Advocates of Calgary’s Green Line LRT are pushing for transit-first changes along Centre Street to address the uncertainty surrounding the LRT project’s extension to north Calgary communities. The LRT on the Green Foundation and the Crescent Heights Village Business Improvement Area have proposed several modifications to Centre Street between 4 Avenue South and 20 Avenue North. These changes include the permanent removal of rush-hour lane reversals, the designation of both northbound and southbound curb lanes as bus-only lanes during rush hour, public realm enhancements, and new traffic signals every two blocks to improve pedestrian crossings. The goal is to alleviate traffic congestion and improve mobility for the thousands of Calgarians who use Centre Street daily.
The second phase of Calgary’s Green Line LRT project involves extending the train line across the Bow River and running up Centre Street to north central communities. However, the project’s future remains uncertain as the province looks for a new alignment for the southeast and downtown phase of the line. In the meantime, advocates are calling for a transit-first approach to Centre Street to prioritize public transportation and improve the overall transit experience for commuters. They argue that Centre Street has become a major transit corridor and should be treated as such, particularly as bus routes get stuck in rush-hour traffic.
The proposal to remove lane reversals and create bus-only lanes on Centre Street is seen as a way to enhance pedestrian safety and spur investment in the area. The Crescent Heights Village BIA notes that public realm upgrades were initially planned for the Green Line’s northern alignment, which would require closing two centre lanes to traffic. By committing to a plan that prioritizes transit and pedestrian infrastructure, the city can attract new investments and revitalize the Centre Street corridor. City officials have acknowledged the proposal and are working on new bus stations along Centre Street to support future bus rapid transit routes and any dedicated bus lanes that may be added in the coming years.
While the City of Calgary is making improvements based on recommendations from the North Central BRT Functional Planning Study, advocates argue that more needs to be done to address congestion on Centre Street. Council has approved additional funding for bus rapid transit in north Calgary, but investments are primarily focused on areas north of 16 Avenue N. Advocates caution that without addressing traffic gridlock south of 16th Avenue, the efficacy of these investments may be limited. Ward 7 Coun. Terry Wong, representing the stretch of Centre Street in question, is open to studying the proposed changes but emphasizes the importance of community consultation before moving forward with any modifications that could impact traffic volumes during rush hour.
Overall, the push for transit-first changes on Centre Street reflects a broader effort to prioritize public transportation and pedestrian infrastructure in Calgary. The Green Line LRT project’s uncertain future has prompted advocates to call for immediate improvements to alleviate congestion and enhance mobility along one of the city’s busiest transit corridors. By implementing changes such as bus-only lanes, public realm enhancements, and improved pedestrian crossings, the city can create a more efficient and sustainable transportation network that benefits all Calgarians. Community consultation and strategic planning will be essential in determining the best approach to improving Centre Street and ensuring that transit remains a top priority for Calgary’s transportation system.
