Calgary Transit peace officer pilot showing over 70 percent feel safer during peak hours

More than 70 percent of Calgarians say they feel more comfortable using transit during peak hours since a peace officer pilot launched earlier this year at 10 CTrain stations, a new city survey shows.

The pilot, approved by city council in December with a $9 million investment, assigns uniformed peace officers to stations between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. based on incident data. Riders say the change is noticeable, with transit-only users appearing more prevalent and fewer people lingering without purpose.

"I have found it has been a lot more transit-only users rather than a bunch of people just hanging out," one rider said. Another said the presence would "curtail some of the unsafety."

Concil members acknowledge the improved perceptions while raising caution about lasting solutions. Ward 7 Councillor Myke Atkinson emphasized that true safety requires addressing root causes: "poverty reduction, getting people housed, making sure we are dealing with safety and support on the ground, early intervention."

Alex Williams, chair of Calgary Transit Riders, echoed this concern, noting that many vulnerable people use stations as safe spaces. "If I were living on our streets I would also go to train stations," he said, pointing to warmth, cameras, and mobility. "I think having a broader safety strategy rather than these band-aid solutions is critical to success beyond this pilot."

City staff are expected to deliver a more detailed update on the pilot later in 2026.