Calgary city council to debate how to improve passengers’ transit experience

Calgary City Council Endorses Motion to Enhance Transit Experience for Passengers

The Calgary city council will soon debate a series of proposed changes designed to improve the experience of passengers using Calgary Transit. This comes after the city’s executive committee unanimously endorsed a motion tabled by Ward 3 Coun. Jasmine Mian on Tuesday. The motion includes 15 service improvements aimed at addressing common issues raised by transit users, with the goal of making the system more convenient, reliable, and user-friendly. These changes are intended to complement ongoing efforts to boost safety and increase service frequency across the transit network.

Key Proposed Changes to Calgary Transit

The motion introduced by Coun. Mian outlines several key changes that could significantly enhance the transit experience for Calgarians. One of the most notable suggestions is extending the validity period of transit fares from 90 minutes to 120 minutes, allowing passengers more flexibility when transferring between routes. Another proposed change is the elimination of digital ticket expiry, which would provide riders with greater convenience. Additionally, the motion calls for the implementation of real-time information systems, such as broadcasting CTrain locations and arrival times using GTFS-Realtime standards. This would enable third-party map apps like Google Maps to provide accurate and up-to-date information, helping passengers better plan their journeys.

The motion also suggests using GPS technology for transit operators to improve routing accuracy, reduce errors, and ensure adherence to detours, ultimately making trips more efficient. Furthermore, it proposes partnering with major events and sports teams to include transit passes in ticket prices, encouraging the use of public transit for attendees. These changes are designed to address both the practical and technical aspects of using Calgary Transit, with the aim of making the system more accessible and reliable for all users.

Passenger Feedback Drives Transit Improvements

The need for real-time information on LRT arrival times was a consistent concern raised by CTrain users in a survey conducted by Calgary Transit Riders, a local transit advocacy group, and Coun. Mian. Many passengers expressed frustration with inaccurate arrival times, which often led to disrupted travel plans. “I think it’s misleading because if it says it’ll come in five minutes, it’ll be later,” said Rhia Moises, a regular transit user. “It messes up the entire trip sometimes.” These experiences highlight the importance of reliable information in ensuring a smooth transit experience. The proposed changes aim to address these issues and restore trust in the system.

Other improvements suggested in the motion include the installation of station-area context maps at all LRT stations, which would help passengers navigate the transit network more easily. Train departure boards would also be added in non-platform areas and high-traffic zones, providing better visibility for arrival and departure times. Additionally, announcements on MAX BRT and LRT lines would be updated to include transfers to other priority transit network lines, making the system more interconnected and easier to use.

Next Steps and Budget Considerations

While the motion does not yet include specific cost estimates or details on whether these changes can be implemented within Calgary Transit’s existing budget, these details are expected to be presented to council in May as part of an update on RouteAhead, the city’s transit strategy. Ward 1 Coun. Sonya Sharp expressed support for the motion but emphasized the need for a thorough understanding of the financial implications. “Anything to make them feel like transit will be there, reliable and safe, is important,” she said. “We need to make sure that riders are getting what they pay for and that council is investing in the right areas of transit and getting that return back.”

Calgary Transit has also indicated its commitment to reviewing the recommendations and providing a detailed response as part of its RouteAhead update. The organization stated that several of the proposed changes align with improvements it is already exploring or implementing. Once the motion is approved by council, further discussions will take place to prioritize and plan for the rollout of these enhancements.

Conclusion: Enhancing Transit for a Better Calgary

The proposed changes to Calgary Transit are a step in the right direction for improving the overall user experience. By addressing issues such as fare flexibility, real-time information, and system reliability, the motion aims to make public transit a more attractive option for residents and visitors alike. Calgary Transit Riders chair Jakob Fushtey praised the proposals, calling them “low-cost, high-impact items that will tremendously benefit riders.” With the support of the executive committee and the collaboration of transit users, these changes have the potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Calgarians, helping to create a more efficient, reliable, and enjoyable transit system for all.