The launch of the new 500 series express routes, has provided Calgarians with a new faster, efficient and modernized way to travel across the city. The express service is designed to provide faster connections, better integration with the transit network and more value for its customers.
Route 503 Symons Valley Express, which begins service today, will connect Sage Hill and surrounding areas with the downtown core through a direct, limited-stop service. The Airport/City Centre Route 300 is being changed to Route 500 and renamed as the Airport Express. This is the first step towards building a new family of express routes which will grow over time.
Sharon Fleming, Director of Calgary Transit stated that “Calgary is growing, and the way people travel is changing. The new 500-series gives customers the fast, direct service they value while better connecting them to the rest of our transit network. It is a smarter, more flexible approach that helps us serve more people, more efficiently.”
In line with RouteAhead; Calgary’s 30 year strategic plan the 500-series will help to build a more connected, reliable network. Unlike traditional express routes, which primarily operate during peak periods and in one direction, the new 500-series model provides two-way service throughout the day, allowing customers to travel to a wider range of destinations.
The new express network has been designed to provide fast, direct travel with limited stops, and offer consistent service throughout the day. Additionally, it will connect customers to transit hubs and local routes; thereby supporting travel to a wider variety of destinations across Calgary, making more effective use of available travel resources.
The launch of Route 503 also supports broader improvements made through Calgary Transit’s North Central Transit Service Review. The route creates a direct connection between Sage Hill and downtown while complementing existing services such as MAX Green and local community routes. It also helps maximize previous investments in transit infrastructure along key corridors including Centre Street North.
City officials noted that the performance data received from Route 503 will help inform future expansions and improvements to Calgary’s growing transit needs. Complete trip planning tools and schedules are available at calgarytransit.com.