Calgary Transit is undergoing significant changes, with plans to eliminate all eight of its express routes within the next two years. This decision impacts hundreds of commuters who rely on these services for efficient access to the city’s downtown area.
Express Route Cancellation Details
The last remaining express route, Route 70, which directly connects Valley Ridge to downtown Calgary, will cease operations on December 23, 2023. The remaining seven routes, including 62, 64, 109, 117, 131, 142, and 151, are scheduled for discontinuation between 2026 and 2027.
Impact on Commuters
- Residents like Krystal Tait, who have relied on Route 70 for two decades, face a significant disruption.
- The current commute time from Valley Ridge to Calgary City Hall will nearly double, from 42 minutes to 79 minutes starting December 23.
- After the cancellation, residents will only have access to Route 108, which requires additional transit connections to reach downtown.
Rider Concerns
Commuters have voiced their frustrations regarding this change. Haleh Gerami, another regular rider, expressed that the removal of the express route will complicate their daily commutes and could lead to longer travel times exceeding two hours.
Both Tait and Gerami stress the need for consultation from Calgary Transit. They argue that commuter feedback is essential, particularly since many riders have experienced full buses during peak hours.
Calgary Transit’s Rationale
Calgary Transit cites low ridership as the main reason for discontinuing these routes. Their focus is shifting towards routes that serve areas with higher demand throughout the day. Transit relations specialist Amanda Bradley noted that popular routes can exceed 10,000 daily riders, while the express routes see between 100 and 370 riders daily.
Future Transit Plans
While immediate route enhancements for Valley Ridge are absent, Transit plans quarterly updates based on commuter demand. However, they acknowledge that the timeline for improved services may vary.
Community Response
- A petition opposing the cancellation has over 700 signatures.
- Ward 1 Coun. Kim Tyers emphasizes the need for better communication between Transit and the community.
- The local community seeks to influence the decision-making process regarding transit services.
Funding and Service Expansion
Calgary Transit is set to receive additional funding beginning in 2026, following recent budget approvals. The budget includes fare increases and additional investments for transit operations that could help improve overall service quality.
Despite the funding boosts, riders remain uncertain about the impacts of these changes. As services are restructured, the importance of maintaining essential transit connections to the downtown core will be at the forefront of community concerns moving forward.
