Friday Focus: Transit Investment Works

Both Calgary and Edmonton recently released their transit ridership numbers for the first three months of 2024. These numbers showed that not only has transit ridership fully returned from prior to the pandemic, but in Calgary, transit ridership hit a record high. 

In Calgary, the first quarter of 2024 saw an impressive 25.5 million trips, marking a 21% increase compared to the same period last year. This surge in ridership is highlighted by an all-time high in CTrain boardings, which reached 8.8 million in March alone. The success can be attributed to expanded off-peak services and significant improvements in safety and customer experience. Calgary Transit’s efforts are clearly paying off, with more residents choosing to rely on public transit for their daily commutes. 

Similarly, Edmonton has achieved a remarkable milestone by returning to pre-pandemic ridership levels. In January 2023, Edmonton Transit Service averaged 1.2 million rides per week, a testament to the resilience and dedication of transit authorities. This recovery is one of the first in the country, highlighting Edmonton as a leader in transit ridership recovery. Edmonton attributes this to increasing frequency on certain routes and investments in new planning technology. 

The increased ridership in both cities underscores the importance of maintaining and expanding our transit infrastructure. When we invest in public transit, we invest in the future of our communities. We reduce traffic congestion, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and create more accessible cities for everyone.

As we look to the future, let’s continue to support policies and initiatives that enhance our transit networks. The Alberta Liberal Party is committed to working with municipal leaders, transit authorities, and communities to ensure that our transit systems meet the evolving needs of our growing population. Together, we can build a more connected, sustainable, and prosperous Alberta.