Introducing the new 500-series express routes

There’s a new way to get around the city with the launch of our new 500-series express routes.

The new series is designed to provide faster, more direct trips while making it easier to connect with the rest of our network. It's part of our ongoing work to build a more connected, reliable system that meets the needs of a growing city.

Meet Route 503 - Symons Valley Express

The first route in the new series, Route 503 - Symons Valley Express, begins service today.

Route 503 provides a direct, limited-stop connection between Sage Hill Terminal and downtown Calgary, giving customers in Sage Hill and surrounding communities a faster and more convenient travel option.

As part of the launch, Route 300 Airport/City Centre has also been renamed Route 500 - Airport Express. This is a name change only, with no changes to routing or service levels. The new route number helps establish the foundation for the growing 500-series family of express routes.

Why are we introducing the 500-series?

Calgary is growing, and travel patterns are changing.

Traditional express routes were primarily designed to move customers between specific communities and downtown during peak commuting hours. Today's customers travel at different times and to a wider variety of destinations across the city.

The 500-series is designed to better reflect how people travel today by offering express service that works alongside the broader transit network.

The new routes are designed to:

• Provide fast, direct travel with limited stops
• Offer more consistent service throughout the day
• Improve connections to local routes and transit hubs
• Support trips to a wider range of destinations across Calgary
• Make effective use of available transit resources
• Supporting a growing transit network

The launch of Route 503 is part of the North Central Transit Service Review and complements other transit services in the area, including MAX Green and local community routes.

It also supports our RouteAhead vision by creating a network that is more connected, reliable and flexible for customers.

By modernizing express service and improving connections across the network, we can better serve current travel patterns while making the most of existing transit investments.

Looking ahead

Route 503 is the first step in the rollout of the new 500-series network.

We will continue monitoring ridership and customer feedback as the route begins service. What we learn from Route 503 will help shape future 500-series routes in other parts of the city.