Calgary

๐ŸšŒ

Public Transportation

Sections

1. Types of Transportation Available

Calgary Transit offers two main types of public transportation:

a. CTrain (Light Rail Transit)

  • The CTrain is Calgary's light rail system, consisting of two main lines:
    • Red Line: Runs north-south, connecting communities like Tuscany in the northwest to Somerset-Bridlewood in the south.
    • Blue Line: Runs east-west, connecting Saddletowne in the northeast to 69 Street in the west.
  • The CTrain is a popular and efficient way to travel, especially for accessing downtown Calgary and major attractions.

b. Bus System

  • Calgary Transit operates an extensive bus network that connects neighborhoods, CTrain stations, and key destinations.
  • Buses are numbered and categorized by routes, including express routes, community shuttles, and regular routes.

c. On-Demand Transit

  • In some areas, Calgary Transit offers an on-demand service where smaller vehicles can be booked to pick you up and drop you off at designated locations.

2. How to Use Public Transportation

a. Tickets and Passes

  • You need a valid ticket, pass, or fare card to use Calgary Transit services. These can be purchased at:
    • Ticket vending machines at CTrain stations.
    • Convenience stores and grocery stores that sell Calgary Transit products.
    • Online or via the My Fare app (available for iOS and Android).
  • Tickets must be validated before boarding. For buses, pay the driver directly or show your pass. For the CTrain, validate your ticket at the station before boarding.

b. Boarding

  • For buses: Wait at the designated bus stop and signal the driver as the bus approaches. Enter through the front door and pay your fare.
  • For the CTrain: Board at any door. There are no turnstiles, but fare inspectors conduct random checks.

c. Transfers

  • A single ticket is valid for 90 minutes across all Calgary Transit services, allowing you to transfer between buses and the CTrain within that time.

3. Costs

a. Single Fares

  • Adult (18-64 years): $3.60
  • Youth (6-17 years): $2.45
  • Children under 6 ride for free.

b. Day Pass

  • Adult: $11.25
  • Youth: $8.00
  • Unlimited travel for one day on all Calgary Transit services.

c. Monthly Pass

  • Adult: $112.00
  • Youth: $85.00
  • Monthly passes are ideal for frequent users.

d. Low-Income Pass

  • Calgary offers discounted passes for eligible low-income residents. Applications can be made through the cityโ€™s Fair Entry program.

4. Operating Hours

  • CTrain: Operates from approximately 4:30 AM to 1:00 AM daily. Trains run every 5-10 minutes during peak hours and every 15-30 minutes during off-peak hours.
  • Buses: Most routes operate from 5:00 AM to midnight, though some routes may have limited service on weekends or holidays.
  • Night Service: A few bus routes operate late at night to accommodate travelers after regular hours.

5. Accessibility

  • Calgary Transit is committed to accessibility:
    • All CTrain stations and trains are wheelchair accessible.
    • Most buses are equipped with ramps and designated spaces for wheelchairs and strollers.
    • Calgary Transit Access provides door-to-door service for people with disabilities who cannot use regular transit. Registration is required for this service.

6. Tips for Travelers

  • Plan Your Trip: Use the Calgary Transit website or the Transit app to plan your route and check real-time schedules.
  • Avoid Rush Hours: Peak hours are typically 7:00-9:00 AM and 4:00-6:00 PM on weekdays. Trains and buses can be crowded during these times.
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Calgary experiences cold winters, so dress warmly if youโ€™re waiting outdoors.
  • Keep Your Ticket Handy: Fare inspectors frequently check tickets on the CTrain. Fines for riding without a valid ticket can be steep.
  • Bike-Friendly: Calgary Transit allows bikes on CTrains during non-peak hours. Many buses are also equipped with bike racks.

7. Connecting to Local Attractions and Neighborhoods

Calgary Transit provides convenient access to many of the cityโ€™s key attractions and neighborhoods:

a. Downtown Calgary

  • Both the Red and Blue CTrain lines pass through downtown, making it easy to access landmarks like the Calgary Tower, Stephen Avenue Walk, and the Glenbow Museum.

b. Calgary Zoo

  • Take the Blue Line to the Zoo Station.

c. Heritage Park Historical Village

  • Accessible via bus routes from the Heritage CTrain Station on the Red Line.

d. University of Calgary

  • Served by the Red Line at the University Station.

e. Calgary International Airport (YYC)

  • Calgary Transit does not have a direct CTrain connection to the airport, but bus route 300 BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) provides a direct link between downtown and the airport.

f. Popular Neighborhoods

  • Kensington: Accessible via the Sunnyside CTrain Station (Red Line).
  • Inglewood: Served by bus routes from downtown.
  • Beltline: Walkable from downtown or accessible by several bus routes.

8. Cultural and Local Nuances

  • Politeness: Calgarians are generally polite and patient. Itโ€™s customary to thank the bus driver when exiting.
  • Queueing: Forming a line while waiting for buses is common.
  • Weather Preparedness: Calgaryโ€™s weather can change rapidly. Always check the forecast and dress in layers.
  • Stampede Season: During the Calgary Stampede in July, transit services are busier, and special routes may be added to accommodate visitors.

By following this guide, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to navigate Calgaryโ€™s public transportation system efficiently and enjoy your time in the city. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!