Transit to and from Centennial High School is the responsibility of parents and students.
UPDATE: Sept 5/25
Dear Centennial High School Community, We have received a number of inquiries regarding Calgary Transit Bus Route 708, including concerns that buses on this route are passing stops with full buses, leaving students waiting at some stops unable to get on the bus. I recognize that many of the inquiries are coming from parents/guardians of Grade 10 students, who won’t be familiar with busing to and from Centennial, so I am hoping that this Messenger will provide some helpful information. Route 708 is new this year. It is an express route added by Calgary Transit due to increased ridership from south Calgary communities to Centennial. This is the first express route for Centennial in the 20+ year history of the school, and is an addition to the existing bus routes that students have historically used to get here. As Route 708 begins in Walden and heads north, buses will typically fill quickly, and will not be able to pick up additional students later in the route. Calgary Transit has shared that they do not have capacity to add even more additional routes anywhere in the city, including this particular route. Students and families are reminded that students should plan to take the regular, existing community routes to Centennial, as the new express route is meant to supplement the existing service and not meant to accommodate all students. For students in Grades 11 and 12 familiar with busing to Centennial this will make sense, but I understand how students new to the school would be perplexed seeing full buses pass them by. I have shared parent/guardian feedback with CBE Transportation, and the CBE has shared this feedback with Calgary Transit. This is so that in the future (if additional capacity becomes available) Calgary Transit can add express routes to their list of considerations. Important reminder: students should plan their bus route to arrive at Centennial prior to the 8:40am school start time (Tutorial class). Calgary Transit follows our school bell schedule and offers additional buses in time for students to arrive before our start time (which is 8:40am, not 9:09am). Thank you, Principal |
Calgary Transit
Some students use Calgary Transit to get to school. Families are responsible for purchasing Calgary Transit monthly passes. Students must carry proof of fare every time they use Calgary Transit. More information about fares and routes are available on the CBE website or the Calgary Transit website.
Families can access low-income monthly passes through the City of Calgary's Fair Entry Program. This program offers a streamlined application process for City subsidy programs, including reduced rates for transit passes. You can find more information about the program at www.calgary.ca/fairentry.
Calgary Transit has a “Plan a Trip” tool or families can also call 403-262-1000 for assistance with route planning and questions about Calgary Transit operations. Families do not need to register to use Calgary Transit, including school express routes.
Safety & Security
Calgary Transit provides riders with three options to report safety or security concerns. In addition to the phone number (403-262-1000) and the help buttons/phones at bus and train stations, riders can now send a text to 74100 for assistance from transit staff. For more details, please see the Calgary Transit website.