Transit Trailblazers Scavenger Hunt

Target Audience: The target audience for the Transit Trailblazer Scavenger Hunt was any registered Girl Guides within Calgary or surrounding areas who are actively involved in their units. The age groups are: - Sparks (ages 5-6) - Embers (ages 7-8) - Guides (ages 9-11) - Pathfinders (ages 12-14) - Rangers (ages 15-17) - Adults (ages 18+)

Strategy Objective:The strategy behind this initiative was to: - Enhance transit knowledge and navigational skills in a target audience that is eager to learn. - Encourage increased transit ridership among a younger population. - Ensure a memorable and positive experience for all participants. - Create life-long transit and sustainable travel enthusiasts. - Inform Calgarians about this unique partnership.

Situation Challenge: On Sept. 23, 2023, Calgary Transit and Girl Guides partnered to host the Transit Trailblazers Scavenger Hunt, a unique event aimed at educating and empowering Guides of all ages on how to use Calgary's public transit system. The scavenger hunt activity featured questions and interactive challenges aimed at expanding transit knowledge and wayfinding at Chinook Station, while providing a fun real-world learning experience. For many participants, it was their first-time using transit. The Guides were encouraged to get assistance from Transit Ambassadors and Peace Officers to answer questions, press the help button, and watch how to use a bike rack on a bus. All participants received a special badge upon completion of the activity, as a symbol of their newfound navigational knowledge.

Results Impact: The event witnessed participation from 700 individuals, with a large portion choosing public transit as their mode of transport to and from the event. By demystifying the transit process, offering guidance on how to handle potential safety or emergency issues on-board, and providing resources on schedules and routes, the event has set the foundation for a new era of informed and self-assured transit users. Local media outlets attended the event and shared the story on Global News and CTV News, which helped to reach thousands of Calgarians and encourage others to travel on transit. Overall, this event set the stage for increased future ridership and greater awareness within the target audience and the public.

Why Submit: This initiative addressed two crucial questions: How can we motivate the younger generation to use public transit regularly and confidently? How can we ease common Transit rider concerns and uncertainty in a fun and unique way? The enthusiastic feedback from both the Girl Guides and their unit leaders stands as a testament to the event's success. This scavenger hunt provided a safe environment for young users to learn, inquire, and sharpen their navigation skills. Its enduring impact is evident as it is now an annual fixture, with aspirations to grow and welcome other youth groups, like the Boy Scouts, in subsequent editions. The Transit Trailblazers Scavenger Hunt symbolizes an investment in building a strong foundation of future riders to Calgary Transit.