Calgary Transit prices going up in 2024
Posted Dec 9, 2023 10:52 am.
Calgary Transit riders are going to see their fares go up in the new year.
In a post on X, Calgary Transit says it is to “ensure our revenues keep pace with operating costs and city growth.”
The price bump is a 10 cent increase to $3.70 for adults over 18 for a single fare, and one dollar for a pack of tickets to $37. Youth fares are going up by five cents to $2.50, and 50 cents for a pack of tickets to $25.
Meanwhile, an adult monthly pass is going up to $115 from $112, and the youth monthly pass remains at $82.
A senior annual transit pass, for those 65 years and older, is going up from $150 to $154.50, while a low-income seniors annual pass is going up by $1 to $31.
The fare increases are part of a four-year service plan that will see adult monthly passes shoot up to $126 in 2026, a total increase of 11 per cent from what they were in 2022. A single transit ticket is expected to rise to $4 by 2026, a 10-cent increase each year.
Calgary Transit says this is to keep to its “Customer Commitment” to provide “safe, reliable, helpful, informative, easy to use, and clean service.”
“We know that increases impact our customers and so we make every effort to implement small changes each year,” it said.
“Calgary Transit’s operating costs are covered through fares, advertising, and parking revenues, and property taxes. The City of Calgary is committed to keeping taxes and transit fares as low as possible while still providing this important service.”
The City approved a public transit strategy in October, which stated it would up patrols at higher-risk LRT stations, such as Whitehorn, Downtown, and Westbrook.
The strategy followed a number of incidents at Transit stations, including one when a passenger was stabbed between the Victoria Park/Stampede and City Hall stations, forcing dozens of riders to flee into an underground tunnel.
The strategy also features comprehensive training for transit staff to address safety, and investments in community programming to create a more positive experience for riders.
The 2023 Calgary budget saw funds increase to $15 million for transit and community safety, including transit peace officers.
More information can be found online.
-With files from Dione Wearmouth
