Submitted by: Councillor Chabot
Administration has advised that in the early 70s, Bus Traps became entrenched in Calgary.
Some of the rational in utilizing them was to reduce cut-through traffic and to reduce spill-over parking and traffic-related activity in the Community due to adjacent high-usage facilities.
The City is no longer building Bus Trap style crossings anymore, but rather utilizing alternative measures, including using a gate system and or photo enforcement.
While Bus Traps only allow buses to move through these locations, they also prevent buses from moving through these locations when a vehicle gets stuck in them, which not only negates the intended advantage for Calgary Transit but also creates a logistical problem in rerouting those buses.
The City of Calgary currently has 7 active Bus Trap crossings in Calgary compared to 2 in Edmonton.
Administration has indicated that these Bus Traps only get removed and replaced when they reach end of life, which is not clearly defined.
The Community of Pineridge has asked for the Bus Trap at 26th Ave. NE to be removed, as have some local organizations in close proximity.
Can Administration advise whether or not this Bus Trap can be considered as a pilot project, using alternative tools that would eliminate the rerouting issues for buses, provide better connectivity into and out of the community, and limit the potential negative impacts on the adjacent community?
Further, can Administration undertake a scoping study and report to Council with the requirements to undertake this work?