Two-Car CTrain Service on Weekends
Pilot project launching March 22, 2025
We’re running two-car trains on weekends and stat holidays, as part of a pilot project to improve and optimize public transit service for Calgarians.
Ridership numbers have been growing since 2022 and returning to pre-pandemic levels, but we still see fluctuations during weekends where the ridership numbers don’t always match the number of cars on the track.
Running two-car trains helps address this imbalance by optimizing our service levels, while helping us save on energy, maintenance, and operations costs. We can make the best use of our resources by reallocating them to where they’re needed most.
Service will continue to be closely monitored and adjusted as needed – including deploying additional “floater” trains during events like concerts and Flames games, as well as unexpected changes in demand. Major city events such as the Rotary Convention in June 2025 and Stampede will see a temporary increase in three- and potentially four-car trains to accommodate the significant increases in ridership.
We will assess the effectiveness of the weekend two-car trains over the months following the launch of the pilot, and may consider exploring further options for optimization and resource reallocation.
Good to know: The shorter trains will still stop at the end of the platforms, meaning you may need to move further down than usual to catch your train!
Benefits include:
- Optimized service: trains and resources are being used in a way that better fits the demand while continuing to provide reliable service
- Lower energy consumption: Fewer CTrain cars reduces energy usage over the weekend by 33%.
- Reduced maintenance: Less wear and tear on vehicles and infrastructure reduces maintenance needs while extending the lifespan of the overall system.
- Security & Safety: Fewer CTrain cars streamlines patrols for Transit Peace Officers.