Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes and ridership are topics we’ve heard Calgarians would like to discuss in 2016. You'll find some information about these topics and the opportunity to provide feedback below.

Routes

Calgary’s BRT network connects Calgarians to the places they want to go. The BRT network provides transit options near or along major roadways, such as Crowchild Trail, 14 Street W, Glenmore Trail, 16 Avenue N and 17 Avenue S.E. The city’s BRT and roadway networks align to create a strong, high-capacity system that supports all modes of travel. The four new BRT projects will fill important gaps in the existing transit network, and provide more direct connections to major destinations and LRT stations.

Routes are selected based on a number of considerations, including:

• Existing demand for a service
• Future/forecasted demand for a service
• Existing options for traveling along a corridor or to major destinations
• Traffic along or adjacent to a proposed route
• Existing and future land use and development along a proposed route
• Accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists
• Connectivity with other transit routes

Ridership

Ridership is driven first by population and jobs, and second by other factors, like the cost of parking, and the relative travel time by transit versus other means of travel, like driving.

The City monitors ridership on existing routes several times a year as part of performance monitoring to identify what changes to make to be more efficient, meet customer needs, address growth, and other factors.

The new additions to Calgary’s BRT network will offer better service for current transit customers, and will provide necessary, long-term transportation solutions for the city.

Calgary’s projected growth over the next 20 years will result in more traffic congestion, increased travel times, and longer duration of rush hour periods. Similarly, without a viable transit option in place, roadway infrastructure could need to be expanded in the future to accommodate the growth. These infrastructure expansions would likely be more expensive and would have a greater impact to adjacent communities than the four new BRT projects do. For more information on BRT ridership, please visit the BRT program page.

Do you have any questions about BRT program routes or ridership?

Let us know if you have any questions about BRT program routes or ridership.

Comment Submission Guidelines

Feedback provided is moderated to ensure a productive, positive and respectful space for everyone. All questions and comments are welcome but keep in mind that the submissions are being moderated and any comments that are insulting, rude or dismissive of others ideas are subject to removal. If you disagree with an idea or comment you are encouraged to have a discussion about the content and to do so in a way that is respectful and talks about the ideas not the person.

This forum is monitored 24/7 to ensure all submissions comply with the above Comment Submission Guidelines. Questions will only be monitored and addressed during regular business hours. Thank you for your understanding.

All four route alignments are set and approved by Council, though The City is currently working with stakeholders to confirm the North Crosstown BRT’s routing near the University of Calgary.