Traveling in winter
Winter is upon us, and with it brings the cold, snow and ice. Getting around in this weather doesn’t have to be a stressful experience - leave your car at home and let us focus on the driving.
Stay safe this winter with these helpful tips to ensure you have an enjoyable ride:
- Check weather reports frequently. Conditions can change quickly, so make sure you are prepared.
- Dress for the weather. Wear loose-fitting layers, which trap heat and allow you to adjust clothing for different conditions. Ensure you are wearing appropriate footwear that provides warmth, traction, and support.
- Stay informed with service updates. Before heading out, check our website, app or Twitter for service changes or detours that may affect you. In severe weather conditions, a snow detour may be in place.
- Be patient. Winter driving conditions can result in delays for everyone – including our buses and CTrains. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination. Please be patient as we’re all in this together.
During times of heavy snowfall, we work with our crews to make sure you are safe:
- Clearing occurs within the end of the first 24 hours once the snow has stopped falling.
- Our crew will manage conditions with salt and sand, as clearing does not take place during peak periods when pedestrian traffic is high.
- CTrain tracks are cleared of snow before and after service.
- Many of our CTrain and MAX stations have indoor waiting areas or have heated/covered shelters on the platforms.
Our snow clearing program
Every year Calgary receives an average of 50 inches of snow. With 45 CTrain stations, 135 MAX stations, and nearly 5000 Bus Zones, snow clearing on transit requires careful planning since we can’t physically be everywhere at once.
To ensure our customers have the safest commute during winter, here’s an overview of our snow program.
| Priority | Where | Description | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
CTrain station platforms |
Provide snow and ice control to 45 CT station platforms and 36 MAX station platforms. |
Snow removal occurs prior to the A.M. peak and in the late evening. Snow and ice monitoring occurs throughout the day by applying ice melt to the stairs and trouble spots. Snow will always be removed once within a snowfall of at least 2cm of snow. |
|
|
17 Ave SE Transitway |
Snow plowing on the transitway is coordinated with City plows along 17 Ave S.E. to ensure snow is cleared off both the transitway and 17 Ave at the same time. |
Snow removal occurs prior to the A.M. peak and in the late evening. Snow and ice monitoring occurs throughout the day by applying ice melt to stairs and trouble spots. Snow will always be removed once within a snowfall of at least 2cm of snow. |
|
|
Sidewalks, ramps and pedestrian bridges |
Clear all sidewalks adjacent to stations, garages, bus Loops and bus terminals. |
Snow removal occurs prior to the A.M. peak and in the late evening. Snow and ice monitoring occurs throughout the day by applying ice melt to stairs and trouble spots. Snow will always be removed once within a snowfall of at least 2cm of snow. |
|
|
Accesibility and priority bus stops |
Clear 1,200 priority bus stops. |
Snow removal occurs prior to the A.M. peak and in the late evening. Snow and ice monitoring occurs throughout the day by applying ice melt to stairs and trouble spots. Snow will always be removed once within a snowfall of at least 2cm of snow. |
|
2 |
Bus loops |
Plow and sand Park and Ride lots, Bus loading and driving areas. |
Snow clearing within 24 hours after a snowfall |
|
3 |
City wide transit locations |
Clear bus stops throughout the city, CTrain station emergency exit stairs and ramps. Haul snow from bus loops as required. |
Snow clearing within 4-7 days after a snowfall |
Learn more about how The City clears snow from city streets and bus routes.
Report an issue
To report and snow and ice issue concerning Calgary Transit properties, contact us at 403-262-1000. If you have a snow or ice concern on any of our platforms, please use the Help Phones to inform our staff.