Express Routes

About Express Routes

Calgary Transit’s bus network includes several types of routes, including express routes. These routes provide one-way, peak-period service, connecting communities directly with downtown during the morning and afternoon commute.

Historically, express routes have supported customers travelling to and from downtown during traditional work hours. Over time, Calgary has grown significantly, along with changes in where and when people travel. Travel patterns now include a wider range of destinations, work schedules, and trip purposes beyond peak-period downtown commutes.

Considerations with the current express service model

In their current format, express routes present some operational and service challenges:

• One-way routes spend more time travelling out of service between trips. During this time, buses are not carrying customers but continue to incur operating costs
• This type of service is more resource-intensive than regular routes, which operate in both directions and throughout more of the day
• Available resources — including funding, operators, and vehicles — have not grown at the same rate as Calgary’s population, requiring careful allocation across the network

Looking ahead

RouteAhead, Calgary Transit’s 30-year strategic plan, focuses on expanding more frequent, all-day, two-way service that better supports a wider range of travel needs. This approach is intended to create a network that is more consistent, connected, and reliable.

As part of Transit Service Reviews taking place across the city in 2026, Calgary Transit is introducing changes to express route service using a phased approach.

This fall, a limited level of express service will remain, with one trip in the morning and one in the afternoon. This provides customers with additional time to adjust and explore alternative travel options within the broader transit network.

Further changes to express service will take place through future seasonal service updates.

Introducing 500-series express routes

As part of these changes, we’re introducing a new series of 500-series express routes.

These routes are designed to:

• Provide more consistent, simplified express service
• Align with updated travel patterns and key corridors
• Integrate more effectively with the broader transit network

While still offering peak-period service focused on efficient connections, the 500-series routes are structured to work alongside regular routes and transit hubs, helping customers connect to a wider range of destinations.