Getting Around Calgary: By transit (train / bus)

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C-Train map

Calgary's public transit system was first established in 1909 as the Calgary Municipal Railway. Since then, it has developed into an efficient, fast, and extensive transit system. In particular, it was significantly built up in preparation for the 1988 Winter Olympics. The light rail transit system is called the C-Train (LRT) and runs faithfully and frequently. In the downtown core, you can ride the C-Train for 14 city blocks for free, along the length of 7th Avenue. There are three spurs of LRT track meeting in the downtown along 7th Avenue; line 201 starts in the far south (at Somerset-Bridlewood station), travels to the downtown, then exits the downtown to the northwest, travelling to Crowfoot Station. Line 202 starts in the northeast at McKnight/Westwinds Station, and travels into the downtown, ending at 10th Avenue Station within the downtown. Trains are marked with the end station they are travelling to; a 'Somerset' train leaves Crowfoot Station, travels south into the downtown, then south to Somerset station (where it turns around to become a 'Crowfoot' train). Unfortunately, the LRT does not serve the Calgary International Airport.

Although buses come along somewhat less often, and tend to serve commuters more than tourists, it is still possible to get around to the main places without too much difficulty. Bus routes are numbered, and generally designed to connect with the downtown or with an LRT station. Trains run every 10 minutes (5 minutes or less in rush hour and 15 minutes on general holidays), serving from around 4 AM to 1 AM. The exception to this schedule is when the Calgary Stampede, which occurs at the beginning of July, is in session. On those days, the trains run 24hrs a day www.calgarytransit.com/stampede/index.html. Major bus routes may run as early as 5 AM and late as 1 AM, but many more only operate until 8 or 9 PM, or, worse, during rush hours only. Bus frequencies can be as low as one per hour, although 30 minutes is more common.

Transit tickets are $2.75 for adults, and permit 90 minutes of travel connecting to any transit line. Day passes ($6.75) and books of 10 transit tickets ($23) are also available at most convenience stores. A monthly pass can also be purchased for unlimited usage within the ticket's designated month ($83). The C-Train operates on a honour system, although inspectors do occasionally check riders for valid tickets, with expensive fines ($150 or more) being charged. Travel on the C-Train in the downtown free fare zone is free of charge.

Information about the Transit System is available on the Calgary Transit Web Page www.Calgarytransit.com, or by phoning their information line (403)262-1000 from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, local time.

In recent years there has been a rise of unlawful activity on Calgary transit, be especially careful in and around LRT platforms and in general try and stay in groups on the LRT train, as you may witness aggressive behavior.

• www.calgarytransit.com/stampede/index.html
• www.Calgarytransit.com