Calgary CTrain safety pilot shows mixed rider comfort as peace officers expand presence

Three-quarters of transit users feel either very safe or somewhat safe at Calgary CTrain stations, though the city's six-month visible security pilot is showing uneven results in how secure riders actually feel.

Of 1,627 riders surveyed in April, 73% reported feeling either somewhat or very safe at LRT stations — but just 27% said they felt "very safe," while less than half felt "somewhat safe." About 65% of those surveyed noticed the increased security presence, which includes 22 peace officers deployed at all 10 stations by June, up from 11 contracted security guards at five stations when the pilot launched in January.

The $9 million one-time investment came as part of the Public Transit Safety Strategy. By August, an additional 20 peace officers are expected to complete training and be deployed, bringing the total to 34. Some of these officers will join a Community Outreach Team to connect vulnerable people with housing, health care, and addiction support.

Ward 6 Coun. John Pantazopoulos, who pushed for the pilot, said he remains "cautiously optimistic" about the difference the visible presence is making. "The message that came loud and clear is how critical it is to have not just security, but the physical presence of our peace officers," he said.

The administration will present findings from summer and fall surveys to city council in Q4 of 2026. That data will inform November budget decisions on transit safety funding going forward.