Calgary Transit seeks millions more to meet growing service demand

Calgary Transit is asking for millions in additional funding as it struggles to keep pace with the demands of a rapidly growing city.

The city’s 2026 budget includes a $59 million adjustment for transit, with allocations spread across several priorities, including $25 million in one-time operating funding for the low-income transit pass, $14 million to increase frequency on key routes, and the remainder directed toward maintenance and upkeep.

For commuters, the impact of this budget is mixed. While it provides some relief, officials acknowledge it does not fully address the needs of Calgary’s expanding communities.

“It doesn’t do anything to address some of the requirements in our base network in our communities, but at least we are seeing investment, which is a really nice change,” said Sharon Fleming, Director of Calgary Transit.

The funding supports Calgary’s long-term transit strategy, RouteAhead, which aims to deliver fast and frequent service through the Primary Transit Network. However, Fleming cautioned that the plan remains underfunded.

“We are a little bit behind. It doesn’t include $45 million in buses, which we would need in 2027 to continue to grow that service,” she noted.

As the council wraps up its current four-year budget cycle, the challenge will be finding resources to advance the strategy in the years ahead.

City officials argue that Calgary Transit is underfunded compared to other Canadian transit agencies, mainly due to limited provincial contributions.

“When you take a look at it, the ridership in Calgary is higher, especially on a per capita basis, than just about anywhere else in the country, and yet we’re about the only province that is not seeing that contribution from the provincial government,” said Ward 4 Coun. DJ Kelly.

Mayor Jeromy Farkas echoed the call for higher-level government support.

“We’re going to have to challenge the provincial and federal counterparts to be able to do their share because it is very clear in this budget that we are doing ours.”

Not all councillors believe that outside funding is the only solution. Ward 10 Coun. Andre Chabot suggested raising fares to $4 per ride.

“If somebody wants to increase the level of service, then increase the funding to pay for it,” Chabot said.