Calgary Transit is hoping citizens will MAX-imize public transportation options with the upcoming launch of the three new bus rapid transit lines.
On Monday (Nov. 19), MAX Orange, MAX Purple and MAX Teal will begin operation. The fourth, MAX route in the city’s southwest, will open for service in 2019.
Service on the new lines will run every 12 to 18 minutes during peak times and the routes have built-in infrastructure that includes queue jumps and dedicated bus-only lanes to bypass traffic.
Shelters for the MAX services will be outfitted with larger platforms, heated shelters, wayfinding signs and arrival time display signs.
“MAX is the largest single addition to our city’s rapid transit network to date and will provide citizens of all ages and backgrounds the freedom to move around the city in an affordable, convenient and accessible way,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi, in a prepared release.
With the MAX openings, Calgary Transit has a host of new, revised and retired routes.
Here’s a full list of the routes that will be affected and areas of the city the Max BRT lines will service.
The province allocated $160 million to the BRT project (including the SW BRT MAX line), the federal government contributed $42.5 million and the city put in nearly $76 million. Total investment in the service is $304 million.
There will be a community grand opening event on Nov. 17 from 12 to 2 p.m. on International Avenue (17 Avenue SE) and 32 Street.
