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During a recent city council meeting, the budget for Calgary Transit was a focal point of discussion. City officials emphasized the need for increased funding to enhance the public transportation system, addressing the growing demands of residents. Although the proposed budget indicates a significant increase, many leaders express concerns that it remains inadequate for meaningful improvements.
Proposed budget allocations and challenges
The net operating budget for Calgary Transit is projected to rise to $417 million in the upcoming fiscal year. While this increase represents progress, Sharon Fleming, the director of Calgary Transit, cautioned that additional resources are essential for achieving the necessary service enhancements. The budget for 2026 allocates an extra $59 million for operating and capital expenses to support ongoing transit initiatives.
RouteAhead strategy implementation
A critical aspect of the budget is the $14 million designated for improving bus service frequency on major routes. This funding initiates the RouteAhead strategy, which aims to establish a service frequency of every 10 minutes for at least 15 hours a day, seven days a week. According to Fleming, this budget represents a significant first step in a comprehensive 10-year plan to meet Calgarians’ expectations for faster and more reliable transit options.
While the proposed funding will benefit main transit routes, it will not extend to the base network, which primarily includes neighborhood bus services. Councillor DJ Kelly expressed disappointment, underscoring that enhancing reliability and efficiency is vital for neighborhood routes. He stated, “If a bus isn’t available when you need it, it doesn’t matter how efficient the service is elsewhere.”
Funding gaps and future needs
Despite the budget increase, Calgary Transit faces ongoing challenges. The $14 million allocated falls $1 million short of the annual funding necessary for full implementation of the RouteAhead strategy. Additionally, the proposed budget does not address the urgent need for $45 million annually to expand the bus fleet, which is crucial for meeting projected service levels over the next decade.
Calls for provincial support
During the discussions, concerns were raised about the insufficient provincial support for transit funding. A comparison shared at the meeting revealed that Calgary spends only $261 per capita on transit, significantly less than Vancouver at $798 and Toronto at $772. This disparity highlights the urgent need for advocacy at higher governmental levels to address these funding gaps. Mayor Jeromy Farkas remarked, “Calgary’s transit system right now is a lot of bread and not enough butter. We must engage with provincial and federal governments to secure the necessary support for our transit system.”
Potential adjustments and cost-saving measures
As council members deliberate the budget, some advocate for cuts to existing programs. Councillor Andre Chabot suggested eliminating the downtown free fare zone, particularly after TD Bank withdrew as a naming rights sponsor. He also proposed revising the free fare policy for children under 12, which costs the city approximately $10 million annually, arguing that this funding could be better allocated elsewhere.
Additionally, the ongoing Low Income Transit Pass program has seen its budget increase to over $50 million. Chabot pointed out that the province contributes only $6 million to this program, arguing that financial responsibility should lie with the provincial government. He also advocated raising the cost of a single adult fare to $4 to generate additional revenue for transit operations, emphasizing a user-pay approach.
As discussions progress, the balance between enhancing services and managing costs remains delicate. The council is scheduled to reconvene next week to further explore these critical issues and make decisions that will shape the future of Calgary Transit.