As oil prices hover near $100 a barrel and the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed under blockade, the temporary respite from tankers already at sea has ended. Gas in Calgary could easily hit $2 a litre or more by July, and this is not just a theory—it is a reality showing up at the pump and in our wallets.
The Rising Cost of Driving
It is not only gas prices that are climbing. Groceries, anything made with plastic, and items shipped by truck will follow suit. The cost of travel, whether by car or airplane, is also on the rise. A visit to GasBuddy.com provides a tough visual reminder of the sickening roller-coaster ride gas prices have been on.
We love our cars in Calgary, but that love affair is becoming expensive. A typical commute that once cost $50 a week in gas may soon cost $80 or more. Over a year, that adds up to real money out of your family's pocket.
Spring: The Perfect Time to Change
Spring is the perfect timing to break the car habit. The river pathways are clear, the CTrain is running, and the weather is bright and sunny—winter excuses are gone. One person switching their daily drive to transit or bike could save hundreds of dollars this summer alone. Try it for a month, and you may find yourself wondering why you ever sat in rush-hour traffic.
Sure, you may not travel as fast as in a car, but if you are lucky enough to ride to work on a pathway with few lights or stops, your commute by bike may be as fast or faster. That was the experience of many years ago when first commuting downtown from Killarney/Glengarry.
Affordable Alternatives
Calgary Transit monthly passes are still far cheaper than filling your gas tank twice a week. The C-Train gets you downtown fast without the stress. For shorter trips, the pathway system is world-class—safe, scenic, and often easily accessible, as they are close to many neighbourhoods.
This is not about fighting climate change, improving your health, or reducing pollution. It is about keeping money in your wallet while prices climb. The people who adapt quickest will feel the pinch least.
Take Action Now
Grab a bike, try one transit commute a week, and plan your trips. Small moves now will help keep your budget steady when the next price spike hits. While creating new habits, let your city councillor and MLA know you want these transportation options to be truly convenient, safe, and comfortable. Real alternatives to the car do not just happen—we have to ask for them and let our leaders know we want and need to be able to choose how we get around Calgary.
Calgarians are practical, common-sense folks. When something gets too expensive, we change and adapt. That moment is here, and there are resources to assist, from Calgary Transit and the Calgary Transit App to local organizations such as Bike Calgary, whose website has great cycling resources and community tips.
It is time to break our expensive car habit. I look forward to sharing the pathways and transit with you this summer.
