August 19, 2021
This fall, to support a vibrant and safe city, ETS is introducing a number of service and safety changes and improvements to welcome riders back to transit. ETS is committed to delivering a service that connects Edmontonians to people and places through safe, reliable and convenient transit service.
Fall Bus Service Changes
In late August, ETS will adjust bus schedules, service levels and routes to ensure we are providing the right amount of service at the right time. These service adjustments regularly happen five times a year.
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Starting August 29, many bus routes will have schedule adjustments, including increased frequency to reflect a typical increase in ridership that happens every fall.
- Several School Special bus routes are being added or adjusted to increase service for students going to school.
- Since the launch of the bus network on April 25, nearly 1,400 Edmontonians have provided valuable feedback about what is working and what could be improved. Thanks to input from Edmontonians, 17 routes will be adjusted starting August 29 to help shorten layovers, increase efficiencies in scheduling and improve connections, in addition to more than 40 other service adjustments that took effect in June.
- To accommodate Valley Line West construction, the West Edmonton Mall Transit Centre is temporarily moving to the mall's overflow parking lot at 90 Ave and 175 St, adjacent to the West Edmonton Mall Inn. The interim transit centre will be in place for several years before it returns to its permanent location on 87 Ave when Valley Line West opens. Several route and schedule adjustments are being made to accommodate the move.
- For details about fall service changes, visit edmonton.ca/TransitAlerts
LRT Frequency and Metro Line Route Changes
To provide more reliable service for transit riders, ETS will increase LRT service in the downtown core and northeast Edmonton starting August 30. That became possible due to the successful implementation of an alternate signaling system.
- Transit riders will be able to board a Capital Line train downtown every 5 minutes during weekday peak hours (6 - 9 a.m. and 3 - 6 p.m.), including between Churchill and Clareview.
- To enable increased frequency in the downtown core and northeast Edmonton, Metro Line trains will only run between NAIT and Health Sciences/Jubilee stations, as was originally planned for Metro Line. Transit riders boarding Capital Line trains south of Health Sciences/Jubilee station will need to transfer to Metro Line if they need access to MacEwan, Kingsway/Royal Alex or NAIT stations.
- For details about LRT service changes, visit edmonton.ca/TransitAlerts
Bikes on LRT and Improved Access to Drinking Water
To help integrate active modes of transportation and make the rider experience more convenient, starting August 30, transit riders can now bring their bikes on LRT at any time, and using their own padlock, secure their bikes inside new metal storage lockers at Century Park and Belvedere LRT stations. Six lockers (one bike per locker) are available at each location, on a first come first served basis. There is no fee to use a locker. New refillable water bottle stations will also be installed at major transit centres and LRT stations by the end of September giving transit riders and the broader community access to drinking water.
Safety Improvements
In addition to the numerous safety and security measures in place on transit, a new collaborative approach will be launched later next month to assist individuals in need of specialized support while in the transit system. Stay tuned for more information.
We continue to encourage riders to report safety concerns like harassment, disorder or suspicious behaviour by texting or calling Transit Watch at 780-442-4900. Our enhanced security measures, including additional onsite security guards at many transit centres and LRT stations, and joint patrols involving transit peace officers and police officers, also remain in place.
Masks
Masks continue to be mandatory on transit for riders until September 27, pending further discussion with Council at the end of August. Operators are required to wear masks if their shield is in the open position, or if they leave the shielded area and are inside the bus. Buses and trains are regularly cleaned and disinfected to help maintain a safe environment for staff and customers.
