Access Calgary for Visitors
Calgary's Handibus Allows Visitors Up To 14 Days of Service Annually
Mobility-impaired visitors to Calgary may be entitled to use the accessible transportation services of Access Calgary for up to 14 days per calendar year.
For people with limited mobility, including people who use wheelchairs, transportation in Calgary can be challenging if you do not have your own vehicle.
The public transit system operated by Calgary Transit has accessibility features and is a solid choice for many residents and visitors.
For those who cannot manage the buses and trains (the C-Train) of Calgary Transit, there is another service available. Access Calgary operates as an extension of the public transit service, with similar fares. It offers shared door-to-door rides within the City of Calgary, and can accommodate wheelchairs and scooters.
While Access Calgary is mainly designed and intended for Calgary residents, they do permit visitors to use the service up to 14 days in one calendar year.
A journey using Access Calgary has to be booked in advance. There is a detailed set of instructions on the Access Calgary website, setting out what kinds of trips can be booked, how far in advance (e.g. two days for many trips), and what the procedure is. Pay close attention to the instructions. For example, if you are "wait-listed" on Access Calgary, you must call on the day of the trip to see if your request has been filled or not. They do not automatically call you.
Access Calgary vehicles include handi-buses and vehicles from the participating taxi companies, including accessible vans, sedans and minivans.
If you are considering using Access Calgary as a visitor, you should contact them well in advance to determine whether you will be eligible. Calgary residents are expected to attend an hour-long appointment with a mobility specialist before using the service. Visitors should discuss their needs with Access Calgary by telephoning (403) 537-7770.
Access Calgary allows patrons to bring an attendant along at no additional charge. To meet the requirements for a free attendant fare, you must register the attendant and obtain an attendant card. If you do not do this, your attendant will be classed as a companion and will pay the regular fare. The regular fare for both the patron and the companion is the normal Calgary Transit fare, paid using a Calgary Transit ticket (one adult ticket for each journey). Every time you board the vehicle, you will use a ticket, so for a return trip it will cost two tickets.
Calgary Transit books of tickets are available by mail order from Calgary Transit over the internet, and can easily be purchased at many convenience stores around Calgary. Do not plan on buying a book of tickets at any of the C-Train stations, however. There are very few facilities at C-Train stations, and no stores at present.
Alternatives to using Access Calgary are: standard Calgary Transit buses and C-Trains, or private taxis, where you will pay full fare just like any other passenger. When booking a taxi, you will need to specify your accessibility needs so the dispatcher can send the right kind of vehicle.
Here are some articles about Calgary that may be of interest:
- Calgary's Central Memorial Park: A Level Site, Rich in Layers of Western Canadian History
- Calgary Farmers' Market: Open Year-Round, The Market is Especially Cheerful in Spring
- Accessible Fort Calgary: One of Calgary's significant historic sites is highly accessible
- Wheelchairs at Heritage Park: The story of Calgary is told in a wheelchair accessible park
- Southcentre Mall in Calgary: One of Southern Alberta's Largest Shopping Centres.
