Calgary’s transit system has long been a point of frustration for many riders, and while big-picture issues like safety and frequency of service are often in the spotlight, it’s the smaller, everyday inconveniences that make or break the experience for transit users. Thankfully, city council is finally looking at some practical, low-cost fixes that could go a long way in improving how Calgarians navigate the system.
The motion put forward by Ward 3 Coun. Jasmine Mian is full of sensible, rider-friendly suggestions. Extending fare validity from 90 to 120 minutes? A no-brainer that makes life easier for those making short trips or transfers. Eliminating digital ticket expiry? It’s about time—why should someone lose money just because they didn’t use a ticket immediately? And broadcasting real-time train locations through third-party apps? That’s the kind of modern convenience people expect in 2025.
Calgary Transit riders have long struggled with unreliable arrival times, and commuters are tired of the guessing game. A sign says the train will be here in five minutes? Expect it in ten. That kind of unpredictability ruins schedules, forces people to leave ridiculously early, and discourages new riders from even trying transit in the first place. Implementing GPS tracking for transit operators and real-time GTFS data for mapping apps is a simple but crucial step in making transit reliable again.
Another smart idea is integrating transit passes with major events and sports tickets. Other cities have already done this successfully, and it encourages people to take transit rather than drive, reducing congestion and parking headaches. For a city that’s pushing for better transit ridership, this is a win-win strategy.
Of course, none of these proposals will mean much if they don’t fit into Calgary Transit’s budget, and that’s where the real challenge lies. Ward 1 Coun. Sonya Sharp is right to raise concerns about costs—because while these fixes seem inexpensive on their own, the reality is that every new initiative has a price tag. But the bigger question should be: Can Calgary afford not to make these changes? If transit remains inconvenient and unreliable, ridership won’t grow, and the entire system will continue to struggle.
At the end of the day, Calgary Transit needs to be about more than just getting from Point A to Point B—it should be about making that journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. If these proposed changes move the system even a little closer to that goal, then they’re worth every penny.
