CTrain ridership is increasing at a faster rate than the population of Calgary and currently outpaces every LRT system in North America including Toronto and Boston.  Why?  Because it's that good.

Calgary's CTrain has been running since 1981 and is generally regarded as one of the best LRT systems in the world. A wonder of energy efficiency right in the heart of the Canadian oil industry, this modern LRT system is actually powered by 12 windmills in Southern Alberta - not fossil fuels - and creates absolutely zero emissions.   Supported by an extensive transit system that includes rapid transit buses and 33 free park and ride facilities, it's easy for commuters in all parts of the city to make use of this great resource. There are 38 stations on two lines, with tracks running into the northwest as far as Crowfoot Trail; the northeast as far as McKnight-Westwinds; the south as far as Somerset-Bridlewood, and right through the downtown core where ridership is free.  Trains run every 5 minutes during rush hour.

This is great news for Calgary homeowners and anyone looking to buy a home here. The presence of a local LRT station will generally increase real estate values by 10 percent and will practically guarantee your home sells faster when you’re ready to put it on the market.

The city currently has extensive plans for extending the system, providing prospective home buyers with prime real estate investment opportunities in newer communities outside the downtown area.   Tuscany and Rocky Ridge, Glendale, Shaganappi and Signal Hill are several of the communities that are slated to benefit within the next four years.  The communities of Eau Claire, Douglasdale, MacKenzie Towne and Auburn Bay are also expecting stations within the next 15 years.

The easy accessibility of the CTrain can make buying a home outside the downtown core (where homes  come with lower price tags, lower taxes and more space)  even more appealing for many Calgary home buyers.  Park and Ride facilities at 33 stations offer free parking to commuters who want to take the train to work, removing the need to find and pay for parking in the city.  Other benefits for CTrain riders include: shorter commutes that eliminate traffic jams, accidents and other hassles associated with driving; lower fuel costs and more opportunity for exercise. 

The development of the CTrain is tied to Calgary’s real estate history and is proving itself to be a vital part of its future.  In the 1970s when Calgary boomed with the oil trade, real estate development hit unprecedented levels: the city’s skyline shot up; homes, subdivisions and communities began to populate the prairie landscape and by the end of the decade, the CTrain had started to lay down tracks.  Today, Calgary continues to draw new residents from all over the world and city officials expect growth to be steady for the next 15 years.  The strong public transit system that’s here is an important part of supporting that growth and has turned out to be a pretty nice way to get home to boot.   

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