Calgary Transit Fall Network Changes - Ward 3 Voices Made a Difference!
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Thanks to the hundreds of Ward 3 residents who made their voices heard, a modified express bus service will be able to continue in North Central Calgary.
Calgary Transit has finalized route changes following an extensive review of the North Central Transit network, with the updates taking effect August 31, 2026, and express service continuing to operate as part of these changes.
How We Got Here...
Earlier this year, Calgary Transit announced plans to phase out the ten remaining express bus routes across the city. The changes are part of a broader rebalancing of transit resources, with the goal of shifting service toward higher-demand areas and underserved communities, and aligning with the long-term vision set out in RouteAhead. Half of the express routes being phased out city-wide serve Ward 3, meaning our communities stood to be impacted more than most.
In March, Calgary Transit proposed route changes for North Central Calgary and gathered initial feedback on potential impacts. Knowing how much was at stake for Ward 3 riders, Councillor Yule and the Ward 3 team launched a deliberate, months-long engagement effort to make sure residents' voices were front and centre in this discussion. Throughout April and May, Councillor Yule and his staff rode each of the five express routes serving the area, talking with riders directly during their commutes. Our office also ran an online transit survey, giving residents a clear, accessible way to share their own experiences.
The goal was simple: make sure Calgary Transit heard directly from the people who rely on this service every day.
We Heard You - More Than 500 Residents Spoke Up!
Throughout this engagement period, our office heard from over 500 residents. Overwhelmingly, riders told us how important express bus service is to their daily commute, and how concerned they were about the impact of losing it altogether - especially while trying to navigate an already oversubscribed MAX Green line. We asked what was and wasn't working with transit in North Central Calgary, and how people felt about the changes being proposed. You answered, loudly and clearly.
Councillor Yule brought that feedback directly to Calgary Transit, advocating hard for the needs of Ward 3 riders and pressing on the improvements still needed across the North Central transit network.
What's Changing This Fall?
As a result of that advocacy, Calgary Transit will retain some express route service in North Central Calgary while work continues toward improved transit access in the area.
Starting this fall, express service will transition to one trip per day in each direction. It's not where service was, and it's not yet where we want it to be, but it reflects real movement based on what riders told us, and it keeps a door open that was otherwise about to close. Calgary Transit has indicated further changes are expected in future service updates, as ridership continues to be monitored.
We know that a reduction in daily express trips will be an adjustment for some riders. At the same time, we're hopeful that improved overall network connectivity and increased frequency on other community routes will help strengthen the broader transit experience across the ward.
The Bigger Picture: A More Connected Network.
These updates are intended to build a more reliable, efficient, and connected transit network over the long term. After implementation, Calgary Transit will closely monitor route performance and customer impacts to identify where further adjustments may be needed.
Planned improvements for North Central Calgary include:
Better connections to the MAX Green bus route
Improved connections to North Trail and Diefenbaker high schools
Stronger links to major destinations, including Centre Street and downtown, shopping areas like Coventry Hills Centre, Harvest Hills Crossing, and Beddington Towne Centre,
Transit hubs including 78 Avenue, North Pointe, and Sage Hill terminals
Improved connections to communities north of Stoney Trail
Better travel times to Centre Street and downtown
In-Person Information Sessions
Calgary Transit will be hosting two community information sessions to share more about the upcoming route changes. Feel free to drop in to learn more and have your questions answered.
July 16, 2026; 5 pm to 8 pm
VIVO - 11950 Country Village Link NE (West Entrance)
July 18, 2026; 10 am to 2 pm
Thornhill Aquatic and Recreation Centre Lobby - 6715 Centre St NW
More information can be found by visiting calgarytransit.com/routereview
Thank You, Ward 3!
This outcome wouldn't have happened without residents who took the time to fill out a survey, talk to our team, or write directly to our office. Your willingness to share your real, everyday experience with transit gave Councillor Yule the evidence and the mandate needed to keep pushing Calgary Transit for a better outcome for Ward 3.
We know there's more work to do. As these changes roll out this fall, our office will keep listening, monitoring how the new network is working for riders, and advocating for continued improvements and a transit system that works equitably for everyone in Ward 3. Thank you for making your voice heard. We're not done yet.
Questions & Answer
IF ENGAGEMENT SHOWED THAT CUSTOMERS WANTED TO KEEP EXPRESS ROUTES, WHY ARE CHANGES BEING MADE?
We understand that many customers value express routes for their direct connection to downtown and would prefer to keep them. However, in their current format, these routes are not sustainable and limit our ability to improve service across the broader network.
Shifting to two-way, all-day service allows us to use resources more efficiently and provide more consistent, reliable service for more customers throughout the city. This approach is part of RouteAhead, our 30-year strategic plan, which focuses on building a network that is frequent, connected, and reliable.
Learn more about express route service changes here: Express Route Review.
AFTER ENGAGEMENT, WERE ANY CHANGES MADE REGARDING EXPRESS ROUTES?
Based on customer feedback, we are taking a phased approach to adjusting express route service.
This fall, limited service will remain, with one trip in the morning and one in the afternoon. This provides customers with a transition period and time to adjust to other routes and plan new travel options.
Further changes to express service will take place through future seasonal service updates.
WOULD CONTINUING EXPRESS ROUTES HAVE ANY IMPACT ON THE REST OF THE BUS NETWORK?
Yes. Express routes require a dedicated bus and operator to carry a smaller number of people, typically in one direction to or from downtown.
If those same resources are used on regular routes, they can provide all-day, two-way service, reach more destinations, and serve significantly more people. This also creates more flexible travel options, including for those who do not work standard downtown office hours.
IF THESE ROUTES DON’T PERFORM AS PREDICTED, ARE FUTURE CHANGES POSSIBLE?
Yes. While routes are carefully planned using data, experience, and feedback, adjustments can always be made if needed.
We continuously monitor route performance using ridership data, operator insights, and customer feedback. Changes introduced through the Transit Service Review are monitored especially closely. If improvements are identified, they can be implemented in a future seasonal service update.
CAN CHANGES STILL BE MADE FOR THIS FALL?
No, the routes for the fall 2026 schedule are finalized as of June.
Service changes follow a structured timeline to ensure they can be implemented effectively. Planning begins six months to a year in advance and includes multiple stages of review and approval. While there is flexibility early in the process, changes cannot be made in the final three months leading up to implementation.
One key milestone is operator signup, when operators select their work shifts. This process begins eight weeks before service changes and lasts six weeks. Because operators rely on this schedule to plan their work and personal commitments, all routes must be finalized before signup begins.
Comments