Calgary proposes $16.6M to study Green Line extensions north and south as north councillors push for rapid bus first

The City of Calgary is proposing an additional $16.6 million to study extending the Green Line LRT further north and south, in a report presented to city council's executive committee on November 3. At the same time, councillors representing northern communities say a northern rail extension is too far away and want better rapid-bus service now.

How the study money breaks down

Under the proposal, the money would be included in the upcoming four-year budget cycle: about $4.1 million to study a southeast extension from Shepard to Seton, and about $12.4 million to study a northern extension from Eau Claire downtown to 160 Avenue N. Green Line director Wendy Tynan said having those figures will help the city advocate for construction funding from the provincial and federal governments; Mayor Jeromy Farkas said he hopes to start those conversations within the next year. Funding will be decided by city council during budget deliberations later this month.

The first phase of the Green Line is under construction from Shepard in the northeast to 10 Avenue in the Beltline, at a cost of $6.2 billion. The 17-kilometre line will have 11 stations and is expected to open in 2031.

Northern councillors: 'I can't wait 20 years'

"I can't wait 20 years for the potential of a Green Line to reach Ward 3," said Coun. Andrew Yule, who represents the area. "What we need now is service." He and Ward 4 Coun. DJ Kelly are pressing for the full build-out of the MAX Green bus rapid transit line along Centre Street from downtown to Keystone Hills, with dedicated curbside bus lanes at a cost of at least $511 million. It is one of the busiest bus routes in the city, with roughly 30,000 daily riders.

Committee endorsed Yule's motion on November 3 to explore the full bus rapid transit option, but it still requires a final decision by city council. Some upgrades along the route are already complete, including heated bus shelters and roadway improvements added after it was converted to a rapid-bus route.

Photo: file photo of downtown Calgary.