Tactile bus stop signs help Calgarians navigate transit with more confidence

Calgary Transit is improving service for customers who are blind, Deafblind or have low vision. As part of a pilot effort, 89 tactile and high contrast signs are now in place on Route 90 (Bridgeland/University of Calgary).

The signs provide key information, such as stop ID, route details, and Calgary Transit’s TeleRide phone number (403-974-4000), using raised text and braille.  

“We want all our riders to have the ability to use transit independently and confidently as they travel around Calgary,” says Sharon Fleming, Director, Calgary Transit. “Our tactile sign pilot on Route 90 is a small but important step in making the system more accessible for more Calgarians.”

Calgary Transit engaged CNIB on the sign’s design. More engagement with CNIB and public feedback captured through a questionnaire will help inform potential future tactile sign rollout on all Calgary bus routes.

“Accessible transit means more than just getting from one place to another — it’s about ensuring safety, independence, and with confidence for all travelers,” says CNIB Advocacy Lead Taylor Bauer. “These tactile, high-contrast bus stop signs along Route 90 are an encouraging step toward ensuring people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision can get where they need to go, when they need to go. CNIB appreciates the work Calgary Transit has put into this pilot initiative and looks forward to continuing to work together to ensure transit is accessible and inclusive for all.”

In addition to tactile bus stop signs, Calgary Transit has begun improving accessibility in and around CTrain stations. In 2025, a number of improvements were made to the Sunnyside Station pedestrian crossings:

• Automatic gate arms to help manage pedestrian flow
• Emergency swing gates for added protection
• Wider crossing surfaces for smoother movement
• Tactile surfaces and wheelchair ramps to support accessibility
• Cane-detectable features to assist visually impaired pedestrians
• LED indicators and upgraded lighting for better visibility
• Modern control systems for improved reliability
• Enhanced CCTV coverage to support safety

Courtesy: The City of Calgary Newsroom