Transit Fare Increase Update and Survey Questions

Calgary has one of the highest riderships in all of North American cities of similar size, 1.5 million to 1.7 million people. Transit desperately needs drivers, routes and even a space to fix the buses and trains.

Not only did the Council approve Calgary Transit's $59 million request for more operational funding, but fares were also raised higher than advised, for some, this may make fares out of reach.

Single ride fare now $4, January 1st, 2026

For instance, single-ride adult fare is slated to increase by 20 cents (rather than just 10 cents as proposed by the administration). It will go from $3.80 to $ 4.00 on January 1st, 2026.

This increase helps pay for more hours and more security to ride transit safely and support street safety improvements.

At the time of the post, City minutes were not available. However, Live Wire reported the following:

Fare Increases:

The decision now puts Calgary transit fares among the top one-third in Canada, according to a recent analysis done by CTV Ottawa in conjunction with that city's budget deliberations.

Live Wire reports using these charts on the 2026 revised fare structure: https://livewirecalgary.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Transit-fee-table-2026.pdf

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Questions to ask Calgarians

We want to know what your public transit priorities are for the next 4 years.

Here are some questions we are considering, but we want to know if we are asking the right ones. Please send in your ideas to help us make a survey.

Email us at fairfaresyyc@gmail.com by December 14th, 2025.

Connected Transit

• How many blocks do you have to walk to the nearest bus stop?

• How long does it take you to get to the bus stop?

• How long is your typical bus ride?

• How long do you have to wait for a bus or LRT?

• How long is your ride to your destination

  
  

Affordable Transit

• Can you afford a monthly pass?

• If you buy a monthly pass, how often do you purchase one?

• Do you purchase a single-ride ticket instead of a monthly pass for affordability?

• Do you purchase your monthly pass online or in person?

• Can you use the seniors' pass or CNIB card on board Calgary Transit Access?

• Is public transit your primary way of getting around?

  
  

Convenient/Safe Transit

• Where do you typically go on the bus or LRT?

• Do you feel safe getting to the bus stop or LRT station?

• Do you feel safe waiting for the bus or LRT?

• Do you feel safe riding transit?

Accessible

• Is your stop or LRT station accessible?

• Is the snow cleared at your bus stop?

• What apps do you already use to ride the bus?

• Do you use the My Fare app?

• Is public transit accessible?

• Is the Calgary Transit Access website easy to use? (If you ride Calgary Transit Access)

• Are the buses, C-Train and the stops clean?

Other:

• How could public transit be improved?