Calgary getting rid of bus traps to improve mobility [Video]

Calgary will soon be rid of all its bus traps.

The traps have existed in Calgary for decades, and were meant to stop cars from entering transit-only lanes.

“Fifty years ago, it seemed like a good idea to dig a hole in the middle of a transit lane and put bars across it to stop unauthorized vehicles from entering specific areas,” said officials in a Wednesday news release.

The holes were built so that buses and emergency vehicles could pass over them without issue, but not commuters, who found themselves stuck in the trap if they entered the lane. 

“I’ve spoken with people who accidentally drove into a bus trap, and it was a terrifying experience for them,” said Troy McLeod, the City of Calgary’s mobility director.

He explained the traps are actually counterproductive because transit service was interrupted when vehicles became stuck.

Additionally, smaller transit shuttles and emergency response …