Busing & Transportation

Beginning in Grade 6, middle school students can be designated to Calgary Transit as their primary method of transportation to school. There are many benefits to middle school, junior high school and high school students using Calgary Transit including flexible schedules, the ability to use transit passes to travel to other activities outside of school and gaining a knowledge of using public transit to fully participate in life, work and continued learning.

By designating students to transit, CBE Transportation is able to dedicate drivers and buses to ensure service for our youngest riders who have no other feasible service options. We heard from families during previous engagements that CBE should focus funding on providing enhanced transportation to elementary schools, including alternative programs.​​

Eligibility​

High Schools

All high school students in regular and alternative programs are assigned to ​ Calgary Transit with the following exceptions:

High School Yellow Bus Service:

• Haskayne community to Bowness High School.
  
• Rangeview community to Lord Beaverbrook High School.
  

Middle and Junior High Schools

The following students are assigned to Calgary Transit:

Considerations

Each year the CBE Transportation Department reviews all yellow school bus routes to look for potential movement of students to Calgary Transit for service.

The factors that are considered are:

• Grade configurations of schools (grades 6 and up)
• Ride times approximately 1 hour from the first bus stop to schools for (regular program)
• Up to 1 bus transfer (regular program)
• Communities with existing Calgary Transit service
• Calgary Transit space and resources

Service Levels and 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.

Accessibility

Calgary Transit’s fleet is accessible for people with different levels of mobility. Students who have met Calgary Transit Access and eligibility criteria, applied, and been approved may be able to book a trip to school as long as yellow school bus service is not provided.

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.

Bus Routes and 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 Labour Day weekend. Even though the fall route schedules starts the first day of school, the system does not reflect the updated schedule until after Labour Day weekend. Families do not need to register to use Calgary Transit, including school express routes.​

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.

Bus Route and Stop Changes

Calgary Transit updates their routes several times per year. Visit Calgary Transit's website for information on service updates and school express service variations.

Service Delays

Calgary Transit has several Rider Tools to stay informed along the way.

All traffic is affected in situations of poor weather. Students taking Calgary Transit have more options and flexibility as buses run more frequently.

It is wise for parents to create a backup plan and share that plan with your child. Your plan may include possibilities like carpooling with neighbours or dropping and picking up your children at school. We understand that these options are not possible for everyone and encourage you to develop a plan that is suitable to your family situation.

Safety & Using Calgary Transit

Calgary Transit is committed to safety and has an extensive network of security features including cameras on buses and help phones at LRT stations and platforms for assistance. There are cameras at all CTrain stations that are monitored by security staff that are in direct contact with peace officers and can dispatch them quickly or call other emergency responders. Transit peace officers are also available to quickly respond to any incidents.

Calgary Transit provides riders with three options to report safety or security concerns. In addition to the phone number (403-262-1000) and the help buttons/phones at bus and train stations, riders can now send a text to 74100 for assistance from transit staff.

School Bus Capacity &​ Utilization

Seating capacity on a regular sized transit bus is 39, with room for another 25 to stand. The driver may limit the number of passengers or allow more, at their own discretion, in the interest of safety. School routes are not guaranteed to have capacity to carry all students. Students who cannot board the designated bus are encouraged to use regular routes to get to and from school​​.

How to Ride

Check out the Calgary Transit How to R​ide 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
  

My Transit Ride

The Calgary Board of Education and Calgary Transit offer a program called "My Transit Ride" for Calgary middle or high school students transitioning to Calgary Transit and their families. We are excited to offer this safety training and transit orientation to increase students’ comfort level and ability to ride Calgary Transit safely and efficiently. For more information, please visit our Calgary Transit Orientation page.

Calgary Transit Support Documents

Skill Development Resources

• Skill Development 1 - Pedestrian and Road Safety
• ​Skill Development 2 - Personal Information and Safety Knowledge​
• Skill Development 3 - Self-Advocacy and Personal Independence
• Skill Development 4 - Communication and Social​ Skills
• Skill Development 5 - Calgary Transit Skills​

Training Resources

• Transition to Calgary Transit Presentation​
• Social Story - Using Public Transit to Get to School
• Calgary Transit Etiquette
• Navigating Using Landmarks
• CTrain Safety Visual

Tools

• Calgary Transit Tools
• Calgary Transit Sample Picture Book​
• Calgary Transit Visual Aids
• Calgary Transit Alternative Action Plans​ ​
  ​
  
  ​