Calgary Transit is considering a shift toward distance-based and time-of-day fare pricing, as part of a broader modernization of its payment system. The proposal, presented to the city's infrastructure and planning committee on Thursday, May 7, 2026, has sparked debate among councillors about equity and affordability.
Modernizing the Fare System
Calgary Transit director Sharon Fleming told the committee that the current fare structure needs updating to reflect changing payment habits. "There's been a change in how people purchase tickets, which is the primary reason we need to modernize our system," Fleming said. She noted that 55% of transit ticket revenue now comes from mobile purchases, while cash accounts for only 6%. At CTrain station vending machines, 80% of transactions in 2025 used debit or credit cards.
The transition to tap-and-go technology began in 2025 with the introduction of ticket validators on CTrain platforms. The next step could be a tap-on, tap-off system that ties fares to trip length.
Fare Principles and Public Engagement
Fleming asked the committee to endorse a set of "fare principles" to guide the review, aiming for easier payment, transparency, and equity. "We'll be engaging with Calgarians to determine what the appetite is for a variety of fare structures, and hopefully we get to a solution that makes most Calgarians happy," she said. Options include zonal pricing, distance-based fares, and surge pricing during peak hours.
Councillors Divided
The proposal drew mixed reactions. Ward 12 Coun. Mike Jamieson opposed distance-based pricing, arguing it would penalize suburban residents. "I don't think it's fair. There's this idea that downtown gets everything for free and if you live out in the suburbs, you get punished. I'm fundamentally against that," he said.
Ward 5 Coun. Raj Dhaliwal noted that many low-income residents who rely on transit live farther from the city centre. However, Ward 10 Coun. Andre Chabot supported the change, saying it makes sense to charge more for longer trips that use more system resources.
Next Steps
The committee voted to support a feasibility study, with a final council vote expected later this month. If approved, Calgary Transit will gather public input before implementing any new fare structure.
