Provided by the City of Calgary

To address barriers to access, shelters and social agencies work with people experiencing homelessness to assist in accessing services and supports. It includes ensuring vulnerable Calgarians receive transportation to shelters. In response to forecasted colder temperatures, free Emergency Shelter Shuttle services are temporarily in place to transport those who have been sheltering in LRT stations to the Calgary Drop-In Centre or Alpha House.

UPDATED February 22, 2023

  • Emergency Shelter Shuttles will be operating Monday to Friday night (February 20 – 24) between 21:30 and 03:00:
    • Southland LRT station and the Drop-In Centre/Alpha House,
    • Rundle LRT station/Marlborough LRT station and the Drop-In Centre/Alpha House,
    • Somerset LRT station and the Drop-In Centre/Alpha House.
    • NB: Emergency Shelter Shuttles will not be provided after February 24th for this activation unless the weather forecast changes.
    • Regular transportation opportunities will still be available to help unhoused Calgarians access shelter and other services including transit/LRT services and the DOAP Team.
  • These shuttle services are free for those who wish transport to the Drop-In Centre or Alpha House.
  • Regular LRT services are available to those who wish transport to a shelter. If asked for a ticket, people can let the Transit Officer know they are going to a shelter and fare may not be required.
  • DOAP Team staff and a City of Calgary Peace Officer and will be stationed on the buses to assist those choosing transport.
  • Maximum occupancy of each shuttle bus: 30 people.
  • Protocol to address people with belongings: Maximum of two bags per person, aligned with emergency shelter requirements.
  • Drugs and weapons safety concerns: Anyone with visible weapons or illegal substances will not be allowed access to the shuttle service.
  • If individuals choose not or are unable to access the Drop-In Centre or Alpha House, outreach staff will engage with the individual to determine alternate emergency shelter or other services on a case-by-case basis.
  • Will individuals be allowed to stay on the shuttle while the service is operational if they choose not to access shelter services?
    • Priority is to focus supporting individuals with expedited access to the Drop-In Centre or Alpha House, which will include outreach by Drop-In Centre staff upon arrival.
    • If individuals choose not or are unable to access the Drop-In Centre or Alpha House, outreach staff will engage with the individual to determine alternate emergency shelter or other services on a case-by-case basis.

Why

  • LRT stations are not appropriate places to seek shelter as they do not have the necessary amenities (heat, potable water or restrooms) nor resources to support peoples’ wellbeing.
  • Resources are available. There is room in shelters with food, showers, washrooms and other supports to help.

Other resources

    • Those who are cold and have nowhere to go, please call or visit these shelters and services listed here: Calgary Homeless Foundation Cold Weather Emergency Supports
    • The HELP (Human-centered Engagement Liaison and Partnership) Team can be reached at 403-998-7388.
    • For more info and other available resources anyone can call/text/chat 211 or visit ab.211.ca 24-hours a day.