A Decision-Support Framework for Expanding Express Transit Networks: The Case of Calgary

RouteAhead is Calgary Transit’s 30-year plan that guides us in providing safe, accessible, customer-focused transit service for Calgarians. It’s divided into three core principles (Customer Experience, Network Planning and Financing Transit) to help us shape transit service delivery over the next 30 years.

RouteAhead is informed by the Municipal Development Plan (MDP), which describes the vision for growth in Calgary over the next 60 years, and the Calgary Transportation Plan (CTP), which includes the transportation policies that will help guide Calgary towards the MDP vision over 30 years.

Originally approved by Council in 2013, an updated RouteAhead was approved in July 2023.

A major focus of RouteAhead is the expansion of Calgary’s bi-modal express transit network, which integrates an efficient LRT-BRT system. However, with recent population growth, shifting travel patterns, and rising demand across the city, RouteAhead requires reassessment to determine whether its long-term plans remain valid or if updates are needed to better align with current and future realities.

In partnership with the Government of Alberta, the City of Calgary, and Calgary Transit, and using detailed demand data provided by Calgary Transit, our four-year project developed a revised plan for expanding the city’s express network. While several of RouteAhead’s original recommendations remained relevant, our analysis identified key changes necessary to meet Calgary’s mobility goals through 2076.

I will be discussing this project as a speaker at the 2025 Research-to-Practice Transit Symposium, which will be held online and streamed on YouTube. Don’t miss it!