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Expect to see more peace officers at Calgary LRT stations.
The City of Calgary welcomed 34 new transit peace officers during a graduation ceremony Friday at the Mewata Armoury, bringing the city’s total number of transit peace officers up to 212.
Cory Porter, deputy chief of transit public safety, said the goal is to restore public confidence in the city’s transit system.
“Transit safety is our utmost priority, and transit is a safe alternative to make your way to your destination,” he said.
Porter said now’s the “perfect time” for new transit officers to join the force, with the Calgary Stampede kicking off soon.
CTrain service will run 24 hours a day from the evening of July 2 to the morning of July 13.
Calgary Transit says additional safety measures for Stampede include the hiring of additional security guards, an enhanced partnership with Calgary Police Service, additional peace officer patrols throughout the system, and officers stationed at Erlton/Stampede and Victoria Park/Stampede stations at all times.
“They’re ready to hit the LRT tracks running, so to speak,” Porter said.
WATCH | How Calgary’s CTrains are beefing up for the Calgary Stampede:
How Calgary’s CTrains are beefing up for the Calgary Stampede
Some of Calgary’s CTrains will be able to carry an additional 200 riders during the Calgary Stampede. The CBC’s Acton Clarkin has the details.
Class valedictorian Kamrei Taylor says he’s excited to serve his city as a peace officer.
“I’m born and raised in Calgary, so I’ve seen how the city has grown and all the changes that have happened,” he said. “And I just really wanted to contribute to the public safety of the city.”
New transit peace officer Kamrei Taylor graduated at the top of his class. (CBC)
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 583 president Mike Mahar said the transit operators’ union welcomes the new additions.
“They’ve been running short[-staffed] for a long time, and you know, the shorter you run, the tougher it is on everybody,” Mahar said.
“The more deterrents there are in place, which is obviously visible police and them, you know, making those criminal charges where they’re warranted, is something that we really welcome.”
City council approved a $9 million investment into Calgary Transit safety, including additional security and community outreach, through the 2026 Budget.
Peace officers patrol Calgary Transit systems 24/7, with some stations additionally staffed by security guards.
The City of Calgary says the CTrain, which began operating in 1981, is one of the busiest light rail transit systems on the continent, with more than 150,000 passenger trips every weekday.