Council is back from our summer constituency break, and I wanted to give you an update on some major improvements we’re making to Calgary Transit.
We’ve modernized the behind-the-scenes technology that tracks and manages our fleet of more than 1,000 buses and shuttles across Calgary.
The new system connects operators with our Transit Control Centre. It provides better navigation, construction and detour information, and better communication when there’s an incident or emergency.
Crucially, this means you’ll be seeing much more accurate bus locations and arrival times when you’re planning your trip.
You’ll also start seeing new information screens onboard. They show upcoming stops, estimated arrival times, requested stops and service updates.
They’re already installed on 100 buses and shuttles. Starting in October, we’ll begin installing them across the entire fleet.
We’ve also launched the new 503 Symons Valley Express between Sage Hill and downtown.
It makes fewer stops and runs in both directions throughout the day. That’s a change from the old express model, which was mostly built around getting people downtown during the morning rush and back home at the end of the day.
The new 500-series will run throughout the day and connect into transit hubs and local routes, so it works for more than the traditional downtown commute.
The 503 is the first route. We’ll be watching how it performs as we look at bringing this type of express service to other parts of Calgary.
Lastly. We are getting more out of the service we have, but we need more of it, period.
We know there’s tremendous need for more service, especially along the Green Line corridor. The Calgary region has been adding around 100,000 people a year, and our transit service needs to keep up.
That’s why, as we head into the budget, I’m working to get a net increase in transit funding overall, with a particular focus on the Green Line corridor.
Thanks Calgary. There’s more work underway, and I’ll keep you posted.
