Calgary Transit keeping limited express service on select routes

Calgary Transit will continue a modified express service on a small number of routes as it phases out traditional express buses, with some routes retaining one morning and one afternoon trip, the transit authority announced.

North Central, Saddletowne, and Fish Creek underwent transit service reviews, resulting in dozens of proposed route changes set for this fall. Limited express service will remain to give customers time to adjust and discover other transit options.

"Express routes are resource-intensive and serve a relatively limited number of customers in one direction," said Amanda Bradley with Calgary Transit. "By reallocating those resources into more frequent, all-day, two-way service, we are able to improve connections, increase reliability, and support a wider range of destinations and travel times across the network."

The Hidden Valley Express, MacEwan Express, Harvest Hills Express, Coventry Hills Express, and Panorama Express will remain but be reduced to one trip per day in each direction, effective this fall. These routes serve Ward 3 in north-central Calgary.

Calgary Transit is also introducing a new 500-series express route—a streamlined, corridor-specific service connecting transit hubs and regular routes. Route 503 in Symons Valley will be the first, launching August 31, 2026. The Max Green bus rapid transit will have buses every 2 to 5 minutes at peak times and every 10 to 14 minutes off-peak.

Ward 3 Councillor Andrew Yule said surveys showed residents were upset about losing express service. The modified routes provide a transition while residents adjust. "You can still grab that express route coming into work and going home from work, and if you don't, you now get to experience the new model of the Max Green," Yule said.