Project update!
In Fall 2024, we engaged the public to better understand opportunities and constraints for transit users along Shaganappi Trail. While we expected to do more engagement later, the input we received—along with detailed technical work—has helped us shape the direction of the project. However, the proposed transit solution leaves limited alternatives as the route primarily follows Shaganappi Trail with minimal changes to alignment or stop locations.
The project team will continue to work on specific improvements along the corridor that will help to further address the public feedback we received, and we look forward to sharing those in the future.
Below, we’re sharing how public feedback has been used, what work has been done so far, and what’s planned next for the project.
How we used public feedback
Below is a summary of feedback we gathered in Phase 1: Discover, and what we did with that feedback to inform the transit improvement plan that we are sharing now.
You can review the detailed What We Heard Report and Verbatim Feedback here.
What we heard
What we did:
To address frequency, we’re proposing that the Shaganappi Trail Primary Transit Network (PTN) corridor be serviced by a future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) which results in a more frequent service.
What we did:
For the future Shaganappi BRT service, we are recommending that stations be spaced farther apart to reduce stopping times. This assists in the bus staying on schedule and running smoother. Additionally, we are also exploring various Transit priority measures, such as transit-only lanes and traffic signals that will give buses more green light time.
In addition, the team is exploring various short-term improvements that can be implemented before the BRT is developed to improve existing service along Shaganappi Trail. These improvements will be revealed in the next phase of the study.What we did:
We are proposing additional pathway and sidewalk connections from the surrounding communities to the proposed new stations. We are also proposing MAX-level service stations in some locations which will have heated shelters, floor-level boarding, and real time information displays.
Snow clearing is handled by The City’s operations team, so it’s not within the scope of our project. However, the Shaganappi Trail is proposed to be serviced as a BRT line, which typically are a top priority for snow clearing in Calgary.
What we did:
The feasibility of an extension to northern communities such as Glacier Ridge will be explored as part of the project. Currently, an on-demand transit center services Glacier Ridge.
We are proposing an additional station at Edgemont Blvd (Nose Hill Park) to connect to Edgemont communities as well as additional stations at other locations such as Hidden Valley and Country Hills along the Shaganappi Trail corridor.What we did:
We are proposing a new station at Nose Hill Park and exploring an extension south of Brentwood station that could potentially serve areas such as University of Calgary, Market Mall, University District, and Foothills Medical Centre.
What we did:
Improvements to the transit app and real-time updates are outside of the scope of this project, however the concern has been shared with Calgary Transit.
BRT recommendation
We recommend upgrading the transit service along Shaganappi Trail to a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) level. This recommendation is based on updated city plans, community feedback, and technical analysis.
- Why a BRT?
- Routes 8 and 82 are very busy and have ridership that are comparable to other existing MAX / BRT services in the City, making Shaganappi Trail a strong candidate for a BRT service upgrade.
- The BRT would provide more direct access from multiple communities to major community and activity centres, such as Brentwood LRT station, Symons Valley Centre, and various high schools (including Sir Winston Churchill High School)
- A BRT service along Shaganappi fills a gap in rapid transit access in the northwest quadrant of the city.
- A BRT service upgrade aligns with City policies to promote transit and help encourage alternate travel options.
- What to expect
- We are working on some short-term improvements that will help the current bus routes as well as the future BRT. We will update you on these improvements in the upcoming months.
- Routes like the 8 and 82 will continue to operate. However, in the future, Calgary Transit may consider adjusting these routes after the new BRT line is in place.
Recommended route and potential extensions
Click on the map to learn more.
Next steps
About the project
Project Background
On July 4, 2023, Council approved an updated 30-year strategic plan for Calgary Transit, known as RouteAhead. RouteAhead provides direction for planning and investing in transit in Calgary to improve transit service and the customer experience.
The Shaganappi Trail corridor was identified in RouteAhead as a key project within the Primary Transit Network (PTN). The PTN serves as the backbone of Calgary’s transit service, featuring a network of transit corridors that link communities and activity centers across the city.
This study
The study will look at the Shaganappi Trail corridor from the future Symons Valley Terminal to the Brentwood Light Rail Transit (LRT) station. This corridor will serve as a north-south crosstown transit service to connect developing and established communities in northwest Calgary. along the corridor to other PTN and regular transit routes at Brentwood transit terminal, including Red Line LRT, 144 Avenue North BRT, and MAX Orange.
Through this Transit Study, we will:
- Work with the public and key interested parties to identify transit needs, ideas, opportunities and/or challenges.
- Develop and recommend short-to-medium term and medium-to-long term options for improving transit service along Shaganappi Trail.
- Develop and suggest a preferred transit improvement plan to enhance future transit service along the corridor.
- Outline the phases, implementation strategy, and cost of the project
Study area
See the approximate route as outlined in the RouteAhead for the Shaganappi Trail Transit Corridor below.
Public engagement process
Public engagement process
How your feedback will be used
We want to hear from you! Public input is a valuable part of developing the plan.
We will collect input from the public, along with technical data, City policies, budgets and best practices to inform the plan. The studies findings will show how transit connects with other transportation modes along the corridor and help guide future transit development.
Phase 1 engagement
Past engagement phases
Phase 1: Shaganappi Trail Transit Study Virtual Presentation
Transit Development Priorities
We want to confirm what we heard from Calgarians in the RouteAhead to help us plan for transit solutions for the area and the long-term plan for Shaganappi Trail tranist corridor.
RouteAhead transit development priorities:
| Safety (Feeling safe, secure while getting to, waiting for, and riding on transit) | Frequent service (Schedule buses to arrive at stops more often) | Network design (Ensure transit runs to major destinations and where people need to go, in all areas) |
| Reliable arrival and departure times | Environmentally friendly (Transit’s low emissions contributes to a more environmentally friendly Calgary) |
