Calgary’s Mayor Jeromy Farkas has proposed an ambitious idea that could transform public transportation in the city: extending the popular 24-hour CTrain service currently offered during the Calgary Stampede to operate throughout the entire year.
During the world-famous Stampede festival, Calgary Transit operates trains around the clock to accommodate the massive influx of visitors. The numbers speak for themselves: on Parade Day this year, the CTrain system recorded 229,000 boardings, compared to an average of 128,000 on regular Fridays in June. This success has inspired the mayor to consider permanent implementation.
Transit experts have weighed in on the proposal, noting both opportunities and challenges. David Cooper, principal at Leading Mobility, explained that while 24-hour service is feasible, it would require careful planning around maintenance schedules. He pointed out that overnight transit typically begins with bus service, as seen with Vancouver’s TransLink night bus program that operates when SkyTrain is closed.
The potential benefits could be significant for many Calgary residents. According to transit research consultant Willem Klumpenhouwer, extended service would particularly help shift workers, healthcare professionals, and those employed in logistics and the service industry who currently struggle with limited late-night transportation options.
Currently, CTrains operate between 4 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. on regular days. Calgary Transit has not yet commented on the mayor’s proposal, and city council would need to evaluate the budget implications against other transit priorities before any expansion could move forward.
