Calgary Transit has launched a market search to give businesses the opportunity to sponsor the naming rights for the downtown free fare zone.
The free fare zone is an important mobility corridor connecting commuters, workers, and visitors between Downtown West/Kerby and City Hall/Bow Valley College stations.
The new initiative will allow Calgary transit to study market interest in a naming rights partnership to help generate non-fare revenue while providing a sponsor a prominent presence along the 7 Avenue transit corridor
City officials emphasized that the naming rights sponsorship will not have an impact on daily service or the availability of fare-free travel within the downtown corridor.
“Calgary Transit is exploring whether there is interest in a naming rights partnership that creates value for both Calgary Transit and a future sponsor,” said Sharon Fleming, Director of Calgary Transit. “This process will help us better understand what opportunities may exist while continuing to support the important role the Free Fare Zone plays in downtown mobility.”
The initiative follows direction from Council to explore sponsorship opportunities for the Free Fare Zone as part of broader efforts to identify potential non-fare revenue sources.
Ward 1 Councillor Kim Tyers observed that preserving fare-free transit remains a priority for residents and the business community alike.
“I heard from residents and businesses that the downtown Free Fare Zone is a service that Calgarians want to see maintained,” Tyers said. “I advocated for continuing the search for a corporate sponsor to secure its long-term viability, offering local businesses a direct way to invest in Calgary’s growth, tourism and event economy.”
Interested organizations can learn more about the opportunity beginning Sept. 3 through mid-October 2026. The results will help the City in evaluating whether a naming rights partnership is financially viable and the value it could provide for both Calgary Transit and Calgarians.