Calgary Transit ridership levels rise, safety plan could continue long-term

It’s been over a week since the work from home mandate was lifted in Alberta and more people have started taking transit as they head back to the office.

The pandemic hit Calgary Transit hard, with ridership dropping to about 40 per cent of usual levels. Since March 1, however, it has steadily risen.

“Since (March 1), we’re seeing approximately 48 per cent of pre-COVID levels, so there is a slight increase there,” said Calgary Transit spokesperson Stephen Tauro.

Tauro says they anticipate ridership levels to continue increasing, especially into the summer and fall.

“Coinciding with the return back to school as well. It will take some time for businesses to reopen and welcome back their employees,” he explained.

He explains the city also has about 80 per cent of its usual services running compared to before the pandemic began.

Doug Morgan, the general manager of transportation for the city, says they have looked at adding a fourth car to CTrains as ridership levels increase.

“We do have the fleet from before the pandemic to offer four-car service, we just have to make sure we can recall the maintenance staff and make sure those additional four-car trains can be added to the systems,” he explained.

“There are no barriers, it just takes time to make sure they’re ready and that we match the demand that is on the CTrain. We have not yet seen a threshold where we would add a fourth car, but we are monitoring it carefully and will add it when we see it return.”

The ‘Welcome Back’ strategy

Last week, the City of Calgary started deploying more enforcement officers and security guards at stations and on trains to help riders feel safer.

Related article: City of Calgary working to increase safety on transit, more enforcement officers being deployed 

Since then, Tauro says while there haven’t been more arrests or tickets handed out, officers have been able to be more proactive in watching for social disorder.

He says while initially the strategy was planned for just a few weeks, it could continue long-term.

Hey #CTRiders, you deserve to feel safe when riding with us. That’s why you may notice more Calgary Transit Peace Officers, Bylaw Officers, uniformed security guards and members of the Calgary Police Service across our system. For details visit https://t.co/yGPyZ5VYpA pic.twitter.com/kmCaMUC7GI

— Calgary Transit (@calgarytransit) March 9, 2022

“We are working on a longer-term strategy that will help address social disorder going forward on the transit system,” Tauro said. “It’s really about evolving and learning from the past and building on our overall safety strategy.”