Calgary’s transit network is evolving from a network that has been primarily radial into a grid that connects suburban activity centres as well as the downtown core. The North Crosstown BRT (now known as the MAX Orange line) is a key component of Calgary’s primary transit network, as identified in Calgary Transit’s RouteAhead strategic plan. It was also included in the city’s 10-year transportation infrastructure plan, Investing in Mobility.

The MAX Orange line provides an east-west rapid transit connection between northwest and northeast Calgary, connecting major destinations such as the University of Calgary, SAIT, Foothills Medical Centre, Alberta Children’s Hospital, and numerous other businesses and communities.

HDR provided planning, design and construction administration of the 20-km mixed traffic BRT route. Significant transit signal priority measures and queue jump initiatives were developed to improve transit operations. Unique station designs incorporating real-time customer information and pre-boarding fare payment were developed to improve the customer experience. The result for Calgarians was improved bus travel time, east-west connectivity, schedule reliability and a better overall transit customer experience.

HDR worked closely with the city throughout the procurement process, providing the required design and tender services for a construction management contract as well as traditional design-bid-build contracts. HDR also provided contract administration and construction supervision services.

Operations of MAX Orange began in the fall of 2018.