A thread to discuss public transit in Calgary. Information, questions, current issues, pros, cons, ideas, future plans, past experiences, whatever. I'm not sure if there will be enough interest here to sustain this thread, but it's a topic that comes up often enough in other threads.
I've compiled a bit of an information resource below to let everyone know what is currently happening with the system, and what is to come. All to the best of my knowledge of course, so if you have any other information, post it and I'll make the changes. I wanted to include renderings and maps but didn't want it to be too graphic-heavy so I kept a lot of the images in spoilers to make browsing a little easier. Just click the *Show* buttons to see the images. I left the future LRT system map in since it paints the most complete picture.
CURRENT PROJECTS
LRT INFRASTRUCTURE
West LRT
Stations: 7 - 11th Street West, Sunalta, Shaganappi Point, Westbrook, 45th Street, Sirocco, 69th Street
Status: Under Construction
Completion: Opens December 10th, 2012
Northeast LRT Phase II Extension
Stations: 2 - Martindale and Saddletown
Status: Under Construction
Completion: 2012
Northwest LRT Phase IV Extension
Stations: 1 - Tuscany
Status: Delayed start until 2012
Completion: 2014
7th Avenue Refurbishment Project
Stations: Rebuilding and/or relocation of all platforms along 7th Avenue
Status: 1st, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th and 8th Streets completed. City Hall and 11th Street Under Construction, Centre Street to be done
Completion: 2012
New LRVs
Model: SD160 Series 8
Number: 38 on order
Arrival Status: 11 units have arrived as of 01/12/11
Spoiler!
Exterior:
New Seating Arrangement:
Video:
BUS
Airport Service
Description: The bus service to the airport is being improved and revamped. There will be two new routes and eventually a tram.
Completion: New route to/from McKnight-Westwinds Station by 2011, new BRT route to/from downtown by 2012.
New Buses
Model: Nova LFS 40102
Number: 49 on order
Arrival Status: 11 have arrived as of 01/12/11
SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS
Spoiler!
Systemwide 4-car LRV Capacity and Traction Power Upgrades
Stations: All but Shawnessy, Somerset, Dalhousie, McKnight, Crowfoot, 7th Avenue.
Status: Whitehorn station completed, Southland Station next to be extended, all others to be done.
Completion: 2014
Advanced Passenger Information System
Description: Realtime vehicle arrival information for LRT and BRT lines using GPS/INS or similar and visual displays at stations
Status: In development
Completion: 2012
Electronic Fare Payment Systems
Description: Ability to pay fares on LRT and BRT (possibly more) using some form of Smartcard technology, machines that take plastic and/or bills
Status: In development, technology not officially chosen
Completion: 2012
Improved CCTV Security at LRT Stations
Description: New and more cameras with better resolution
Status: In development
Completion: 2014
More Information: May 2009 Transit Funding Press Release