MAX Purple, along with Route 1, provide service for East Calgary's primary transit corridor, and has become an important transit connector for Greater Forest Lawn residents.[3] During its planning stages, Mayor Naheed Nenshi insisted the new line be made his favourite colour purple, citing his family's personal connection to International Avenue.[4] The line itself operates on the former eastward service of Route 305 and replaces the retired bus route 126 Applewood Express. Future plans for the line include the permanent eastward extension into neighbouring Chestermere via 17 Avenue SE/Chestermere Boulevard,[5] as well as a potential long-term conversion into an LRT line.[6]