Bus link nears final approval
Transit to be extended from Calgary to Chestermere
Bus service between Calgary and Chestermere could be up and running within months after lengthy discussions between the two cities.
Calgary city council's intergovernmental affairs committee approved the overarching principles of an agreement for the service Thursday, nearly two years after talks began to extend Calgary Transit service outside city boundaries for the first time in modern history.
Once city councils in both municipalities sign off on the final agreement, Calgary's Max Purple bus rapid transit line will extend east along 17th Avenue S.E., connecting to Chestermere for two morning trips and two evening trips. Operating costs will be fully covered by fare box revenue and the City of Chestermere is to make sure Calgary recovers all its expenses. City officials said no new buses will be required for the service, so there are no extra capital costs either.
Mayor Naheed Nenshi said the route gives more options for people who live in Chestermere but work in Calgary for transportation and commuting.
“There's benefits to Calgary too. It keeps cars from Chestermere off the road, builds that really beautiful spine along International Avenue and extends that beyond the East Hills shopping area.”
The service would be in place at first for about 2½ years, with options to renew the agreement one year at a time after the end of 2023. The two cities would be responsible for transit enforcement and infrastructure within their respective boundaries, but they'll collaborate on data sharing to assess how the service is going.
There is no set date for the beginning of the service, but Nenshi said he's hopeful things can move quickly. And there are still other details to nail down, like whether the cost of the trip will be the standard Calgary Transit fare or if there might be an additional premium.
Coun. Gian-carlo Carra, who represents many east Calgary neighbourhoods in Ward 9, said the project is also a good move for planned development in neighbourhoods right up against the city's border with Chestermere.
“There are very few incidences in North America in this day and age where transit is preceding development, and that's what this agreement allows us to do in our Belvedere lands,” he said. “I think it's a huge win for us; it's a huge win for Chestermere.”