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A lot of the talk regarding Calgary’s Transit system recently have been largely negative. I’m hoping this semi-realistic fantasy transit map and defence may inspire us to dream a bit more positively!

TLDR: Turn the CTrain to a turnstiled automated light metro with TOD (removing the parking lots). Run suburban trains where riders can park instead, servicing downtown, Banff, Stampede, and the Airport. Add rail/BRT where it makes sense (eg. Beltline), and hold back when trad buses suffice (eg. 52 ST E).

Even shorter TLDR: Look at the map.

This fantasy transit map has some inspiration from Vancouver and Toronto’s urbanism and transit system. Here’s some problems people may have about Calgary’s current system which the decisions in my map solves:

Problems and Solutions

Problem: The train is unreliable

Solution: Upgrade trains to Vancouver style automation light metros

A covered metro system which never interacts with traffic by elevating or entrenching the line would make the train the best way to get around especially on snow days. Not interacting with traffic also means the trains can be automated, saving on costs. This means the train can run a lot more often. Also, this gives the city a great excuse to put the downtown corridor under Stephen Avenue, which is probably the best spot in Calgary for an underground transit mall.

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Problem: The train feels unsafe

Solution: Among increased security and other things, add turnstiles

Upgrading to a metro system means new and bigger stations may be needed, so why not add turnstiles while we’re at it? This will reduce public drug use in stations and in the trains. The poor and the unhoused may, of course, still use the trains provided they have passes.

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Problem: The train doesn’t serve the Beltline

Solution: Run the train there

Many Calgary fantasy maps neglect this area, which is such a shame. The Beltline is already the most walkable part of the city, and a train line running under it would do well to further improve the quality of life in that area, and for Calgarians trying to access that area without driving. The sample applies to Mardaloop, Inglewood, Mission, etc. Not to mention, drinking in the premier Calgarian nightlife districts and then taking the train becomes a more viable option for people, possibly reducing instances drunk driving.

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Problem: Many of Calgary’s stations are parking lot wastelands with not even a store in sight.

Solution: offer an express transit system

A limited stop suburban transit system with dedicated paid parking garages will allow the city to charge more for those willing to pay to park, while freeing up the parking lots along the metro lines. Existing park and rides along those old lines can be transformed into condos, stores, and other mixed uses. This also takes advantage of the massive property value hikes that having a transit stop affords an area.

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Problem: There’s no great transit service to the airport

Solution: Run the train there

With a direct-ish train line from the airport to downtown, YYC will be in contention for having the fastest transit ride to downtown in Canada, if not in North America.

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Problem: It’s getting harder and harder to park in Banff and Lake Louise

Solution: extend the train line to Banff

Many tourists wouldn’t need a car in Calgary if there existed a train line that went to the airport, downtown, stampede, Banff, and even Edmonton. This may be complemented by bus service to ski hills and other major tourist spots in the Rockies synced up with train service. Locals would also be able to take this line for commuting, getting to the airport, getting to the stampede grounds without needing a car, etc.

Limitations

Why BRTs? Trains are much better.

I tried to keep the map somewhat realistic by keeping BRTs for the crosstown lines, as I don’t believe running trains would be justified along those corridors. Signal priority, dedicated lanes, and even dedicated stations with turnstiles would go a long way to improve service without actually needing a train line. Basically, making the BRT actually a BRT and not just a fancier bus service. I also personally don’t think real BRTs or other higher order transit would work on certain corridors.

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No BRT: Parkdale to COP

High frequency bus service would be nice here, but I don’t believe adding extra infrastructure to raise the quality of the ride to real BRT level is feasible. Bearspaw and West 85th stations could offer shuttle buses to COP, and frequent traditional buses direct to downtown may be run along this corridor.

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No BRT: 52 St E

This is an important crosstown route, but doesn’t currently have the density or destinations of interest for an elevated bus service. Corridors may be designated for future upgrades, if deemed useful.

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No BRT: Royal Oak/Sage Hill area

This is another area where I believe traditional buses may be made use of, rather than looping the Orange Line farther north. Connections to Orange, and to the Green Line at 96 Ave Station seem to suffice. The borders of Nose Hill park is simply very conducive to adding more lanes without having to rip houses down, which is why my proposed NW BRT line goes along it.

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No fancy transit: across the Bow River

Some fantasy maps feature higher order transit (gondolas, funiculars, or possibly spiralling trains) crossing from Cougar Ridge to COP, or from Shaganappi point to the Foothills area. I think just running traditional buses along Stoney West and Crowchild would be fine in most cases.

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What do you guys think? Would you guys be interested in an Alberta High Speed/Regional Rail fantasy map next?