The Calgary Chamber of Commerce is calling for a re-evaluation of the re-evaluated Green Line, with an emphasis on finding a solution to return the LRT line underground in the downtown.
The ask came as part of survey results released by the Chamber on Oct. 16, which said that 48 per cent of businesses expressed dissatisfaction with the state of public transportation funding in Calgary.
That same survey indicated that less than a third, at 31 per cent, felt that there was sufficient funding.
“Strong connectivity, whether through transit, technology or supply chains, is fundamental to a productive, resilient and high-performing economy,” said Deborah Yedlin, CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, in the release.
“Investments in connectivity not only deliver strong economic and social returns, but also help position Calgary as a competitive, attractive place to live, work and invest. Public transit is an essential part of this—connecting people to employment, services and retail—and in doing so, strengthening the entire business ecosystem.”
As part of the Chamber’s municipal platform on transit, they said that the Green Line was needed for a Calgary that had a population of 1.25 million people, a number they pointed out had already been surpassed by 35 per cent.
“To ensure reliable connectivity for workers and businesses, our business community recommends restoring the Green Line’s planned downtown alignment from elevated to underground—aligning with the original design. Additionally, we encourage expanding the Free Fare Zone and increasing overall transit coverage and frequency to better serve workers and customers,” said the Chamber.
That platform has also asked the next council to work with provincial and federal leaders to find a solution to the underground issue, as well as extending the Green Line north to 160 Avenue N.
Other asks include greater investments into transportation infrastructure, including more pathways and bike lanes in the city, and outside of the city an advancement of plans to connect Banff and Edmonton to Calgary.
