Calgary Transit to Expand Transfer Window from 90 Minutes to 2 Hours

CALGARY — Calgary Transit riders could soon benefit from a longer transfer window, as city council voted 11-4 on Tuesday to expand the current 90-minute transfer period to two hours. The motion, introduced by Ward 12 Coun. Mike Jamieson, was inspired by a constituent who often required more than 90 minutes to complete commutes, particularly during winter delays.

Councillors in favour of the change noted that the 90-minute window may not accommodate longer trips, service delays, traffic congestion, poor weather, or mobility challenges. “We are a growing city. Commutes are longer. Routes involve more transfers. A 120-minute window better reflects the reality of how people move across the city today,” said Jamieson.

The change would bring Calgary’s system in line with other major cities such as Toronto and Montreal, which already offer two-hour transfer windows. Mayor Jeromy Farkas expressed strong support, stating that the extension would create a more equitable system. However, he emphasized that additional work is needed to assess route efficiency and overall transit service improvements.

City administration will prepare an amended fare policy for council by April 28, 2026, including an assessment of the financial impact, ridership implications, and any necessary bylaw updates.

Some councillors, such as Ward 10 Coun. Andre Chabot, called for a delay to gather more data on the financial and ridership effects. “We can’t make incremental budget decisions blindly, as it could contribute to larger tax increases,” Chabot said. His motion to refer the proposal to committee was narrowly defeated 8-7.

Other councillors debated the broader implications for transit ridership. Ward 8 Coun. Nathaniel Schmidt argued that council should carefully evaluate long-term benefits, while Ward 7 Coun. Myke Atkinson noted that extending the transfer window may encourage central-city residents to use transit more frequently, as they could complete round trips without paying twice.

The council’s decision signals a potential shift toward a more accessible, equitable transit system for Calgary residents, accommodating longer commutes and improving the daily experience for riders across the city.