or lifts to accommodate passengers with mobility needs. Passenger capacities typically range from 40 to 60 individuals, depending on the model, allowing for efficient service across the city's extensive route network. The fleet includes a mix of diesel, (CNG), and gasoline-powered buses, with a transition underway toward zero-emission options. In October 2024, Transit issued a request for proposals for up to 180 zero-emission 40-foot battery-electric buses (BEBs) to align with the city's emissions reduction goals under the Calgary Climate Strategy. This effort culminated in an August 2025 contract for 120 LFSe+ electric models, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027 and full integration by 2028, replacing older diesel vehicles. The transit (LRT) fleet comprises 217 vehicles, predominantly high-floor models manufactured by . This includes approximately 110 SD160 cars delivered between 2001 and 2010, 69 S200 cars introduced starting in 2016, and a diminishing number of original U2 cars from the that are being phased out. These vehicles operate on the and , with capacities supporting up to 200 passengers each during peak service. An additional 15 S200 cars are on order for delivery in 2025 to expand capacity and replace aging U2 units. For the upcoming Green Line, 28 low-floor Urbos 100 vehicles from CAF have been ordered, marking the first such models in the fleet; manufacturing began in 2025, with arrivals expected from 2027 onward.

Maintenance Facilities

Calgary Transit's maintenance facilities provide essential infrastructure for the storage, inspection, repair, and operational readiness of its and bus fleets, ensuring system reliability across the city. These sites include dedicated yards for vehicles (LRVs) and garages for buses, with operations typically running 24 hours a day to support continuous service demands. The facilities are strategically located to minimize downtime and facilitate efficient fleet turnover. The Anderson Garage, situated in southwest near Anderson LRT Station, serves as a primary hub for both bus and LRV maintenance and storage. It handles light and heavy-duty repairs for a significant portion of the LRT fleet, supporting the south leg of the Red Line. Recent infrastructure enhancements at Anderson have prepared it for increased capacity in anticipation of Green Line LRT integration, aligning with ongoing system expansions. In the northeast, the Oliver Bowen Maintenance Facility at 3910 54 Avenue NE specializes in LRV operations, offering indoor storage for up to 60 vehicles and 24/7 maintenance services. Designed to accommodate four-car train configurations, it supports the Blue Line and includes specialized repair bays for electrical and mechanical systems. The Haysboro Storage Facility, located near Heritage Station in the south, focuses on LRV storage with an expanded capacity of 76 vehicles total, including 58 indoors following upgrades to support longer four-car trains. These improvements, completed in recent years, enhance storage efficiency and prepare the site for future demands from projects like the Green Line. Bus storage and maintenance occur at multiple garages, including the Haysboro-adjacent site for overflow and dedicated facilities like the Stoney CNG Bus Garage in the northeast, which houses over 424 buses with on-site compressed natural gas fueling and 36 maintenance bays. Other key bus sites include Spring Gardens and Victoria Park garages, contributing to a network of six major facilities overall. Fueling infrastructure at these locations is evolving, with electric charging stations installed at Spring Gardens to support the transition toward zero-emission buses, targeting substantial emissions reductions by 2030. The Calgary Transit Access paratransit service maintains its specialized accessible vehicles at integrated depots within the broader network, with administrative operations at the Westbrook Transit Facility to ensure tailored support for riders with disabilities.

Fares and Ticketing

Fare Structure and Pricing

Calgary Transit's fare structure is designed to provide accessible options for single trips, multiple rides, and unlimited travel periods, with pricing tiers that accommodate different user groups including adults, youth, seniors, and low-income individuals. Single cash fares, valid for 90 minutes of travel with unlimited transfers across buses and CTrains, are set at $3.80 for adults (ages 18 and older) and seniors (ages 65 and older), $2.55 for youth (ages 13-17 or full-time high school students up to age 21), and free for children 12 and under. Tickets purchased in books of 10 offer the same per-ride value as cash fares—$38.00 for adults and seniors ($3.80 each) and $25.50 for youth ($2.55 each)—and are valid for the same 90-minute window. For frequent riders, monthly passes provide unlimited access for a calendar month at $118.00 for adults and seniors or $86.00 for , offering significant savings over daily single fares for regular commuters. Students at Calgary's post-secondary institutions can access the U-Pass program, which delivers unlimited transit for a four-month semester at reduced rates negotiated per school; for example, the and SAIT charge approximately $170 per term in 2025, while sets fall 2025 at $170 and winter 2026 at $175. Seniors benefit from annual passes at $159.00 for regular use or $32.00 for low-income eligibility, prorated based on purchase date. Day passes, valid until end of service, cost $11.95 for adults and seniors or $8.75 for . The system includes equity-focused adjustments through the Fair Entry program, which subsidizes low-income riders via a sliding-scale monthly pass priced at $5.90, $41.30, or $59.00 depending on household income bands, with eligibility determined annually. Effective January 1, 2025, most fares increased by about 10 cents per ride or equivalent to address rising operational costs, including a rise in the adult monthly pass from $115 to $118 and youth single fare from $2.50 to $2.55, though no further increases are planned for the year. Children 12 and under ride free at all times, and certain groups like low-income seniors receive enhanced subsidies to promote affordability. Fare revenue constitutes approximately 36-40% of Calgary Transit's operating budget, with the remainder subsidized by the City of through property taxes and other municipal funds to support service delivery and expansions. This model balances user contributions with public investment, ensuring broad while covering essential costs like fleet maintenance and route operations.

Payment Systems and Passes

Calgary Transit offers several methods for purchasing and validating fares, emphasizing accessibility through , tickets, and digital options. Passengers can pay fares directly on buses by depositing exact change into the farebox, as drivers do not provide change or accept bills larger than the fare amount. This method provides a 90-minute transfer validity for connecting rides on buses or . Alternatively, tickets, equivalent to fares, can be purchased in advance from authorized vendors or at ticket vending machines located at stations; these machines accept coins, credit cards, and debit cards, allowing for same-day use after validation at onboard readers or platform validators. For longer-term travel, Calgary Transit provides reloadable passes such as monthly and day passes, which can be bought through the online eStore, the My Fare mobile app, or vending machines, and are validated similarly to tickets for . These passes enable unlimited rides within their validity period on Calgary Transit services. The U-Pass program partners with post-secondary institutions including the , SAIT Polytechnic, , Alberta University of the Arts, , and St. Mary's University, offering eligible full-time students a digital pass loaded directly onto the My Fare app for seamless access during academic terms. In 2025, digital validation for U-Pass and other mobile tickets was enhanced with a pilot requiring users to scan their app-generated at platform validators before boarding , effective July 16, to improve fare compliance while maintaining 90-minute transfer rules across modes. Payment systems integrate with select regional services operated by Calgary Transit, such as the () to Airdrie and the MAX Purple extension to , where standard monthly passes and tickets are accepted for travel. However, services like On-It Regional Transit require separate tickets or passes due to distinct structures. Contactless credit or tapping for direct at validators is not yet available, with current systems relying on pre-purchased media or exact cash.

Technology and Customer Tools

Digital Ticketing and Apps

Calgary Transit's primary digital ticketing solution is the MyFare app, launched on July 1, 2020, in partnership with Masabi to enable mobile purchases of single-ride tickets, day passes, and monthly passes directly through smartphones. The app supports contactless validation via onboard bus readers and, as of July 16, 2025, requires users to activate mobile tickets at platform validators before boarding to enhance fare enforcement and reduce evasion. Following the July 2025 fare validation requirement for mobile tickets, Transit reported the process as successful by August 2025, with increased compliance. An online portal extension, introduced in March 2021, allows pass purchases through a web-based customer account linked to a City of myID, facilitating seamless integration for low-income and senior fare options. Complementing MyFare, the official Transit app, released on June 28, 2022, serves as the core tool for trip planning and real-time tracking across Calgary's bus and CTrain network. It provides multi-modal route options, incorporating public transit with micromobility services like e-scooters and e-bikes from providers such as Neuron and Bird, alongside carshare integrations and crowd-sourced delay data for accurate estimated times of arrival (ETAs). Users can access step-by-step navigation, live vehicle positions on maps, and service alerts, with monthly pass purchases added in September 2023 for myID holders. The Calgary Transit website's built-in trip planner mirrors these capabilities, offering real-time, multi-modal searches via a simple interface for desktop and mobile users without requiring app downloads. Key features across these tools include push notifications for service disruptions and seasonal updates, such as the September 1, 2025, fall changes introducing MAX Green rapid transit branding and route adjustments for improved north-central connectivity. The September 2025 fall service changes were implemented as planned to improve connectivity. The Transit app delivers alerts on delays, stop closures, and construction impacts, including ongoing Green Line LRT developments with southeast project updates starting spring 2025. For accessibility, the app supports voice guidance through compatibility with screen readers like VoiceOver and TalkBack, providing audio directions and stop announcements for visually impaired users. Adoption of digital tools has grown steadily since launch, with MyFare downloads exceeding initial expectations by late 2020 and continued expansion through validator deployments exceeding 1,000 units by 2023. Data handling in both apps adheres to Alberta's and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP), ensuring user information is collected only for service delivery and protected against unauthorized access.

Accessibility and Rider Support

Calgary Transit Access (CTA) provides specialized door-to-door services for eligible riders who are unable to use conventional buses or CTrains due to physical or cognitive disabilities. Eligibility is determined through an application process involving an in-person functional assessment interview, with services including shared-ride trips bookable up to seven days in advance via phone, online portal, or compatible with Apple and Android devices. In 2024, CTA accommodated 1.13 million trips, reflecting an 11% increase from the previous year and a 20% rise in applications since 2021. The service operates with a dedicated fleet, including 27 new vehicles added in 2024 and 67 community shuttles scheduled for delivery in 2025–2026 to support expanded on-demand options. All Calgary Transit stations and vehicles incorporate accessibility features to accommodate diverse mobility needs. The 45 CTrain stations are fully accessible via elevators, ramps, or ground-level platforms, with clear signage marking accessible entrances and exits. Buses and CTrains feature low-floor designs, deployable ramps, priority seating areas for riders with disabilities or mobility aids, and audible announcements for stops and alerts to assist visually impaired passengers. The entire fixed-route fleet, including low-floor buses on all 155 routes, has been 100% accessible since the retirement of high-floor buses in 2014. Rider support services ensure inclusive experiences for all users. Lost and found items can be reported and claimed through an online service request form or by contacting the center at 403-262-1000, with items held for up to 30 days. The hotline provides trip planning assistance, service inquiries, and accommodations, available daily from 6 a.m. to midnight. Additional programs include one-on-one travel training for seniors and individuals with disabilities, offered year-round in 3–5 sessions, and the annual Get on Board Summer Camp, a two-day program for youth aged 15–21 with disabilities to build transit confidence. Resources such as handbooks and guides are available in multiple formats, including digital versions for easier access. In 2025, Calgary Transit advanced its accessibility commitments through the ongoing development of the Calgary Transit Accessibility Strategy, with finalization and launch expected in early 2026. The May 2025 Service Guidelines introduced enhanced operator training on etiquette and interaction protocols to better support riders with diverse needs. These efforts align with ongoing station upgrades, such as the rebuilt Victoria Park/Stampede station featuring improved and accessibility elements.

Safety and Enforcement

Public Safety Mandate

Calgary Transit's public safety mandate focuses on providing a safe and secure transit environment for all users by addressing social disorder, crime, and unsafe behaviors across its network. This responsibility is primarily governed by the City of 's Transit Bylaw 4M81, which empowers transit peace officers to enforce rules related to fare payment, conduct on vehicles, and prohibited activities, with amendments in October 2024 enhancing tools to address disruptive behaviors such as , , threats, and tampering with fares. The mandate aligns with broader municipal goals outlined in the Municipal Development Plan and the RouteAhead long-term transit strategy, emphasizing proactive measures to prevent incidents and support vulnerable riders. Key duties under this mandate include crime prevention through visible patrols and , emergency response to incidents, and control of to maintain system integrity. Transit peace officers and security personnel provide 24/7 coverage on buses, CTrains, stations, and facilities, with goals for rapid response times of 7-10 minutes to emergencies. For instance, proactive enforcement deters via on-board checks and summons issuance, while partnerships enable coordinated interventions for . The mandate involves close collaboration with the (CPS) for major incidents, including joint patrols and an integrated response model where CPS handles criminal investigations beyond bylaw violations. This partnership extends to community organizations like Alpha House Society for to at-risk individuals, with over 5,800 interactions recorded in 2024-25 to connect riders to support services. An agreement with CPS also allows transit officers to process certain arrests independently. In 2025, safety enhancements under the mandate include the completion of Sunnyside LRT station upgrades on July 27, featuring new gates, platform railings, and improvements to bolster safety at high-traffic areas. These changes support the overall mandate by integrating principles for , such as better lighting and barriers at crossings. Additionally, council approved $15 million on May 27, 2025, for bus operator protection measures, further aligning with the strategy's focus on system-wide security.

Officer Roles and Training

Calgary Transit employs approximately 140 Transit Peace Officers as of 2024, making it the largest such force in , with these uniformed personnel authorized under the Peace Officer Act to enforce municipal bylaws, provincial statutes, and limited provisions on transit property. Their enforcement powers include issuing violation tickets, such as the $250 specified penalty for within restricted fare areas. Transit Peace Officers perform a range of duties focused on maintaining order and safety, including patrolling CTrains, buses, and LRT stations; conducting fare inspections; investigating complaints and security incidents; providing and emergency assistance to riders; and supporting evacuations when necessary. They operate 24/7 from decentralized hubs, with approximately 45 officers deployed per shift to enhance visibility across the network. Officers are equipped with radios for communication and coordination with , and they undergo training that authorizes limited use of force tools like batons for self-defense and . New Transit Peace Officer recruits complete a rigorous training program through Calgary's Community Peace Officer Induction Program (CPOIP), which includes an initial in-classroom phase covering legal authorities, techniques, and CPR certification, bylaw enforcement, and transit-specific operations. This is followed by a 12-week field coaching phase pairing recruits with experienced officers to apply skills in real-world scenarios. All officers must meet physical fitness standards, such as the Physical Ability Requirement Evaluation (PARE) and Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police (APREP), prior to appointment. Annual recertification ensures ongoing proficiency in use-of-force, firearms familiarization (where designated), and emergency response protocols. The visible presence of Transit Peace Officers has contributed to improved safety outcomes, with reported security incidents on the system dropping 17 percent in recent years alongside rising perceptions of safety—72 percent of riders felt on CTrains during the day in early 2024, up from 67 percent the prior year. In 2025, continued recruitment, including 14 new graduates in July, has sustained these gains by increasing patrol coverage and proactive interventions.

Future Plans

Network Expansions

Calgary Transit's network expansions are guided by the 2023 RouteAhead strategic plan, which outlines multi-modal growth to accommodate the city's projected population increase from 1.49 million in 2024 to 2 million over the next few decades. This plan emphasizes extending (BRT) corridors, adding new bus routes, and exploring LRT extensions to enhance connectivity and capacity in growing areas. Key BRT expansions include the MAX East Extension, which will upgrade the existing transitway along 17 Avenue SE from 54 Street SE to 116 Street SE, reaching the border with dedicated bus lanes and signal priority for faster, more reliable service. Detailed for the initial segment from 54 Street SE to 84 Street SE is set to begin in 2026 following public engagement and procurement. In the northwest, the 144 Avenue North BRT functional planning study is evaluating route options for a new corridor connecting to the Symons Valley Transit Terminal, with buses sharing roadways but benefiting from priority treatments to serve expanding northern communities. The bus network will see broader enhancements under RouteAhead, focusing on high-frequency services and new corridors to support urban growth, including potential direct connections as part of integrated regional transit improvements. These expansions aim to provide reliable access to key destinations like , complementing ongoing studies for rail options that link existing LRT lines. Beyond the Green Line, LRT expansions include potential extensions to the Blue Line, with future network plans showing a westward reach to 85 Street SW, serving areas near through stations like West/Kerby and improved circulator routes. This would enhance access to high-density western communities and medical facilities, aligning with goals. Funding for these expansions is embedded in the city's long-term capital strategy, with the original RouteAhead framework from 2012 projecting $12.9 billion in investments by 2040 to address population-driven demand, a commitment updated in the 2023 plan to prioritize and sustainable growth. These investments tie directly to accommodating Calgary's expansion to 2 million residents, focusing on high-frequency primary transit networks and activity centres.

Sustainability and Service Enhancements

Calgary Transit has committed to reducing its environmental footprint through a transition to low- and zero-emission vehicles, aligning with the City of 's broader Climate Strategy. The agency is procuring 120 battery-electric buses to replace aging diesel models, with deliveries beginning in 2027 and full deployment by 2028, supporting corporate emission reduction targets. This initiative is projected to lower fleet by approximately 8,500 tonnes of CO2 annually once complete. Additionally, Calgary Transit incorporates measures, including solar-powered lighting at transit shelters and considerations for rooftop solar panels at maintenance garages to offset facility energy needs. These efforts contribute to the overarching goal of net-zero operations by 2050, as outlined in the Calgary Climate Strategy – Pathways to 2050, which integrates transit planning with city-wide emission reductions of 60% below 2005 levels by 2030. Service enhancements focus on improving reliability and , guided by the May 2025 Service Guidelines, which prioritize frequency-oriented networks with buses distributed on fewer routes for faster travel times and more frequent service. Recent implementations include increasing frequencies to every 10 minutes for at least 15 hours daily across the Red and Blue Lines, seven days a week, to better meet rider demand. Technological upgrades support these goals through real-time data analytics via General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) feeds, enabling demand-responsive On-Demand services that dynamically adjust routes in low-density areas for efficient coverage. Bike integration is facilitated by front-mounted racks on full-size buses, accommodating up to two bicycles per vehicle, with educational "Ride Ready Stations" at key locations to promote confident multimodal use.

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