Calgary Green Line LRT

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Calgary’s Green Line LRT (Green Line) is the largest infrastructure investment in the city’s history and a foundational expansion of Calgary’s Rapid Transit Network (RTN). As Delivery Partner for Phase 1, AtkinsRéalis is supporting The City of Calgary with integrated technical and project management expertise to help deliver a safe, reliable and future ready transit system.

Phase 1 of the Green Line is designed to support long term growth, sustainability and mobility by extending rapid transit into communities that are currently underserved. The project will deliver a new LRT corridor, providing rapid, reliable connections between southeast Calgary and the downtown core while integrating with the existing transit system.

Expanding the Rapid Transit Network

The Green Line expands Calgary’s RTN into the southeast, strengthening the transit network that includes Light Rail Transit (LRT), Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and MAX BRT services. Once operational, the line will connect to Calgary’s existing Red and Blue LRT lines, as well as multiple rapid bus corridors.

Phase 1 comprises the SE Segment from Shepard Station to the Event Centre/Grand Central Station in the Beltline. Including the future Downtown Segment, Phase 1 will deliver 17.2 kilometres of twin track LRT infrastructure and 12 new stations, establishing the first portion of a planned 46 kilometre corridor.

Delivering the southeast segment

Construction of the SE Segment began in summer 2025 and includes:

• 16 kilometres of LRT track
• 10 new stations
• Two Park and Ride facilities
• 28 low floor light rail vehicles (LRVs)
• Transit hubs, new roads and bus connections to stations
• Elevated and at grade guideway
• Urban improvements, including multi use pathways
• Two river crossings and six new bridges

Six bridges will be constructed along the corridor, including crossings of the Bow and Elbow rivers and major transportation routes such as Deerfoot Trail, Blackfoot Trail, Ogden Road and 78 Avenue S.E. Several bridge locations also incorporate new or enhanced pedestrian and cycling connections.

Maintenance and Storage Facility

A critical component of the Green Line and one of the first major structures to be delivered, is the new Maintenance and Storage Facility (MSF), located just north of Shepard Station. The facility will support the storage, servicing and long-term maintenance of the Green Line’s LRV fleet.

A dedicated MSF is required as Calgary Transit’s existing LRT facilities are at full capacity, and the Green Line will operate low floor vehicles that do not connect physically with the high floor Red and Blue LRT lines.

The MSF includes:

• A three-level vehicle maintenance shop enabling work above and below trains
• Train wash and interior service lanes
• Body and component repair shops
• Parts storage and administrative areas

The facility is intended to achieve LEED certification, with a focus on energy performance and water efficiency.

Ridership, capacity and service

Phase 1 of the Green Line is forecast to serve up to 55,000 daily riders, including approximately 18,000 new transit customers, increasing total Calgary Transit LRT boardings by an estimated 13.5%. The line will initially operate two car trains at five-to-eight minute peak frequencies, with built in flexibility to increase service as demand grows.

Travel time and network performance

For southeast Calgary residents, the Green Line will significantly reduce travel times. A typical journey from Douglas Glen to 7 Avenue S.W., which currently takes 55-60 minutes by bus, is expected to take approximately 30–35 minutes on the Green Line.

The project will also improve overall network performance by reducing pressure on the Red Line and shifting trips from road to rail. Reduced congestion on major corridors such as Deerfoot Trail may result in commute time savings of up to 10%.

Sustainability, safety and active transportation

The Green Line is designed to support Calgary’s climate and sustainability objectives. Phase 1 is expected to remove approximately 37,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually by shifting an estimated 4.8 million trips per year from vehicles to transit.

Increased transit use is also expected to contribute to improved safety outcomes by reducing auto collisions and associated impacts, and active transportation is integrated throughout the project, with new multi-use pathways improving walking and cycling access to stations.

Economic development and accessibility

Phase 1 construction is expected to generate approximately 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, with up to 1,000 workers on site per day during peak construction. Once operational, the Green Line will connect Calgarians to approximately 190,000 jobs within walking distance of stations and support up to 114,000 new housing units within 800 metres of stations.

Approximately 70,000 people will live within a 10 minute walk of Green Line stations and 190,000 within a 10 minute bike ride, improving access to employment, education and services in southeast Calgary.

AtkinsRéalis’ role

Originally appointed in 2022, AtkinsRéalis now supports The City of Calgary under an expanded mandate as Delivery Partner for Phase 1 of the Green Line LRT. The team provides integrated technical and project management expertise across engineering and design, procurement support, construction management and commercial services.

This systems led approach supports effective coordination across interfaces, informed decision making and long-term operational performance, helping ensure the Green Line is delivered safely, reliably and in alignment with The City’s long term transit objectives.

17.2 km

of twin-track LRT infrastructure

new stations

55,000

daily riders forecasted

37,000 tonnes

estimated of greenhouse gas emissions removed annually

Markets

Transportation
Services

Engineering & design

Project delivery
Location

Alberta, Canada
Client

City of Calgary
Completion date

Opening 2031

Bill Gifford

Executive Vice-President and Market Lead, Rail Transit Delivery Systems and Construction Management, Canada contact form