Less than a week into its new two-car weekend train pilot, Calgary Transit is already adjusting service based on rider feedback and demand.
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The pilot, launched March 22, reduced CTrain lengths to two cars on Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays. The goal is matching weekend ridership demand, reducing energy use, maintenance and operational costs.
Weekend ridership fluctuates, and trains often run below capacity. On average, about 84 passengers ride each weekend train, peaking around 300 during busier periods—still under a two-car train’s 400-person limit.
Responding to customer feedback and real-time ridership data collected from the pilot's first weekend, Calgary Transit announced adjustments for this coming weekend. Three-car trains will return this Saturday to support busier periods and events. Sunday trains will remain at two cars.
"This past weekend’s two-car train pilot launch gave us great insight to adjust our pilot and better match service with demand," said Aaron Coon, manager at Calgary Transit.
Calgary Transit said that, throughout the pilot period, service will continue to be closely monitored and adjusted as needed. Additional "floater" trains will be deployed during high-demand events such as concerts and Flames games.
Major city-wide events—including June’s Rotary International Convention and the Calgary Stampede—will temporarily see longer trains of three or four cars.
Other anticipated pilot benefits include a 33 per cent reduction in energy use, lower maintenance costs and improved safety, allowing Transit Peace Officers to patrol more effectively. Shorter trains will still stop at the end of platforms, meaning some passengers may need to adjust where they wait.
A full evaluation of the pilot project will take place in the fall, with further changes possible based on ridership data and customer feedback.
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