Traveling in Winter

Stay safe this winter

Stay safe this winter with these helpful tips to ensure you have an enjoyable ride:

Check weather reports frequently. Conditions can change quickly, so make sure you are prepared.

Dress for the weather. Wear loose-fitting layers, which trap heat and allow you to adjust clothing for different conditions. Ensure you are wearing appropriate footwear that provides warmth, traction, and support.

Stay informed with service updates. Before heading out, check our website, app or Twitter for service changes or detours that may affect you. In severe weather conditions, a snow detour may be in place.

Be patient. Winter driving conditions can result in delays for everyone – including our buses and CTrains. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination. Please be patient as we’re all in this together.

During times of heavy snowfall, we work with our crews to make sure you are safe:

Clearing occurs within the end of the first 24 hours once the snow has stopped falling.
Our crew will manage conditions with salt and sand, as clearing does not take place during peak periods when pedestrian traffic is high.
CTrain tracks are cleared of snow before and after service.
Many of our CTrain and MAX stations have indoor waiting areas or have heated/covered shelters on the platforms.

Our snow clearing program

Every year Calgary receives an average of 50 inches of snow. With 45 CTrain stations, 135 MAX stations, and nearly 5000 Bus Zones, snow clearing on transit requires careful planning since we can’t physically be everywhere at once.

To ensure our customers have the safest commute during winter, here’s an overview of our snow program.

Priority	Where	Description	Timing
1	CTrain station platforms MAX station platforms Transitway platforms	Provide snow and ice control to all CTrain station platforms, MAX station platforms, and transitway platforms.	Snow removal occurs prior to the A.M. peak and in the late evening. Snow and ice monitoring occurs throughout the day by applying ice melt to the stairs and trouble spots. Snow will always be removed once within a snowfall of at least 2 cm of snow.
	17 Ave SE Transitway 14 St SW Transitway	Snow plowing on the transitway is coordinated with City plows along 17 Ave S.E. to ensure snow is cleared off both the transitway and 17 Ave at the same time.	Snow removal occurs prior to the A.M. peak and in the late evening. Snow and ice monitoring occurs throughout the day by applying ice melt to stairs and trouble spots. Snow will always be removed once within a snowfall of at least 2 cm of snow.
	Sidewalks, ramps and pedestrian bridges	Clear all sidewalks adjacent to stations, garages, bus Loops and bus terminals.	Snow removal occurs prior to the A.M. peak and in the late evening. Snow and ice monitoring occurs throughout the day by applying ice melt to stairs and trouble spots. Snow will always be removed once within a snowfall of at least 2 cm of snow.
	Accessibility and priority bus stops	Clear 1,300 priority bus stops.	Snow removal occurs prior to the A.M. peak and in the late evening. Snow and ice monitoring occurs throughout the day by applying ice melt to stairs and trouble spots. Snow will always be removed once within a snowfall of at least 2 cm of snow.
2	Bus loops Bus terminals Park and Ride lots	Plow and sand Park and Ride lots, Bus loading and driving areas.	Snow clearing within 24 hours after a snowfall
3	City wide transit locations	Clear bus stops throughout the city, CTrain station emergency exit stairs and ramps, bus gates and traps. Haul snow from bus loops as required.	Snow clearing within 4-7 days after a snowfall

Learn more about how The City clears snow from city streets and bus routes.