Calgary Transit Faces Challenges with Bus Bunching

Calgary residents are voicing their frustrations over a common transit issue: bus bunching. This phenomenon occurs when multiple buses on the same route arrive simultaneously, leaving long gaps in service. A recent incident involving Bus 3 downtown highlighted this challenge, as commuters faced a 20-minute wait, only to see three buses arrive together at the next stop.

Calgary Transit acknowledges bus bunching as a significant issue. The city's transit authority aims for a 90% on-time performance but faces hurdles such as outdated technology and unpredictable traffic conditions. Despite efforts to improve frequency on major routes, the system's reliability remains a concern for daily commuters.

Community and Operational Insights

Experts like David Cooper, a former transit planner, emphasize the complexity of maintaining schedules, suggesting a more robust approach to encourage ridership. Meanwhile, transit workers point to underreported issues like bus overloads, which exacerbate the problem by leaving more passengers for subsequent buses.

As Calgary Transit navigates these operational realities, the community continues to seek a more dependable service. Upgrading technology and addressing systemic challenges are crucial steps toward improving the overall transit experience.