MAX Purple has dedicated transit-only lanes along 17 Ave. and a transit-only bridge over Deerfoot Trail.

17 Ave. businesses received free transit passes as thanks for their patience during the MAX purple line construction.

CALGARY (660 NEWS) — Business owners on 17 Ave. received a Valentines Day gift from the city Thursday.

As thanks to those who stayed patient during the construction of the MAX Purple BRT line, the city provided businesses with nearly 1,500, 10-ticket transit books to share with customers.

It’s ❤️Day on the @calgarytransit Purple Max line. Selected International Avenue shops and restaurants have free transit tickets for customers (while they last). Mayor @nenshi on the Max Purple. pic.twitter.com/wyckXIKU8X — Franca Gualtieri (@FrancainCalgary) February 14, 2019

Of the three transit lanes rolled out in mid-November, MAX Purple has dedicated transit-only lanes along 17 Ave. and a transit-only bridge over Deerfoot Trail.

So far, results have shown the MAX service has increased travel times, made better connections, and has raised the quality of transit service. Attracting a 3.5% increase in ridership in 2018.

READ MORE: Calgary Transit seeing an increase in ridership

The average weekday boarding on the three MAX lines sees about 7,600 people.

The city expects the number to rise to 19,000 over the next five years.