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HOV Lanes
Centre Street HOV Lane
Calgary’s first High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane is located on Centre Street North. During weekday rush hours the curb lane in the peak direction is reserved for HOVs between 20 Avenue North and 3 Avenue S.
HOVs are:
- Calgary Transit and other buses,
- Vehicles with two or more occupants
Cyclists are permitted to use the HOV lane but there is a designated cycling route on 2nd Street NW
HOV Operating Hours
Weekdays: 07:00 - 08:30 & 15:30 - 18:00
How Does it Work?
The HOV lane operates in conjunction with a lane reversal system that designates three of the four Centre Street traffic lanes for peak direction travel - southbound in the morning and northbound in the afternoon. During peak times, overhead lights, with green arrows or red ‘X’s, designate which lanes are open for travel. Overhead signs indicate when the HOV lane is in effect.
Right Turns
Single Occupant Vehicles (SOVs) may use the HOV lane to make right turns to and from Centre Street provided they do not travel more than one block (or a reasonable distance depending on traffic) in the HOV lane before or after their turn.
On Street Parking
On street parking is prohibited on both sides of Centre Street during the HOV operating hours.
Transit Priority at Traffic Signals
The Centre Street HOV lane also includes a new Traffic Signal Priority (TSP) system. Calgary Transit express buses use a transmitter in the bus to request a slightly longer green or shorter red signal as they approach a traffic light. This system provides a smoother, faster trip for transit customers. However, all peak direction traffic will benefit when a TSP bus activates the system.
Enforcement and Monitoring
The Calgary Police Service will enforce the HOV lane similar to other traffic restrictions. HOV lane offenders will be subject to a $60.00 fine.
For more information: Dial 311
Notes for Right Turn diagram.
Right Turns by Single Occupant Vehicles (SOVs) During HOV Lane Operation.
Note 1: SOVs may only enter the HOV lane in the block from where they will make a right turn.
Note 2. SOVs turning right enter the HOV lane to complete the turn and move out of the HOV lane before the start of the next block.
Why an HOV Lane?
The HOV lane provides priority and a travel time advantage for people who go downtown by transit or with passengers in their cars.
To meet the objectives of the Calgary Transportation plan, we need to encourage more people to use transit and increase the number of people in cars and other vehicles to avoid building additional roads and bridges and to minimize environmental impact. More information on the Calgary Transportation Plan can be found on the
City of Calgary Website.
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