While property tax increases for 2026 are coming in lower than projected, residents of Calgary will still need to budget more for everyday city services. As the new year begins, a wide range of municipal programs and amenities will see incremental price adjustments.
Public Transit Fare Increases for 2026
Approved by city council during recent budget deliberations, Calgary Transit fares are set to rise by approximately five to six per cent. The changes reflect efforts to manage growing operational costs and align revenue with service expansion.
For adult passengers, a single-use ticket will increase from $3.80 to $4.00. The monthly adult pass will see a jump from $118 to $126. Youth riders aged 13 to 17 will also pay more, with a single ticket rising from $2.55 to $2.65. Their monthly pass will hold at $86 for much of the year but is scheduled to increase to $92 in September 2026.
Children 12 and under will continue to ride for free after a proposal to end the policy was defeated. Other pass adjustments include:
- Adult day pass: $11.95 to $12.65
- Youth day pass: $8.75 to $9.25
- Weekend family pass: $17 to $18
- Annual seniors’ pass: $159 to $169
The city's Fair Entry program, which provides subsidized access, will also see modest increases. Monthly rates for the three bands will rise to $6.30 (from $5.90), $44.10 (from $41.30), and $63 (from $59) respectively. The low-income seniors' pass will cost $34 annually, a $2 increase.
Higher Costs for Recreation and Leisure
Staying active at City of Calgary facilities will also come with a slightly higher price tag in 2026. Starting in January, the fee for a single-day adult admission to a municipal leisure centre will rise by 40 cents, from $14.90 to $15.30.
These adjustments are part of the city's standard annual practice of implementing small, incremental fee changes. Officials state the increases are necessary to cover rising costs and fund service improvements beyond mere maintenance of existing levels.
Looking Ahead
The coordinated fee adjustments across transit and recreation services highlight the balancing act municipal governments face. While aiming to keep property taxes in check, the city must also ensure essential services remain funded and sustainable. For Calgarians, the new year will bring a need to factor these updated costs into their personal and family budgets for daily commuting and recreational activities.
