Riding the LRT
Signs throughout the LRT system alert passengers to Proof of Payment Areas.
You must be in possession of a valid fare product within a proof of payment area. Valid forms of payment include:
- An Arc card or an Arc ticket.
- Arc cards can be purchased online, at Arc vending machines, the Arc call centre (1-888-302-0001), or in-person at a participating retail outlet or service centre.
- Arc tickets can be purchased at all Arc vending machines or at in-person service centres.
- A full list of retail stores that sell Arc can be found online.
- ETS paper tickets and Family/Day passes with an expiration date of December 31, 2023
- These items are valid fare until December 31, 2025
- Valid ETS paper transfers
Random checks for proof of payment will be made, so be sure to have yours handy. There's a $150 fine for fare evasion.
To validate your Arc card/ticket or ETS paper ticket:
- Tap the Arc card/ticket on the Arc validator before entering the proof of payment areas
- Paper tickets must be validated (insert the arrow end of the ticket first) at one of the bright orange ticket validators found near the entrance to the proof of payment areas.
For your safety, please wait for the LRT by standing behind the safety strip, at least two metres from the edge of the platform. Listen for train announcements, including the destination and track number. When your train approaches, wait until it has come to a full stop before you step to the edge of the platform. You can open the train doors by pushing a lit button found beside the door. Allow other passengers to exit the train before you board.
- LRT trains can not depart from a station if any of the doors are open.
- You will hear a warning sound as the doors are about to close and the train is about to depart.
- All of the doors on the LRT have sensors that detect when someone or something is blocking the door. These sensors hold the door open when there is a blockage. If the door is jammed while closing, the doors will reopen and then try to close again automatically.
- The LRT operator controls when the doors can be opened by the passenger push button, but the closing of the doors is controlled automatically. Once the door sensors are clear, the doors will close 4 seconds later.
- All LRT cars have an accessible door. This door is located in one of the centre positions on the LRT car and has a blue stripe along the top and a wheelchair symbol on the door.
- Each accessible door has a ramp that lowers automatically when the accessible button is pressed to minimize the gap between the platform and the LRT car. This ramp has sensors to ensure it stops at the proper level.
- LRT doors have red emergency handles or red push buttons above each door. Should something get stuck in the doors the emergency handle or button can be used to contact the operator.
- All LRT cars have a yellow emergency strip above the windows. When pressed, it puts passengers in the car in direct contact with the operator. There is also a red emergency button near the accessible doors for those who cannot reach the yellow strip.
- Do not hold the LRT train doors open except in case of emergency. Holding a door open on the LRT train may make a train run behind schedule. The next train can be delayed as well. Be considerate of your fellow passengers and don't block the doors.
Find a seat, or, if the train is crowded, hold on to one of the poles. LRT vehicles accelerate rapidly and quietly, and can knock you off balance. If you're standing in front of the doors, stay back as they open. You'll hear a bell just before the train starts moving. This bell also warns passengers on the platform to stand clear of the edge.
Portable listening devices (cell phones and tablets) are allowed on the LRT at the operator’s discretion. If your music disturbs others, you may be asked to turn it down or off.
An LRT station map above each train door will tell you which station you are approaching. A recording will announce each station as the LRT approaches. As with boarding, you must open the train doors by pressing an adjacent lit button. As you exit, look for signs above the platform for direction. Remember to hold on to your LRT proof of payment if you're planning to use the bus, as it can be used to transfer to a bus.
Our Transit Watch program is one way riders can report safety concerns, like harassment, disorder or suspicious behaviour, directly to ETS staff in our Control Centre.
Call or text Transit Watch at 780-442-4900, anytime.
For emergencies, immediately call 9-1-1.
Blue emergency help phones are in all LRT stations and allow riders to connect with our Control Centre directly if support is needed.
Transit Peace Officers patrol the stations and travel the system, and are there for your protection and security. Please feel free to ask for help if you encounter a problem.
To learn more about our safety procedures please visit Safety and Security.
