While LRT configuration is outside the scope of this project, below are some factors provided by the LRT construction team for why adding a third track to existing lines is not being considered:

• Most of the existing LRT alignments do not have enough space for an additional track to be installed. 
• Edmonton’s LRT system is designed to balance the delivery of reliable, efficient transit with convenient community access (LRT stop frequency).  
• A bypass track can be effective for high ridership systems where express lines are added to supplement regular service. Edmonton’s LRT system is currently not designed to operate express lines.

This project, Implementing Mass Transit for 1.25 Million People, is a planning project with a longer-term horizon (10-15 years). The design of the mass transit system will take ridership projections into account. Specific route programming based on this new system and projected ridership will happen at a later stage. 

With that said, typically overcrowding is addressed by increasing the frequency of service, using articulated “bendy” buses or both.  We appreciate your suggestion to use double decker buses.  While they may be considered in the future, the current ETS garages are unable to accommodate double decker buses.

As for overloads, ETS works hard to match the service provided to ridership demand.  COVID dramatically changed how people travel, which makes it challenging to estimate demand and travel times.  We have added trips to several routes this fall (including 12 trips on Route 500X) and continue to adjust service in response to ridership. 

 You can visit the  bus network redesign page to provide feedback on the current routes, which were launched in April 2021.

This project, Implementing Mass Transit for 1.25 Million People, is a planning project with a longer-term horizon (10-15 years). Through this project, there is an opportunity to reconsider the design of some of our transit streets, particularly those that are expected to include a significant infrastructure investment (i.e., dedicated transit lanes).

The streets considered are limited to those that are a part of this project, including:

• Whyte Avenue, (between 109 Street and Bonnie Doon)
• 87 Avenue (near West Edmonton Mall)
• 97 Street (South of Yellowhead Trail)
• 97 Street (North of Yellowhead trail)
• Calgary Trail and Gateway Boulevard south of Whyte Avenue

How these future mass transit bus routes integrate with the LRT network and the local bus service network as well as evaluating how to make these roads more accessible will be a key element of this work.

You can visit the bus network redesign page to provide feedback on the current bus routes and transfers, which launched in April of 2021. The City also recently release a Downtown Core and Transit System Safety Plan to help address the security and safety concerns raised by Edmontonians.

As the City continues to grow to 2 million people, it is simply not financially or environmentally sustainable to continue to invest in infrastructure exclusively for cars. The City Plan requires diversified investment so we can establish a mobility network that reflects the diverse needs of the many Edmonton residents, provides a range of options for how people move around, and achieves emission reduction goals. Many people in our city do not own cars – whether by choice or by circumstance –  and move around our city by walking, rolling, biking or transit.

In response to a motion from Urban Planning Committee in February 2022, Administration brought a report forward on September  27, 2022 (item 7.1) outlining options for more rapidly implementing the bike network in the redeveloping area by 2026. Committee accepted the report which outlines, at a high level, the anticipated costs (specifically, the $170M) and directed Administration to bring forward an unfunded capital profile and related unfunded service package to the 2023-2026 budget deliberations advancing Option A - Complete District Connector Network By 2026 and Option C - Completion of the Near Term Priorities and Areas with High Bike Trip Potential by 2026 as outlined in the report. The funding has not yet been approved by Council and will be part of the 2022 budget deliberations later this year. 

Engagement related to mass transit on Whyte Avenue will be done in conjunction with engagement events for the Old Strathcona Public Realm Strategy. The purpose of combining the engagement for these two projects is to have a much broader conversation about all of the Whyte Avenue street elements, particularly those that make up the public realm (e.g., sidewalks, street furniture and other amenities), which is so important in supporting Whyte Avenue as a main street and entertainment district. 

Engagement activities for the Old Strathcona Public Realm Strategy are currently being planned and will occur in the winter. Once finalized, details will be posted to the Mass Transit and Old Strathcona Public Realm Strategy project pages.

The mass transit network for 1.25 Million doesn’t include a rapid route from Leger to either West Edmonton Mall or Lewis Farms. The project demand for a route between Leger and Lewis Farms is not anticipated to warrant a mass transit connection; however, a mass transit connection between Leger and West Edmonton Mall is being considered. 

Edmonton phased out trolley buses between 2008 and 2010 for a number of reasons: including the cost of maintaining overhead lines (which ran over very busy roads) and challenges around changing or expanding trolley routes as the city grew (including addressessing construction detours).  Electric buses offer reduced noise and emissions and greater flexibility in where it can travel without running exposed, high-voltage wires over busy roadways. 

Once the City identifies how to best fit mass transit onto Edmonton’s roads, we will then examine the vehicle options for these routes. Options to be considered include traditional buses, hydrogen buses, trolleys and the new “Dual Mode.” buses that can switch between trolley and battery power.

It definitely could be a consideration. Many cities, including Edmonton, are moving away from dedicating curbside space solely for vehicle parking. Rather, we are starting to consider the curbside as flex space that can be used for many uses including patio space, bike parking, parklets, transit stops and shelters, vehicle-for-hire pick up / drop off, goods deliveries and pick-ups, and vehicle parking with accessible parking being prioritized.

Feedback about what uses we should prioritize for our mass transit corridors is really valuable for the project team. I strongly encourage you to further share your feedback through the online survey and, if possible, to participate in one of the virtual workshops. 

Mass Transit refers to a range of types of transit service that moves a lot of people and has a significant infrastructure investment to make it faster, more reliable and more efficient. We are focusing on options that use buses in dedicated lanes and with priority at intersections to get speed and reliability similar to LRT.  You can learn more about the mass transit project by clicking the “Learn More” tab on the Engaged Edmonton project page.

Shared transit & carpool lanes are one of the options we are considering. The cross sections are only meant to illustrate key points, so we had to limit the number of options we showed and had to simplify a lot of the details.