Calgary Transit crime crackdown highlights safety problem, union says

Operation Jingle All the Way sounds festive and fun, but that wasn't the case.

The Calgary police initiative from Dec. 22 to 23 was a two-day crackdown on crime and social disorder on the south portion of the city's bus and CTrain routes.

Police said the operation resulted in 72 summons issued, 73 warrants executed, and 11 charges, including for possession of a weapon and possession of methamphetamines.

Five encampments were also found and removed, a baton was seized, and 70 referrals were made for social agencies.

"Teams were deployed collaboratively to disrupt disorder in hot spot locations, identify emerging high system users, increase visible police and peace officer presence during the busy holiday season, and connect those in need with immediate supports," Calgary police said in a release.

According to data from the Calgary Police Service, there were a combined total of 1,017 calls for service from the public at the south CTrain line's 11 stations. Of those, more than 18 per cent (187 calls) came from Chinook station.

Statistics Canada data indicates the rate of transit-related crime in Calgary was 23.5 crimes per 100,000 people in 2024.

Transit workers frequently targeted

Amalgamated Transit Union Local 583 president Mike Mahar said crime against Calgary Transit workers has been an "incredibly prevalent" problem.

Mahar said Calgary Transit workers experience about 60 to 70 assaults that are significant enough to require intervention every year.

"That number that's recorded doesn't reflect the actual activities on the route," Mahar said, pointing to cases of racism, misogyny and other forms of verbal assault that aren't reported.

"The worst parts of society happen on a bus for some reason," he said. "That has an impact."

He said certain factors may make transit workers feel more at-risk than passengers, who have more flexibility choosing when and where they ride.

"You're working your entire shift in the dark ... those things have a real impact on the psychological status of an operator," Mahar said.

Though he's "a little bit at odds with the name of it," Mahar believes anti-crime blitzes like Operation Jingle All the Way do make a difference.

But when it comes to making a dent in crime stats, Mahar would rather see more resources dedicated to having more police present year-round.

"Staffing of the stations regularly is much more effective," Mahar said.

Recent investments by Calgary Transit have aimed to increase safety on the city's trains and buses, including by bringing more peace officers on board.

Peace officers patrol Calgary Transit systems 24/7, with some stations additionally staffed by security guards.

Police said they will "continue concentrated efforts to enhance public safety" in places affected by increased levels of social disorder and crime.