Using Calgary Transit also helps free up yellow school buses for younger students, especially in elementary and alternative programs - something families have told us is a priority.
Eligibility | Students Assigned to Calgary Transit
Grades 6-9
A.E. Cross School
Annie Gale School
Bishop Pinkham School
Bob Edwards School
Branton School
Captain Nichola Goddard School
Colonel Macleod School
Dr. Gladys McKelvie Egbert School
Dr. Gordon Higgins School
Ernest Morrow School
F.E. Osborne School
George P. Vanier School
Harold Panabaker School
H.D. Cartwright School
Ian Bazalgette School
John Ware School
Mount Royal School
Queen Elizabeth School
Robert Warren School
Senator Patrick Burns School
Sir John A. Macdonald School
Sir Wilfrid Laurier School
Terry Fox School
Tom Baines School
Vincent Massey School
Getting to School
How to Ride
Check out the Calgary Transit How to Ride for everything you need to know about taking public transit, including:
- New Transit User’s Rider Guide
- Plan a trip
- Find a schedule
- Look for closures / detours
- Find a map
Ride Times
The majority of CBE students have a travel time on the bus of less than 60 minutes with not more than one bus transfer. However, that is not possible for all students. Some students have a longer travel time and more than one bus transfer depending on a variety of factors including distance from home to school.
My Transit Ride | Transit Orientations
The CBE and Calgary Transit offer a program called "My Transit Ride" for Calgary middle or high school students transitioning to Calgary Transit.
This free orientation program is an opportunity for new and first-time transit riders to increase their comfort level and ability to ride Calgary Transit safely and efficiently to and from school.
The orientation includes different stations for families to visit to learn more about route planning, fares, how to ride the bus or CTrain, safety features, rider etiquette and much more. Calgary Transit and CBE Transportation staff will be available to answer questions.
The sessions run every half hour between and take approximately one hour in total.
Wednesday
August 12, 2026
5:00 - 8:00 PM
Bishop O’Byrne Senior High School
Service Levels & Fees
Service Levels
Calgary Transit determines the number of buses and routes based on actual ridership and available resources. Some residential districts have school express routes to the designated school. These routes are public transportation and can be accessed by the general public. Many residential districts do not have direct routes. Students in these residential districts must use regular service.
While CBE works collaboratively with Calgary Transit, we do not direct their work. Decisions on service levels are made by Calgary Transit based on available space and resources.
Fees
There are different Calgary Transit fares and passes options and purchasing locations. Students must carry proof of fare every time they use Calgary Transit.
Families can access low-income monthly passes through the City of Calgary's Fair Entry Program. This program offers a streamlined application process for city subsidy programs, including reduced rates for transit passes. You can find more information about the program at www.calgary.ca/fairentry.
What to Expect
Bus Routes & Stops
Calgary Transit has a “Plan a Trip” tool or families can also call 403-262-1000 for assistance with route planning and questions about Calgary Transit operations. When using the "Plan a Trip" tool in August, be sure to use a school day after the Labour Day weekend.
Note: Even though the fall route schedules start on the first day of school, the system does not reflect the updated schedule until after the Labour Day weekend. Families do not need to register to use Calgary Transit, including school express routes.
Stop Changes
Calgary Transit updates its routes several times per year. Visit Calgary Transit's website for information on service updates and school express service variations.
Service Delays
Calgary Transit offers a range of Rider Tools to help students stay informed during their commute.
Weather conditions can impact all types of travel. Students using Calgary Transit may benefit from greater flexibility, as buses run more frequently and offer additional options.
We recommend that parents create a backup transportation plan and share it with their child. This could include carpooling with neighbours or arranging to drop off and pick up your child from school. We recognize that these options may not work for every family and encourage you to choose a plan that best fits your circumstances.
School Bus Capacity & Utilization
Seating capacity on a standard transit bus is 39 passengers, with space for approximately 25 additional standing riders. For safety reasons, drivers may limit or adjust the number of passengers at their discretion.
School routes are not guaranteed to accommodate all students. Those unable to board their designated bus are encouraged to use regular transit routes to travel to and from school.
Calgary Transit Supporting Information
Skill Development Resources
Contact
Last modified: 2026-08-10 19:43:36.840225 +0000 UTC