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Calgary Council Reviews Recommendations to Enhance Transit Experience
Calgary city council is set to discuss a series of proposed improvements aimed at elevating the passenger experience on Calgary Transit. This follows a unanimous endorsement from the city’s executive committee regarding a motion introduced on Tuesday.
The motion, put forth by Ward 3 Councillor Jasmine Mian, outlines 15 potential service adjustments. Key among these suggests extending fare validity from 90 to 120 minutes, eliminating expiration on digital tickets, and utilizing GTFS-Realtime standards for real-time updates on train locations and estimated arrival times. This would allow third-party applications to provide accurate transit data to users.
The demand for real-time information on LRT systems was echoed by CTrain riders interviewed by Global News. “It’s confusing when the app says a train will arrive in five minutes, and it ends up being much later,” expressed passenger Rhia Moises, highlighting how this uncertainty can disrupt travel plans.
Mian’s proposal also advocates for the integration of GPS technology for transit operators, aiming to minimize routing mistakes, adhere to detours more effectively, and enhance trip efficiency.
Additionally, the motion includes a recommendation for the city to partner with local events and sports teams, incorporating transit passes into ticket prices to streamline access for attendees.
These suggested enhancements are expected to complement ongoing efforts to improve safety standards within the transit system and boost service frequency.
Jakob Fushtey, chair of Calgary Transit Riders, emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating, “These changes are low-cost yet highly impactful and will significantly benefit transit users.”
Expanding Focus Beyond Frequency and Safety
Fushtey also pointed out that while frequency and safety are crucial, addressing smaller, more user-friendly details can significantly encourage continual usage of the transit service.
Calgary Transit Riders, a recently formed local advocacy group, collaborated with Mian to survey numerous transit users at various stations, which greatly influenced the proposed list of refinements aimed at enhancing the user experience.
Additional suggestions include installing station-area context maps at all LRT stations, placing train departure boards in non-platform areas and high-traffic regions nearby, and ensuring announcements on all MAX BRT and LRT lines are updated to incorporate connections to other essential transit lines.
Ward 11 Councillor Kourtney Penner commented on the proposals, stating, “This exemplifies our commitment to improving the daily lives of Calgarians, and we are determined to take actionable steps toward implementing these solutions.”
The proposal does not yet detail the anticipated costs or indicate whether these improvements could fit within Calgary Transit’s current budget; however, this financial analysis is expected to come before council in May as part of an update regarding RouteAhead, contingent on council approval of the motion later this month.
Ward 1 Councillor Sonya Sharp expressed her support for the ideas presented but emphasized the need for clarity regarding their financial implications. “Ensuring that transit feels dependable and safe is crucial. We must balance the needs of riders with prudent investment strategies in transit,” Sharp stated during a recent media briefing.
In a response to Global News, Calgary Transit affirmed its commitment to service enhancement and openness to feedback from the community and advocacy groups. “We are continually exploring potential improvements, with several initiatives already in progress. Following a comprehensive review of the recommendations in this motion, a detailed response will be provided in our RouteAhead update come May,” the statement clarified.
Source
globalnews.ca