Chestermere residents could eventually have access to hourly Calgary Transit service under a new transportation model endorsed by city council.
At its September 1 meeting, council selected a hybrid system combining a Calgary Transit-operated fixed route with an on-demand service operating within Chestermere. Administration has been directed to continue negotiations with Calgary Transit, finalize a service contract and return to council with a detailed implementation plan.
The decision represents a significant step toward expanding public transportation beyond the limited commuter service currently available between Chestermere and Calgary.
Chestermere’s existing transit connection began in August 2021 as an extension of Calgary Transit’s MAX Purple route. The service currently operates during weekday morning and afternoon peak periods, primarily serving residents travelling between Chestermere and Calgary for work or school.
While useful for commuters whose schedules align with those trips, the limited timetable has made the service less practical for residents who need transportation during the middle of the day or outside traditional commuting hours.
Under the preferred model, an hourly fixed-route bus would provide more consistent service, while an on-demand component would help connect residents from different Chestermere neighbourhoods to the main route.
Details still to be determined include the route, location of stops, hours of operation, fare structure, accessibility provisions, projected ridership and the cost to Chestermere taxpayers. Council will be asked to consider those details when administration returns with the final implementation plan.
The City has been examining several possible transit models, including operating an independent municipal system and expanding its partnership with Calgary Transit. In April, council endorsed a hybrid fixed-route and on-demand model in principle and asked administration to examine funding and cost-recovery options.
Council also directed the City to explore a possible Calgary Transit Route 106 connection and on-demand service. The September decision moves that work forward by naming Calgary Transit as the preferred operator for the fixed-route portion of the system.
Maintaining a dependable connection with Calgary is increasingly important as Chestermere continues to grow. Many residents travel into Calgary for employment, education, medical appointments, shopping and connections to the wider transit network.
Expanded service could also provide greater independence for teenagers, seniors, residents with limited mobility and households without access to a second vehicle. For the system to be successful, however, it will need to reach enough neighbourhoods and operate often enough to become a realistic alternative to driving.
To prevent a gap in regional service while the new system is developed, council also endorsed extending the existing MAX Purple connection until June 20, 2027. That extension is intended to maintain the current link between Chestermere and Calgary during the transition.
The approval does not mean hourly buses will begin immediately. Council has endorsed the preferred model, but the final agreement, operating budget and implementation schedule must still return for consideration.
Residents should watch for further information about proposed routes, stops, fares and the launch date once negotiations with Calgary Transit are complete.
The central question will be whether the final system offers enough convenience and reliability to attract regular riders while remaining affordable for the municipality.
For a rapidly growing city where private vehicles remain the primary means of transportation, hourly transit would represent a substantial change. If approved and implemented as proposed, it could give residents a more practical way to move around Chestermere and connect with Calgary throughout the day.