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99-426: [REDACTED] All stations are accessible CTrain (previously branded C-Train ) is a light rail system in Calgary , Alberta, Canada. Much of the system functions as a high-capacity light metro , while in the downtown free-fare zone, trains run like a modern tram with a dedicated right-of-way. This subway-surface alignment is known as semi-metro . The CTrain began operation on May 25, 1981, and has expanded as

198-589: A "code of practice" for making train and stations accessible: "Accessible Train and Station Design for Disabled People: A Code of Practice". This code of practice was first published in 2002 with the objective of compliance to Section 71B of the Railways Act 1993, and revised after a public consultation period in 2008. Some transport companies have since improved the accessibility of their services, such as incorporating low-floor buses into their stock as standard. In August 2021, South Western Railway announced

297-574: A 1975 plan, calling for the construction of a single line, from the downtown core ( 8 Street station ) to Anderson Road (the present-day Anderson station ). The plan was approved by City Council in May 1977, with the construction of what would become the C-Train's "South Line" beginning one month later. The South Line opened on May 25, 1981. Oliver Bowen , a descendant of original black settlers to Amber Valley, Alberta Obadiah Bowen and Willis Reese Bowen ,

396-561: A building boom in the 1970s had caused the heavy rail concept to fall out of favour due to the increased costs of construction, with light rail as its replacement. Light rail rapid transit (LRRT) was chosen over dedicated busways and the expansion of the Blue Arrow bus service (a service similar to bus rapid transit today) because light rail has lower long-term operating costs and addressed traffic congestion problems. The Blue Arrow service ended in 2000. The present-day CTrain originated in

495-653: A centre-loading platform, which served as the terminus of both Red and Blue lines, until the Northwest leg opened in 1987, after which it was the terminus for the Blue line only. As part of Calgary's refurbishment project, 3 Street E and Olympic Plaza stations have been decommissioned and replaced by the new gateway City Hall station in 2011. 10 Street W was decommissioned and replaced with the Downtown West–Kerby (formerly called 11 Street W) station in 2012. In June 2007,

594-644: A conceptual meaning with normal pedestrian access from a standard kerb (curb) height. However, the accessibility of a low-floor vehicle can also be utilised from slightly raising portions of kerb at bus stops , or through use of level boarding bus rapid transit stations or tram stops. The combination of access from a kerb was the technological development of the 1990s, as step-free interior layouts for buses had existed in some cases for decades, with entrance steps being introduced as chassis designs and overall height regulations changed. Low-floor buses may also be designed with special height adjustment controls that permit

693-490: A disability requires an adapted car for work use, the employee does not have to pay for a " reasonable adjustment " in the United Kingdom; if the employer is unable to pay the cost, assistance is offered by government programs. A significant development in transportation, and public transport in particular, to achieve accessibility, is the move to "low-floor" vehicles. In a low-floor vehicle, access to part or all of

792-408: A home currently has a disability. However, there are some initiatives to change typical residential practices so that new homes incorporate basic access features such as zero-step entries and door widths adequate for wheelchairs to pass through. Occupational Therapists are a professional group skilled in the assessment and making of recommendations to improve access to homes. They are involved in both

891-407: A large 1999 survey found that "of the 'top 100 multinational companies' in the country [...] the employment rate of persons with disabilities in the private sector was a mere 0.28%, 0.05% in multinational companies and only 0.58% in the top 100 IT companies in the country". India, like much of the world, has large sections of the economy that are without strong regulation or social protections, such as

990-422: A move welcomed by advocates who fought to have it run underground. The change cost an estimated $ 61 million; however, lower-than-expected construction costs were expected to absorb much of the change. The cost for the project is, however, over budget by at least C$ 35 million and the overall cost could be more than C$ 1.46 billion because of soaring costs of land used and the integration of public art into

1089-465: A pilot program to provide rail service to South Calgary. This commuter rail service operated a single Siemens RegioSprinter DMU during peak rush hour periods only, to and from a temporary platform at Anderson Station . The service only lasted five months, however, ridership proved popular and led to the priority decision to official extend the Red Line. The current station was constructed just south of

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1188-440: A range of tasks, and may be suitable for different kinds of disability. The following impairments are some of the disabilities that affect communications and technology access, as well as many other life activities: Each kind of disability requires a different kind of accommodation, and this may require analysis by a medical specialist, an educational specialist or a job analysis when the impairment requires accommodation. One of

1287-418: A specified context of use. Accessibility is also strongly related to universal design , the process of creating products that are usable by the widest possible range of people, operating within the widest possible range of situations. Universal design typically provides a single general solution that can accommodate people with disabilities as well as the rest of the population. By contrast, accessible design

1386-541: A standard color code that enables colorblind individuals to understand the correct signal. Adaptive technology is the modification, or adaptation, of existing devices, methods, or the creation of new uses for existing devices, to enable a person to complete a task. Examples include the use of remote controls, and the autocomplete (word completion) feature in computer word processing programs, which both help individuals with mobility impairments to complete tasks. Adaptations to wheelchair tires are another example; widening

1485-594: A state, provincial or local level. In Ontario, Canada , the Ontarians with Disabilities Act of 2001 is meant to "improve the identification, removal and prevention of barriers faced by persons with disabilities". The European Union (EU), which has signed the United Nations' Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, also has adopted a European Disability Strategy for 2010–20. The Strategy includes

1584-409: A stationary bus to temporarily lower itself to ground level, permitting wheelchair access. This is referred to as a kneeling bus . At rapid transit systems, vehicles generally have floors in the same height as the platforms but the stations are often underground or elevated, so accessibility there is not a question of providing low-floor vehicles, but providing a step-free access from street level to

1683-462: A text interface for a speech synthesizer for complete vocal disability. This can be a great improvement for people that have been limited to the use of a throat vibrator to produce speech since the 1960s. Somerset%E2%80%93Bridlewood station Somerset–Bridlewood Station is a CTrain light rail station in the Calgary, Alberta community of Shawnessy . It is the current southern terminus of

1782-517: A toilet at entrance level and sufficiently wide doorways, to deem them accessible. This was an improvement from 5% in 2005. More than 400,000 wheelchair users in England were living in homes which are neither adapted nor accessible. Under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities , states parties are bound to assure accessible elections , voting , and voting procedures. In 2018,

1881-522: A wide range of issues, from skills training, to occupational therapy , finding employment, and retaining employment. Employment rates for workers with disabilities are lower than for the general workforce. Workers in Western countries fare relatively well, having access to more services and training as well as legal protections against employment discrimination. Despite this, in the United States

1980-472: Is " Southern Alberta Institute of Technology / Alberta University of the Arts / Jubilee Auditorium "), Lions Park , Banff Trail , and University . The original Northwest leg was 5.6 km long. On August 31, 1990, the line was extended 1 km and Brentwood station was opened as the new terminus. On December 15, 2003, the line was extended 3 km again and Dalhousie station was opened. On June 15, 2009,

2079-492: Is focused on ensuring that there are no barriers to accessibility for all people, including those with disabilities. The disability rights movement advocates equal access to social, political, and economic life which includes not only physical access but access to the same tools, services, organizations and facilities as non-disabled people (e.g., museums ). Article 9 of the United Nations Convention on

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2178-420: Is important to have effective mechanisms to ensure that urban spaces are designed to be inclusive of pedestrians with disabilities. These can include early consultation with disabled persons or their representative organisations, and appropriate regulation of city planning. Most existing and new housing, even in the wealthiest nations, lack basic accessibility features unless the designated, immediate occupant of

2277-434: Is the desire for many senior citizens to 'age in place', living as independently as possible for as long as possible. Accessibility modifications that allow ageing in place are becoming more common. Housing may even be designed to incorporate accessibility modifications that can be made throughout the life cycle of the residents. The English Housing Survey for 2018/19 found only 9% of homes in England have key features, such as

2376-645: The Red Line . The station is one of two that opened on June 28, 2004 as part of the second phase of the South LRT Extension. The station is located on the exclusive LRT right of way (adjacent to CPR ROW), 16.9 km (10.5 mi) south of the City Hall interlocking along Shawville Gate. 913 parking spaces are included in the park-and-ride facility at the station. The station consists of a center-loading platform with at-grade crossings at both ends of

2475-423: The informal economy . Other factors have been cited as contributing to the high unemployment rate, such as public service regulations. Although employment for workers with disabilities is higher in the public sector due to hiring programs targeting persons with disabilities, regulations currently restrict types of work available to persons with disabilities: "Disability-specific employment reservations are limited to

2574-648: The 2007 West LRT Report includes the line running on an elevated guideway beginning west of the Downtown West–Kerby Station, running along the CPR right of way to Bow Trail SW, and then to 24th Street SW. The line then runs at grade past Shaganappi Point Station and drops into a tunnel to 33rd Street SW. The tunnel then runs under the Westbrook Mall parking lot, and the former site of the now-demolished Ernest Manning Senior High School. The line then follows

2673-479: The 2012 unemployment rate for workers with disabilities was 12.9%, while it was 7.3% for workers without disabilities. More than half of workers with disabilities (52%) earned less than $ 25,000 in the previous year, compared with just 38% of workers with no disabilities. This translates into an earnings gap where individuals with disabilities earn about 25 percent less of what workers without disabilities earn. Among occupations with 100,000 or more people, dishwashers had

2772-522: The CTrain to work. The idea for rail transit in Calgary originated in a 1967 Calgary transportation study, which recommended a two-line metro system to enter service in 1978. The original plans had called for two lines: A third line, a north central line running from downtown to Thorncliffe mostly along Centre Street was also envisioned but was thought to be beyond the scope of the study. However,

2871-641: The City of Calgary released information on the schedule for the refurbishment of the remaining original downtown stations. The plan involved replacing and relocating most stations, and expanding Centre Street station which was relocated one block east (adjacent to the Telus Convention Centre) in 2000, to board four-car trains. The new stations have retained their existing names (with the exception of 10 Street W becoming Downtown West–Kerby in 2012); however, they may be shifted one block east or west, or to

2970-532: The Rights of Persons with Disabilities commits signatories to provide for full accessibility in their countries. While it is often used to describe facilities or amenities to assist people with impaired mobility, through the provision of facilities like wheelchair ramps , the term can include other types of disability. Accessible facilities therefore extend to areas such as Braille signage, elevators , audio signals at pedestrian crossings , walkway contours, website accessibility and accessible publishing . In

3069-648: The United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities issued an opinion that all polling stations should be fully accessible. At the European Court of Human Rights , there are currently two ongoing cases about the accessibility of polling places and voting procedures. They were brought against Slovenia by two voters and the Slovenian Disability Rights Association . As of January 2020,

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3168-401: The United States, Japan, UK, and elsewhere, have decided that when it is needed to assure secret ballot, authorities should provide voters with assistive technology. The European Court of Human Rights, on the contrary, in case Toplak v. Slovenia ruled that due to high costs, the abandonment of the assistive equipment in elections did not violate human rights. Accessibility of employment covers

3267-523: The United States, government mandates including Section 508, WCAG, DDA are all enforcing practices to standardize accessibility testing engineering in product development. Accessibility modifications may be required to enable persons with disabilities to gain access to education, employment, transportation, housing, recreation, or even simply to exercise their right to vote. Various countries have legislation requiring physical accessibility which are (in order of enactment): Legislation may also be enacted on

3366-713: The West LRT extension (2012) and further expansions to the northeast (Saddletowne 2012) and northwest legs (Tuscany 2014). These are new-generation train cars with many upgraded features over the original SD-160s including factory equipped air conditioning and various cosmetic and technical changes. These units started to enter service in December 2010 and are numbered 2301–2338. As of May 2012, all had entered revenue service. In September 2013, Calgary Transit ordered 63 S200 LRVs to provide enough cars to run four-car trains, and to retire some of its Siemens-Duewag U2s, which are nearing

3465-452: The West leg has six stations. Total length of this route: 25.7 kilometres (16.0 mi). This was the second leg of the system to be built. Seven stations opened on April 27, 1985, from downtown to the northeast. They are: Bridgeland/Memorial , Zoo , Barlow/Max Bell , Franklin , Marlborough , Rundle , and Whitehorn . The original Northeast line was 9.8 km long. On December 17, 2007,

3564-449: The West leg to Aspen Woods Station (around 17th Avenue and 85th Street SW) has been planned, and future extensions further west to 101st Street SW may be added as new communities adjacent to 17th Avenue SW are built. Accessibility#Transportation Accessibility can be viewed as the "ability to access" and benefit from some system or entity. The concept focuses on enabling access for people with disabilities, or enabling access through

3663-444: The ability to access information and services by minimizing the barriers of distance and cost as well as the accessibility and usability of the interface. In many countries this has led to initiatives, laws and/or regulations that aim toward providing universal access to the internet and to phone systems at reasonable cost to citizens. A major advantage of advanced technology is its flexibility. Some technologies can be used at home, in

3762-564: The accessibility plans, these are often the distance or time to access services by different modes of transport including walking, cycling and public transport. Accessibility Planning was introduced as a result of the report "Making the Connections: Final Report on Transport and Social Exclusion". This report was the result of research carried out by the Social Exclusion Unit. The United Kingdom also has

3861-540: The adaptation of existing housing to improve accessibility, and in the design of future housing. The broad concept of Universal design is relevant to housing, as it is to all aspects of the built environment. Furthermore, a Visitability movement begun by grass roots disability advocates in the 1980s focuses specifically on changing construction practices in new housing. This movement, a network of interested people working in their locales, works on educating, passing laws, and spurring voluntary home access initiatives with

3960-404: The area of 194th Avenue SW), 212th Avenue South, and Pine Creek (in the area around 228th Avenue SW) – are planned once the communities adjacent to their location are developed. This was the third leg of the system to be built. Five stations on this leg opened on September 7, 1987. From the most central to the most northwesterly, they are Sunnyside , SAIT/AUArts/Jubilee (the station name in full

4059-419: The avenue. The line then terminates at 69 Street Station located to the west of 69th Street SW. Three of the new West leg stations are located at grade. Westbrook , 45 Street , and 69 Street stations are located below grade, while Sunalta is an elevated station. On October 5, 2009, the city council announced approval of a plan to put a portion of the West leg into a trench at 45th Street and 17th Avenue SW,

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4158-648: The biggest challenges for employers is in developing policies and practises to manage employees who develop disabilities during the course of employment. Even where these exist, they tend to focus on workplace injuries, overlooking job retention challenges faced by employees who acquire a non-occupation injury or illness. Protecting employability is a factor that can help close the unemployment gap for persons with disabilities. Providing mobility to people with disabilities includes changes for public facilities like gently sloping paths of travel for people using wheelchairs and difficulty walking up stairs, or audio announcements for

4257-414: The blind (either live or automated ); dedicated services like paratransit ; and adaptations to personal vehicles. Automobile accessibility also refers to ease of use by disabled people. Automobiles, whether a car or a van, can be adapted for a range of physical disabilities. Foot pedals can be raised, or replaced with hand-controlled devices. Wheelchair hoists, lifts or ramps may be customized according to

4356-588: The busiest light rail system in North America . Ridership has declined slightly since reaching this peak, coinciding with a recession in the local economy. In 2007, 45% of the people working in downtown Calgary took transit to work; the city's objective is to increase that to 60%. The system initially used Siemens-Duewag U2 DC LRVs (originally designed for German metros ), and used by the Frankfurt U-Bahn . The slightly earlier Edmonton LRT , and

4455-624: The cars 2101 and 2102. Initially, these two cars were only run together as a two-car consist as they were incompatible with the U2 DCs. In 2003, Calgary Transit made the two U2 ACs compatible as slave cars between two SD-160s and have been running them like this ever since. In July 2001, Calgary Transit brought the first of 15 new SD-160 LRVs into service to accommodate the South LRT Extension Phase I and increased capacity. Throughout 2003, another 17 SD-160 LRVs were introduced into

4554-482: The case, called Toplak and Mrak v. Slovenia , was ongoing. The aim of the court procedure is to make accessible all polling places in Europe. Advances in information technology and telecommunications have represented a leap forward for accessibility. Access to the technology is restricted to those who can afford it, but it has become more widespread in Western countries in recent years. For those who use it, it provides

4653-467: The city has increased in population. The system is operated by Calgary Transit , as part of the Calgary municipal government's transportation department. In 2023, the system had a ridership of 85,320,400, or about 261,100 per weekday as of the third quarter of 2024, making it one of the busiest light rail transit systems in North America . Approximately 45% of workers in Downtown Calgary take

4752-427: The construction of the original South leg, nine single-platform stations were built along the 7th Avenue South transit mall, which formed the 7th Avenue free fare zone . All nine stations opened May 25, 1981. The tracks run at grade in a semi-exclusive right of way, shared with buses, city and emergency vehicles. This is a free-fare zone intended to act as a downtown people mover. Fares are only required after trains exit

4851-572: The downtown core, with a new downtown terminal station for both lines at 10 Street SW , which opened on April 27, 1985. The Northwest Line, the extension of the South Line to the city's northwest, was opened on September 17, 1987, in time for the 1988 Winter Olympics . This line ran from the downtown core to University station , next to the University of Calgary campus. Since then, all three lines have been extended incrementally, with most of

4950-489: The downtown core. Westbound stations used to consist of Olympic Plaza (formerly 1 Street E, renamed in 1987), 1 Street W, 4 Street W, and 7 Street W. Eastbound stations consisted of 8 Street W, 6 Street W, 3 Street W, Centre Street and City Hall (formerly 2 Street E, renamed in 1987). When the Northeast leg opened on April 27, 1985, two stations were added: 3 Street E serving Westbound Blue Line trains only and 10 Street W,

5049-418: The east and west ends of downtown into lines leading to the south, northeast, west and northwest residential neighbourhoods of Calgary. Six percent of the system is underground, and seven percent is elevated . Trains are powered by overhead electric wires , using pantographs to draw power. In the first quarter of 2015, the CTrain system had an average of 333,800 unlinked passenger trips per weekday, making it

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5148-534: The end of their useful lifespans. Some of the 80 U2 cars were 34 years old, and all of them had traveled at least 2,000,000 kilometres (1,200,000 mi). The first of the new cars arrived in January, 2016 and delivery was expected take two years. The front of the new cars is customized to resemble a hockey goalie's mask, and they include such new features as heated floors for winter and air conditioning for summer. They also now have high-resolution video cameras covering

5247-547: The entire interior and exterior of the vehicles for security purposes. On November 18, 2016, Calgary Transit announced the retirement of the first CTrain LRV purchased, car 2001. Some of the Siemens Duewag U2 cars will be phased out as the new Siemens S200 cars come online. In late 2015 Calgary Transit began operating four-car LRT trains on the CTrain system. The lengthening of trains was done to alleviate overcrowding as

5346-506: The first areas where information technology improved the quality of life for disabled individuals is the voice operated wheelchair. Quadriplegics have the most profound disability, and the voice operated wheelchair technology was first developed in 1977 to provide increased mobility. The original version replaced the joystick system with a module that recognized 8 commands. Many other technology accommodation improvements have evolved from this initial development. Missing arms or fingers may make

5445-685: The first of their kind in North America, for trials on both the Edmonton and Calgary LRT systems. The cars were originally numbered 3001 and 3002 and served in Edmonton from 1988 to spring 1990. These LRVs came to Calgary in the summer of 1990 and in September, Calgary Transit decided to purchase the cars from the province and then applied the CT livery to the cars (they were previously plain white in both Edmonton and Calgary). They retained their original fleet numbers of 3001 and 3002 until 1999, when CT renumbered

5544-652: The fleet to accommodate the northwest extension to Dalhousie as well as the South LRT Extension Phase II. However, demand for light rail has exploded in recent years. In the decade prior to 2006, the city's population grew by 25% to over 1 million people, while ridership on the CTrain grew at twice that rate, by 50% in only 10 years. This resulted in severe overcrowding on the trains and demands for better service. In December, 2004, city council approved an order for 33 additional SD-160 vehicles from Siemens to not only address overcrowding, but to accommodate

5643-469: The following goals, among others: A European Accessibility Act was proposed in late 2012. This Act would establish standards within member countries for accessible products, services, and public buildings. The harmonization of accessibility standards within the EU "would facilitate the social integration of persons with disabilities and the elderly and their mobility across member states, thereby also fostering

5742-553: The free movement principle". Enforcement of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) begins in June 2025 Assistive technology is the creation of a new device that assists a person in completing a task that would otherwise be impossible. Some examples include new computer software programs like screen readers , and inventions such as assistive listening devices , including hearing aids , and traffic lights with

5841-492: The highest disability rate (14.3%), followed by refuse and recyclable material collectors (12.7%), personal care aides (11.9%), and janitors and building cleaners (11.8%). The rates for refuse and recyclable material collectors, personal care aides, and janitors and building cleaners were not statistically different from one another. Surveys of non-Western countries are limited, but the available statistics also indicate fewer jobs being filled by workers with disabilities. In India,

5940-419: The intention that basic access become a routine part of new home construction. Accessibility in the design of housing and household devices has become more prominent in recent decades due to a rapidly ageing population in developed countries. Ageing seniors may wish to continue living independently, but the ageing process naturally increases the disabilities that a senior citizen will experience. A growing trend

6039-656: The intersection of 17 Avenue and 69 Street SW. The CTrain system has two routes, designated as the Red Line and the Blue Line . They have a combined route length of 59.9 kilometres (37.2 mi). Much of the South leg of the system shares the right of way of the Canadian Pacific Railway and there is a connection from the light rail track to the CPR line via a track switch near Heritage station . The longer route (Red Line; 35 km (22 mi) serves

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6138-565: The line was extended 2.8 km further north to an eighth station – McKnight–Westwinds . On August 27, 2012, another 2.9 km extension of track opened and added two more stations – Martindale and Saddletowne . Additional stations are proposed for development, likely beyond 2023, at 96th Avenue, Country Hills Boulevard , 128th Avenue (north of Skyview Ranch) and Stoney Trail (in the Stonegate Landing development), as those areas are developed for future LRT infrastructure. This

6237-417: The line was extended 3.6 km and Crowfoot (formerly Crowfoot-Centennial) was opened. It was extended further by 2.5 km to Tuscany Station on August 25, 2014. Also known as Route 202, this route is composed of two legs connected by the downtown transit mall: the Northeast leg (15.5 kilometres (9.6 mi)) and the newer West leg (8.2 kilometres (5.1 mi)). The Northeast leg has ten stations and

6336-823: The local authorities are responsible for organizing changes to make new connections. These requirements are defined in the UK Community Planning Acts legislation and more detailed guidance has been issued by the Department for Transport for each local authority . This includes the requirement to produce an Accessibility Plan under Community Planning legislation and to incorporate this within their Local Transport Plan . An Accessibility Plan sets out how each local authority plans to improve access to employment, learning, health care, food shops and other services of local importance, particularly for disadvantaged groups and areas. Accessibility targets are defined in

6435-617: The machines, however bills cannot. Fares can also be purchased online through the MyFare app or at a Calgary Transit Customer Service Centre. Day passes and monthly passes can also be purchased. Day passes are valid until the end of service on the day of purchase and monthly passes are valid until the end of the month. Prices are reduced for seniors and students. Children under 12 years old can ride for free, as well as pets. Special low-income passes and senior annual passes are also available, and eligible post-secondary students enjoy unlimited access to

6534-463: The needs of the driver. Ergonomic adaptations, such as a lumbar support cushion, may also be needed. Generally, the more limiting the disability, the more expensive the adaptation needed for the vehicle. Financial assistance is available through some organizations, such as Motability in the United Kingdom, which requires a contribution by the prospective vehicle owner. Motability makes vehicles available for purchase or lease. When an employee with

6633-617: The network through the U-Pass ( universal transit pass ) program. There are two light rail lines in operation: the Red Line running from the far southern to the far northwestern suburbs of Calgary (Somerset/Bridlewood–Tuscany), and the Blue Line running from the northeastern to the western suburbs (Saddletowne–69 Street). The routes merge and share common tracks on the 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) downtown transit mall on 7th Avenue South, which also allows buses and emergency vehicles. As part of

6732-402: The north side of 17th Avenue SW past 37th Street SW below grade to 45 Street station. Past 45th Street the line runs at grade, and approaching Sarcee Trail SW moves onto an elevated guideway that passes over the freeway. The line then runs at grade to Sirocco Station, then proceeds to drop below grade and pass under eastbound 17th Avenue SW at 69th Street SW and return to grade on the south side of

6831-649: The northeast extension to McKnight–Westwinds and the northwest extension to Crowfoot. These new SD–160s started to enter service in November, 2006. In December 2006, CT extended the order by seven cars to a total of 40 cars, which had all been delivered by the spring of 2008. This brought the total of first-generation SD–160s to 72 cars numbered 2201 – 2272. These cars were all delivered without air conditioning, and retrofitted with air conditioning between 2009 and 2011. In November 2007 city council approved purchasing another 38 SD-160 Series 8 LRVs to be used in conjunction with

6930-555: The opposite side of 7th Avenue. The refurbishment project was completed on December 8, 2012, when the Downtown West–Kerby station was opened to the public in conjunction with the West LRT opening event. This required that the stations be closed during demolition and reconstruction. The new stations feature longer platforms for longer trains, better integration of the platforms into the sidewalk system, better lighting, and more attractive landscaping and street furniture. This project

7029-557: The original 83 U2 DCs remain in service, plus car 2090. The success of the first North American LRT systems inspired Siemens to build an LRV plant in Florin, California . Siemens now supplies one-third of North American LRVs and has supplied over 1000 vehicles to 17 North American systems. This will include 258 vehicles for Calgary when the current order of Siemens S200 vehicles is completed. Retired units are up to date as of March 24, 2020 Being former demonstration trains: only variants in

7128-408: The passenger cabin is unobstructed from one or more entrances by the presence of steps, enabling easier access for the infirm or people with push chairs . A further aspect may be that the entrance and corridors are wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair. Low-floor vehicles have been developed for buses , trolleybuses , trams and trains . A low floor in the vehicular sense is normally combined in

7227-515: The platform. Unlike a majority of CTrain stations, the platform was initially constructed to accommodate a four-car-length train. In 2007, the station registered an average of 13,000 boardings per weekday. This is up from a ridership of 10,100 from 2005. Somerset-Bridlewood Station was originally opened as 162nd Avenue Station in Spring 1996 as a temporary platform on the CP-Rail line as part of

7326-465: The platforms (generally by elevators , which may be restricted to disabled passengers only, so that the step-free access is not obstructed by non-disabled people taking advantage). In the United Kingdom , local transport authorities are responsible for checking that all people who live within their area can access essential opportunities and services, and where gaps in provision are identified

7425-646: The platforms needed to be rebuilt anyway. Throughout the pandemic, service was reduced to three-car trains. However, as of December 19, 2022, four-car trains are back in service. Rides taken solely within the downtown are free ; the rest of the network operates under a proof of payment system, with random fare inspections. As of 2022, the downtown area is known as the TD Free Fare Zone and encompasses all CTrain stations along 7th Avenue. Fares and passes could be purchased from ticket vending machines at any station. Coins, debit, and credit cards can be used at

7524-428: The platforms on the 45 stations on the system and building new electrical substations to power the longer trains. To operate the new four-car trains, the city ordered 63 new cars, although 28 of them were intended to replace the original U2 LRT cars, which have as many as 2.8 million miles on them and are approaching the end of their service lives. Many of the older stations were also worn out by high passenger traffic, and

7623-797: The project and allocated the required $ 566-million project funding on November 20, 2007. Funding for the project was sourced from the infrastructure fund that was created when the province of Alberta returned the education tax portion of property taxes to the city. Construction of this leg began in 2009. It was constructed at the same time as further extensions of the NE and NW lines of the LRT system that were approved in November 2007. The West LRT leg has six stations (from east to west): Sunalta (near 16th Street SW), Shaganappi Point , Westbrook , 45 Street (Westgate), Sirocco , and 69 Street (west of 69th Street near Westside Recreation Centre). The updated alignment from

7722-452: The project. The public art aspect of the project was neglected in its initial form. Because City Hall regulations for big construction projects require incorporation of public art, City Hall had to find the money. Therefore, the West LRT project cost C$ 8.6 million more than expected. On October 29, 2009, city council announced that the contract to construct the West LRT had been awarded to a consortium led by SNC Lavalin . Future extension of

7821-585: The public has led to some technological innovations. Public announcement systems using audio induction loop technology can broadcast announcements directly into the hearing aid of anyone with a hearing impairment, making them useful in such public places as auditoriums and train stations. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006) requires ‘appropriate measures’ to ensure people with disabilities are able to ‘access, on an equal basis with others','the physical environment’, ‘transportation’ and ‘other facilities and services open or provided to

7920-1186: The public sector and a large number of the reserved positions continue to be vacant despite nearly two decades of enactment of the PWD Act". Expenses related to adaptive or assistive technology required to participate in the workforce may be tax deductible expenses for individuals with a medical practitioner's prescription in some jurisdictions. Disability management (DM) is a specialized area of human resources that supports efforts of employers to better integrate and retain workers with disabilities. Some workplaces have policies in place to provide "reasonable accommodation" for employees with disabilities, but many do not. In some jurisdictions, employers may have legal requirements to end discrimination against persons with disabilities . It has been noted by researchers that where accommodations are in place for employees with disabilities, these frequently apply to individuals with "pre-determined or apparent disabilities as determined by national social protection or Equality Authorities", which include persons with pre-existing conditions who receive an official disability designation. One of

8019-409: The public’’. This requirement also applies to ‘roads’ and ‘transportation’ as well as ‘buildings, and other indoor and outdoor facilities’. At the same time, promotion of active travel , or 'shared space' initiatives to pedestrianise city centres can introduce unintended barriers, especially for pedestrians who are visually impaired and who can find these environments confusing or even dangerous. It

8118-507: The site of the Anderson LRT Yards). The original South line was 10.9 km long. On October 9, 2001, the line was extended south 3.4 km and two new stations were added: Canyon Meadows and Fish Creek–Lacombe , as part of the South LRT Extension Phase I. On June 28, 2004, Phase II opened adding 3 km of track and two more stations: Shawnessy and Somerset–Bridlewood . A further three stations – Silverado (most likely in

8217-674: The slightly later San Diego Trolley were built at approximately the same time and used the same commercial off-the-shelf German LRVs rather than custom-designed vehicles such as were used on the Toronto streetcar system and the Vancouver SkyTrain . U2 vehicles constituted the entire fleet in Calgary until July 2001, when the first Siemens SD-160 cars were delivered. Eighty-three U2 DCs were delivered to Calgary over three separate orders; 27 in 1981, three in 1983, and 53 in 1984 and are numbered 2001–2083. As of March 2020, 39 out of

8316-445: The southern and northwestern areas of the city. The shorter route (Blue Line; 25.7 km (16.0 mi) long) serves the northeastern and western sections of the city. Most track is at grade, with its own right-of-way . The downtown portion is a shared right-of-way, serving both routes along the 7th Avenue South transit mall at street level. This portion is a zero-fare zone and serves as a downtown people mover . The tracks split at

8415-418: The stations commissioned and built in the 2000s (with the exception of Brentwood which opened in 1990, three years after the original Northwest line opened). In April 1996, Calgary Transit began piloting a commuter rail service between Anderson station and a temporary station located at 162 Avenue SW, operating a rented Siemens RegioSprinter DMU which ran on CP Rail MacLeod Subdivision tracks. This pilot

8514-508: The streamlining of their accessibility services, allowing passengers requiring assistance to inform the company with as little as 10 minutes' notice at all 189 stations on its network, replacing an older scheme wherein assisted journeys had to be booked six hours to a day in advance. The system will utilise clear signage at stations and QR codes , allowing customers to send details of the assistance they require and their planned journey to staff remotely. Making public services fully accessible to

8613-460: The system was already carrying more than 300,000 passengers per day, and many trains were overcrowded. The lengthening of trains increased the maximum capacity of each train from 600 to 800 passengers, so when enough new LRT cars arrived to lengthen all trains to four cars, the upgrade increased the LRT system capacity by 33%. Since the platforms on the original stations were designed to only accommodate three-car trains, this required lengthening most of

8712-666: The temporary platform and re-opened as Somerset-Bridlewood on June 28, 2004. A dedicated bus loop opened in 2017 with bus stops and services being transferred from the original bus stops located on Shawville Gate. 11 - Southwest Loop 12 - Southwest Loop 14 - Bridlewood / 14 - Cranston 52 - Evergreen 75 - Mahogany 78 - Chaparral / 78 - Sundance 102 - Millrise / 102 - Silverado 153 - Copperfield 167 - Walden/Legacy 194 - Chaparral Valley/Wolf Willow Okotoks Commuter / Somerset-Bridlewood LRT Station Residential Secondary Schools Primary Schools This article about

8811-516: The tires enables wheelchair users to move over soft surfaces, such as deep snow on ski hills, and sandy beaches. Assistive technology and adaptive technology have a key role in developing the means for people with disabilities to live more independently, and to more fully participate in mainstream society. In order to have access to assistive or adaptive technology, however, educating the public and even legislating requirements to incorporate this technology have been necessary. The UN CRPD, and courts in

8910-458: The use of assistive technology ; however, research and development in accessibility brings benefits to everyone. Therefore, an accessible society should eliminate digital divide or knowledge divide . Accessibility is not to be confused with usability , which is the extent to which a product (such as a device, service, or environment) can be used by specified users to achieve specified goals with effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction in

9009-439: The use of a keyboard and mouse difficult or impossible. Technological improvements such as speech recognition devices and software can improve access. A communication disorder interferes with the ability to produce clearly understandable speech. There can be many different causes, such as nerve degeneration, muscle degeneration, stroke, and vocal cord injury. The modern method to deal with speaking disabilities has been to provide

9108-522: The workplace, and in school, expanding the ability of the user to participate in various spheres of daily life. Augmentative and alternative communication technology is one such area of IT progress. It includes inventions such as speech-generating devices , teletypewriter devices, adaptive pointing devices to replace computer mouse devices, and many others. Mobile telecommunications devices and computer applications are also equipped with accessibility features. They can be adapted to create accessibility to

9207-515: The world. Named Scout, 2101 is an asset inspection train for overhead lines and tracks. 32 to be refurbished by Siemens . 2401-2463 built and delivered between 2015 and 2019; 2464–2469, 2019–2020 The following LRVs have been retired: Note: units in parentheses in the first row in the above table were retired at end of life, but are also listed in rows below. In 1988, the Alberta Government purchased from Siemens two U2 AC units,

9306-572: Was intended as a short-term solution to road congestion for the rapidly growing commuter population in South Calgary and as an experiment to test the viability of a South Red Line extension. A new temporary passenger platform was added on the CP Rail line adjacent to Anderson station. The RegioSprinter was travelled between this platform and a platform at 162 Avenue SW located just north of the present-day Somerset–Bridlewood station . This service

9405-482: Was only in operation during peak hours and was free-of-charge. Service was discontinued after five months. The West Line, the extension of the Northeast Line, opened for revenue service on December 10, 2012, as the first new line to open in 25 years. The line runs for 8.2 km from Downtown West–Kerby station on 7 Avenue at 11 Street SW at the west end of Downtown, westward to 69 Street station located at

9504-543: Was shortlisted for the New/Old category in the 2012 World Architecture Festival in Singapore . Also known as Route 201, this route comprises two legs connected by the downtown transit mall: the South leg (17.3 kilometres (10.7 mi)) and the Northwest leg (15.7 kilometres (9.8 mi)). There are eleven stations on the South leg and nine on the Northwest leg. Total length of the line: 33 kilometres (21 mi). This

9603-523: Was the first leg of the system to be built. Seven stations on this leg opened on May 25, 1981, as the first light railway line to serve the city. From north to south, they are Victoria Park/Stampede (renamed from Stampede in 1995), Erlton/Stampede (renamed from Erlton in 1995), 39 Avenue (renamed from 42 Avenue in 1986), Chinook , Heritage (also the site of the Haysboro LRT Storage Facility), Southland , and Anderson (also

9702-473: Was the fourth leg of the system to be built, although it was included in the original plans for the system. It was built last because it was anticipated to have lower ridership and higher construction costs than the previous legs. Construction of the 8.2 kilometre (5 mile) leg began in 2009. It opened on December 10, 2012. The City of Calgary began a review process in late 2006 to update the plans to current standards, and Calgary City Council gave final approval to

9801-492: Was the manager of the department that designed and built the original CTrain system. In 2009, the City of Calgary named its largest maintenance facility after Bowen to honour his work. The Oliver Bowen LRT Maintenance Facility (OBMF) in northeast Calgary is a $ 6.5 million rail facility. Though the South Line was planned to extend to the northwest, political pressures led to the commission of the "Northeast Line", running from Whitehorn station (at 36 Street NE and 39 Avenue NE) to

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