Anderson (CTrain)

Anderson is a station on the South Line (Route 201) of the CTrain light rail system in Calgary, Alberta. The station opened on May 25, 1981, as part of the original South line. The station is located on the exclusive LRT right of way (adjacent to CPR ROW), 10.6 km South of the City Hall Interlocking. The station is located just north of Anderson Road near Macleod Trail.

History

The station was, until October 8, 2001, the southern terminus of the South Line, having served in this capacity since the LRT's original opening in 1981.The station is located primarily near residential areas such as Southwood and Willow Park, and it also provides access to the Southcentre Mall, by means of a pedestrian bridge and skywalk that cross Macleod Trail. 1323 paved parking spaces are located on-site, as well as a 427 space overflow lot.

The station consists of a center-loading platform with Mezzanine access at the South end and grade-level access at the North end.

As part of Calgary Transit's plan to operate 4-car trains by the end of 2014, all 3-car platforms are being extended. Construction on the platform extension at Anderson Station started in June 24, 2013 and was completed in the late fall of 2013.

The Anderson Shops and Garage, where the CTrain vehicles are assembled and maintained, is located here. CTrains operating on the NE line had to come up from the Anderson Garage every morning from the opening of the NE line in 1985 until the Oliver Bowen Maintenance Facility opened with McKnight–Westwinds Station in 2008.

In 2005, the station registered and average transit of 11,300 boardings per weekday.

Conventional Train

In 1996, Siemens brought a RegioSprinter DMU (diesel multiple unit) railcar as part of a demonstration tour of North America. A new passenger platform was added on the CP Rail line adjacent to Anderson station. The RegioSprinter was operated between this platform and a platform at 162 Avenue SW located near present-day Somerset–Bridlewood station. This service was only in operation during peak hours and was discontinued after a few months when RegioSprinter continued its tour but this service proved to be very popular and it convinced the city board to plan the extension of the SE line to Somerset–Bridlewood Station in two phases.