BRT
On August 30, 2004, Calgary Transit opened a bus rapid transit line to operate future C-Train routes (the D-Line and an as-yet unplanned northbound line), using conventional buses until articulated buses entered service on June 25, 2007. The BRT system consisted of a single route, Route 301, serving the northern and western parts of the city. A subsequent route, Route 305, was added in 2008, serving the Bowness and 17th Avenue East corridors. A third route, Route 302, entered service on August 31, 2009, along a proposed southeast LRT corridor.
The BRT is considered to be the successor to the Blue Arrow service introduced to the 1970s: both were a series of limited-stop routes that were to be intended to be replaced by LRT service in the future — however, the Blue Arrow service was never a true BRT (limited stop service, stopping at designated blue bus stop signs, was its only distinctive feature), the modern BRT includes priority at traffic signals, enhanced passenger waiting areas and offers a shorter travel time to the downtown with greater capacity articulated buses. The Blue Arrow name all but disappeared in 2000 in order to unify all bus stops under one common scheme, but certain Blue Arrow routes are still in service to this day. In fact, Route 305 replaces a Blue Arrow route (Route 105).
As of July 27, 2011, the BRT route 300 provides a direct link to the Calgary International Airport. This line was introduced after Calgary's Mayor promised to make the airport more accessible via public transit.
On March 12, 2012, BRT service will be cut significantly in Calgary. The 302 will run with shuttle buses, during off peak hours and weekends. The 305 will not be running on weekends at all. These are both due to low ridership.
Read more about this topic: Calgary Transit