Three-car CTrains return on Saturdays as Calgary Transit adjusts pilot program
Posted Mar 27, 2025 12:31 pm.
Last Updated Mar 27, 2025 6:36 pm.
Three-car CTrain service will be returning on Saturdays as Calgary Transit makes changes to a pilot program that launched less than a week ago.
The program, which started on March 22, reduced train car lengths from three cars every day, down to two cars on weekends and statutory holidays.
The city previously said despite overall — and weekend — ridership increasing, there hasn’t been demand for three or four cars on the weekends, hence the pilot.
After the first Saturday of the pilot, the city is changing its tune.
“This past weekend’s two-car train pilot launch gave us great insight to adjust our pilot and better match service with demand,” Calgary Transit manager Aaron Coon said. “Three car trains will be returned for Saturday to support busier periods and events taking place this weekend.
Sunday will still see two-car trains.
These rapid changes are the result of customer feedback and real-time data, according to the city.
Transit officials say the aim of the pilot is to reduce energy consumption, maintenance and operational costs, match demand, and keep transit fares affordable for riders.
It adds that ridership levels and customer feedback will continue to be monitored throughout the pilot period and train car lengths will be adjusted as needed.
