What types of public transportation are available in Calgary (buses, CTrain)?

Calgary is one of Canada's largest cities, and its public transport system is considered one of the most efficient in the country. The main modes of public transport here are buses and light rail (CTrain), which are operated by Calgary Transit.

CTrain - light rail transit (LRT)

CTrain is a modern light rail transit (LRT) system that forms the backbone of the city's public transportation. It consists of two main lines:

  • Red Line (Route 201): connects the northwestern districts (Tuscany) with the southern districts (Somerset-Bridlewood), has 27 stations and is approximately 35 km long.
  • Blue Line (Route 202): runs from east (Saddletowne) to west (69 Street), has 26 stations and is approximately 26 km long.
  • Green Line (Route 203): is under construction and will be the third branch of the system. CTrain features:
  • All lines intersect in the city center (7th Avenue SW), where the TD Free Fare Zone is in effect - travel between City Hall and 8 Street SW stations is free.
  • The system operates from 5:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., with intervals ranging from 5 to 30 minutes depending on the time of day.
  • Trains are fully electrified and powered by wind energy, making CTrain an environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
  • Stations are equipped for people with disabilities: there are elevators, ramps, and convenient access.

Buses

Calgary's bus network is one of the most extensive in Canada:

  • Total number of routes: over 260, covering all areas of the city, including remote residential neighborhoods and business centers.
  • Bus types: standard 12-meter buses, 18-meter articulated buses for busy routes, and small Community Shuttle buses for local routes.
  • Specialized routes:
  • MAX (BRT): four high-speed express routes connecting key areas of the city with a minimum number of stops.
  • Feeder and Express: transport passengers to CTrain stations and serve rush hours.
    • School Express: over 150 school and special routes for students.
  • Service frequency: 5–30 minutes on main routes, 15–45 minutes on local routes; operates from 5:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
  • Infrastructure: over 6,000 bus stops throughout the city, most buses are equipped for people with disabilities and have bike racks.

Additional types and services

  • Paratransit (Access Calgary): specialized services for people with disabilities who cannot use regular routes.
  • Night routes: some routes operate at night, especially on weekends and holidays.
  • Real-time information: schedules, route changes, and delays can be tracked via mobile apps (e.g., Moovit) and the official Calgary Transit website.

System features and payment

  • Single ticket: valid for all modes of transport (buses and CTrain), allowing for easy transfers between them.
  • Payment: you can purchase paper tickets, passes, or use mobile apps for electronic payment.
  • Discounts: discounts are available for students, schoolchildren, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Conclusion

Calgary's public transportation is a modern, environmentally friendly, and convenient system that includes:

  • Two light rail lines (CTrain) with a free zone in the city center.
  • An extensive bus network with express, local, and school routes.
  • Additional services for people with special needs. This makes getting around the city easy, affordable, and fast for all types of passengers.