Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) is pleased to introduce Route 31, a new bus route that will provide weekday express service between the University of Alberta and Leger Transit Centre in Southwest Edmonton. The approximately 35-minute route, that launches September 5, will be efficient and convenient for riders as it uses a dedicated bus lane—the result of the ongoing Terwillegar Drive Expansion project.

“The City Plan envisions a city where Edmontonians of all ages, abilities and backgrounds can easily meet their daily needs within a short walk, bike, roll or transit trip,” said Mayor Sohi. “Investing in transit infrastructure, like this new bus lane, is an important step in transforming our transit network to meet future population growth and give people more choice in how they move around.”

”We're pleased to be offering riders more direct routes and flexible transit options,” said Carrie Hotton-MacDonald, Branch Manager of ETS. “Transit continues to play a pivotal role in connecting people to each other and the places they need to go —safely, conveniently and reliably.”

Route 31 is a part of ETS’ fall seasonal service changes. It will initially operate on weekdays, excluding statutory holidays. Additional time periods may be considered as part of future service adjustments. 

This route is part of long-term service planning as Edmonton’s transit system expands and prepares to meet future population growth. The dedicated bus lane was built as part of the Terwillegar Drive Expansion project. 

Through the City’s Mass Transit Planning for the 1.25 million population horizon, Route 31 will eventually evolve into an important future bus-rapid transit route that runs from Ambleside to University via Terwillegar Drive, with dedicated lanes and transit priority measures that help buses move faster. 

As more people move to Edmonton and more riders choose transit, building and investing in a transit system provides an essential service Edmontonians need and want for years to come. 

The Terwillegar Drive Expansion will increase capacity and provide all users with a safe and efficient route along Terwillegar Drive - a key north-south route connecting Edmontonians across the city. The expansion includes new road lanes, and transit and active transportation upgrades, including a dedicated bus lane, new shared pathways and new pedestrian/cyclist bridges. 

Construction of Stage One began in 2021 and will be completed in the fall of 2023. The budget for Stage One is approximately $56.2 million. Construction of Stage Two is currently underway. The overall project is funded by the City of Edmonton and the Government of Alberta. 

Communications Coordinator

City Operations