Calgary puts forward ‘immediate’ action to address transit safety

The City of Calgary says an “immediate” action plan is being put into motion to address safety on public transit Monday.

This comes as several incidents challenging the safety of riders have been happening at CTrain stations throughout the city.

“While we know this issue is felt by other Canadian cities experiencing a similar increase in criminal behaviour and disorder in their Transit systems, this does not take away the imperative for immediate action in our city to make our system safer,” said Mayor Jyoti Gondek in a news release.

“It will take all orders of government and partners together to make real and meaningful improvement. The steps we are making today is crucial to restoring safety and trust with Calgarians.”

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The city says the plan will include a combination of public personnel on the system and crime prevention strategies through “environmental design” changes.

Steps include doubling the contracted security guards at stations from eight to 16, which will reach 24 by the end of April.

In addition, there will be more overnight patrols, and police officers will be paired with community peace officers seven nights a week — an increase from four.

Peace officers have been redeployed to transit areas of “high concern” along the downtown CTrain track.

The city says peace officers will be sent to observe “suspicious behaviour or gatherings” to have a uniformed presence and to deescalate any notions of violence.

Immediate changes include running announcements at stations to show the area is “under surveillance,” increased cleaning of CTrain stations, and a “rapid response” to fixing vandalized areas.

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In addition, the city is also removing benches in “identified areas” to show there is a “no waiting” zone and to reduce loitering.

“We know the critical role that Transit plays in the lives of Calgarians — it’s how they get to work and school, to be with their friends and loved ones, and to get to their appointments and activities,” said Aaron Coon, Chief for Public Vehicle Standards with Emergency Management and Community Safety.

“We ride the system every day, and we fully understand the issues and the concerns felt by the community. Whether you use it occasionally or it’s your lifeline, I want you to know we care deeply about making it the safest system it can be. We’ve done a lot already and will continue to do more.”

Council allocated around $5.9 million in July as emergency funding for transit officers.

Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek, right, speaks at a news conference with Calgary Police Chief Mark Neufeld, left, and Aaron Coon in Calgary on Monday, April 3, 2023. (Shilpa Downton, CityNews image)

The city says 14 transit peace officers have been deployed since the funding announcement, and another 14 more are in training with expectations of graduating in May.

Meanwhile, 14 transit security station guards have been deployed due to the funding, and another 17 are expected to be hired by May. Six Calgary Transit Ambassador teams have also been hired to assist riders and to be a visible presence.

Other security and safety measures include CCTV surveillance and upgraded lighting on CTrain platforms for downtown stations.

Calgary police are also offering their assistance, with proactive patrols in the areas of the “highest need” and operations focused on crime and drug trafficking and disruption of social disorder.

“While our officers are leading with support and compassion, make no mistake that enforcement is a critical component of the equation to public safety,” said Chief Const. Mark Neufeld.

“There are no illegitimate users of transit, but there are illegitimate uses of transit. Our expectation is that public spaces remain safe for those that are using them for their intended purpose. Anyone who jeopardizes that safety, will be dealt with accordingly.”