Calgary Transit's Max Purple bus route extended into Chestermere

Calgary Transit launched bus service to a neighbouring municipality for the first time on Monday.

The Max Purple bus rapid transit line, or Route 307, has been extended to the City of Chestermere, which abuts Calgary's eastern boundary.

The route will now run farther east of what was its last stop, East Hills, and intoChestermere via 17th Avenue S.E.

In addition to giving those living in Chestermere better access to east Calgary and downtown, Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshihas previously said the service would encourage fewer cars on the road, and lesswear-and-tear to Alberta highways.

About 20,000 people live in the lakeside community.

Atthe transit link's unveiling with Chestermere Mayor Marshall Chalmers on Monday, Nenshi said it would also help foster community.

"These are the kinds of community building things that make a difference," Nenshi said.

"These are the kinds of things that really allow people to feel like they belong, to feel like they can participate in community more widely and authentically."

The servicewill run two trips twice a day during peak times of 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. on weekday mornings and 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on weekday afternoons.