Calgary could consider extending transit fare time, improving real-time train info

The city’s executive committee has unanimously endorsed a motion to explore more than a dozen possible changes to transit service in Calgary.

Some of the suggestions to be considered include extending a valid fare time from 90 minutes to 120 minutes, improving CTrain location and arrival times on apps such as Google Maps and the city’s Transit app and better signage and maps at stations and bus stops.

Officials will also be asked to look into whether transit fares could be included in tickets for concerts and sporting events.

“We talk about making life better for Calgarians every day. I think this is one of those examples to help give us the solutions, and we can work towards implementation,” said Kourtney Penner, city councillor for Ward 11.

The proposed changes may seem small, councillors say, but they could make the transit experience that much more enjoyable.

The proposed changes would be in addition to programs aimed at boosting safety on transit and at stations.

Multiple announcements over the past two years put more than $15 million in annual funding towards adding more peace officers at stations and creating safety hubs near stations where Calgary police officers work out of.

Transit ridership has slowly recovered since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic five years ago, with the city logging about 100 million trips on trains and buses in 2024.

“We’ve come a long way since COVID to get people back on the train, and so anything that will help make them feel like transit’s going to be there and reliable and safe is important,” said Sonya Sharp, city councillor for Ward 1.

“Now, saying that, when there’s a cost to things, what is the return on that investment? Are these things that are going to be beneficial to our riders? And, you know, we have spent a lot of money on transit.”

If passed by council, city administration will start looking into the possible changes and report back in May.