Introduction

Calgary, the moment you've been waiting for has finally arrived—your new Green Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) plan is here!

Decision by City Council

This exciting development now hinges entirely on the decision of Calgary's City Council. Devin Dreeshen, Alberta's transportation minister, emphasized the critical role of the council, stating, "It’s all up to city council. If they don’t approve it, the work and the project will be shelved, potentially leaving it for a future council to reconsider."

Improved Alignment

One of the standout features of this new plan is its improved alignment. The updated design boasts 12 stations, a significant increase from the previous seven stations in the earlier proposal. Running just over 17 kilometers in length, this new plan represents a remarkable 76 percent increase in coverage compared to the previous city initiative that lacked provincial funding.

Projected Ridership

Moreover, the projected daily ridership is expected to soar by an impressive 60 percent compared to the former alignment. Residents can look forward to LRT services now reaching the Beltline, enhancing public transit accessibility in this thriving neighborhood.

Project Cost

The project's estimated cost remains at $6.2 billion, with the provincial government contributing approximately $1.7 billion. Importantly, no additional funds will be required from Calgary taxpayers, alleviating concerns about financial impact on the public.

Avoiding Downtown Tunneling

A key feature of this revised alignment is the decision to avoid tunneling through downtown, a choice that the provincial government estimates will save more than $1 billion. This strategic move allows for an extension of the line further south than previously planned, with the new southern terminus located at Shepard rather than the earlier endpoint at Lynnwood/Millican. This adjustment brings back five stations in the southern region, including Ogden and Quarry Park, which had been left out of the original proposal.

Future Developments

Exciting future developments include a planned stop at the Grand Central station, which will be situated near the forthcoming Event Centre and a planned culture and entertainment district in Victoria Park. The Green Line will also connect seamlessly at 2 St. S.W., converging with the existing Red and Blue LRT lines at 7 Ave. S.W.

Conclusion

As Calgary stands on the brink of a significant transformation in public transit, all eyes are on the City Council. Will they seize this opportunity to enhance accessibility and sustainability in Calgary? Only time will tell! Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds—Calgary’s future could be brighter than ever!