|
October 8, 2024
Edmonton is one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, and Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) ridership exceeds population growth. From January to September 2024, ETS ridership has grown by 14 per cent compared to 2023, continuing one of the strongest post-pandemic ridership recoveries in the country.
ETS is on track to move nearly 60 million riders in 2024, up from 53 million riders in 2023. The opening of the 13-kilometre Valley Line Southeast LRT in November 2023 has contributed to this increase by providing another option for riders to reach destinations between Mill Woods and downtown. Nearly two million trips have been taken on Valley Line Southeast LRT between November 2023 and August 2024.
ETS has 120 regular bus routes, 50 school routes, three LRT lines and an On Demand Transit service. Edmonton is one of five cities in Canada with a high-frequency transit grid, meaning it provides transit in the core of our city at least every 15 minutes most times of day, seven days a week.
In 2023, City Council invested in growing transit service, adding 120,000 service hours to the transit network. While these investments help ease the pressure on transit service, the gap between current service levels and the Transit Service Standards continues to expand as the city’s population and neighbourhoods grow.
“We’ve been investing in the transit network and are proud to deliver equitable, accessible and convenient service that will continue to meet the needs of riders,” said Carrie Hotton-MacDonald, Branch Manager, Edmonton Transit Service. “We’re working to make it easier for people to choose transit, and are excited to see this positive response. We’re thankful for our riders and the growth we’ve been experiencing.”
In April 2021, ETS launched the current bus network; year-over-year monthly ridership has increased for 42 consecutive months. In September 2024, monthly ridership exceeded six million for the first time, as ETS welcomed back students and riders returned to fall routines. Overall, ridership has exceeded pre-pandemic levels by 12 per cent since the beginning of the year.
ETS continually analyzes transit performance to ensure it remains efficient and effective for riders. This includes making service adjustments five times each year, based on transit data, rider feedback, seasonal changes and ridership growth. Riders are encouraged to plan their trips at edmonton.ca/transit.
| 
