Turnstiles and free fare expansion: Calgary mayoral candidates pitch transit platforms

Some mayoral candidates in Calgary's upcoming civic election have ideas on how to crack down on transit safety issues.

Some mayoral candidates are pitching pilot projects to improve the safety and experience of Calgary Transit, including installing turnstiles and expanding the free fare zone.

Sonya Sharp and her Communities First candidates are pledging to explore turnstiles at three test sites across the city—the Sunalta, Westbrook and Chinook CTrain stations.

“Let’s pilot this. Let’s see if they do work, and if they do work out, what are the impacts to reducing fare evasion, helping with safety on platforms?” Sharp said on Tuesday.

“We have had a lot of situations that aren’t very pleasant on some of our platforms, and we do have to think about the students going to school every day, the seniors that are taking the trains across the city and even everyday Calgarians that are taking the train to events.

“We have to try something.”

The promise did not have an estimated cost.

A report from city officials in 2023 showed a “closed system” with fare gates or turnstiles at all stations would cost more than $280 million.

Jyoti Gondek is promising to fast-track the installation of protective barriers for bus drivers, form a transit safety committee and explore on-demand transit options for late-night workers.

“I will work to develop a transit safety strategy that aligns with national best practices and addresses staffing, infrastructure and mental-health response,” Gondek said.

The incumbent is also promising to look into expanding the free fare zone through corporate partnerships.

“When we invest in a transit system that’s safe, reliable and fair, we’re investing in a Calgary that works for everyone. This is what it means to protect what matters,” she said.

Gondek could not provide an estimated cost for her transit improvement plan.

After casting a ballot on the Vote Bus on Tuesday, Jeromy Farkas promised he would work on a more wraparound plan to address transit safety concerns.

“We need to fund the prevention; we need to fund the enforcement on the transit itself. And we can’t lose sight of the fact that we need to fund transit itself. This needs to be a quality service that Calgarians feel confidence in,” Farkas said.

“By virtue of having more people on transit, using this as an essential service, that means it becomes safer for everybody.”

Farkas said he would also continue with design changes to improve lighting and sightlines at stations.

Advance voting continues across the city until Oct. 11. Election day is Oct. 20.