On Demand Transit service adds a new layer of service in Edmonton’s integrated transit network. The service is available to select neighbourhoods, seniors’ residences and Fort Edmonton Park.
On Demand Transit service adds a new layer of service in Edmonton’s integrated transit network. The service is available to select neighbourhoods, seniors’ residences and Fort Edmonton Park.
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You are encouraged to set up an account to take advantage of services such as vehicle tracking, push notifications and text messaging. An account will save personal search results and common trips so you can easily book again.
You can set up your account using the Edmonton On Demand Transit app, online or by phone.
If you do not want to create an account, you can book a trip through the On Demand Transit call centre; however some features will not be available.
Download the Edmonton On Demand Transit App
Bookings will be required before boarding a shuttle bus to ensure there is enough room for everyone. The real-time trip planning software will try to manage the best routing for the pre-booked riders.
There are five ways to book your ride:
- Download the Edmonton On Demand Transit app - Set up your account and book your trips. The Edmonton On Demand Transit app is available on the Google Play and Apple App stores.
- Book online - Create and sign in to your account to book your trips.
- Call Centre - An On Demand Transit representative will help you create your account and/or book your ride at 780-496-2400.
- Use On Demand Transit phones at select transit hubs to contact the On Demand Transit call centre.
- Ask an operator in a On Demand Transit shuttle bus to book your trip
Note: If you need to book a ride for the start of service, you are encouraged to use the Edmonton On Demand Transit app or book online to ensure you can reserve a seat. You do not pay a fare when you board an On Demand Transit vehicle. Instead, you pay a standard fare when you transfer between On Demand Transit and regular service at a transit hub.
If you can’t make a trip, make sure you cancel by using the app or by notifying the On Demand Transit call centre. If you must cancel a trip, please do it within at least 20 minutes prior to boarding.
Note: In fairness to other customers, your account may be suspended if you cancel late or do not show up for your bookings too many times.
View the interactive map to see where the pick up/drop off spots are located in each neighbourhood. They can also be found using the location pins in the Edmonton On Demand Transit app.
These locations also have On Demand Transit signs.
When booking your trip, a vehicle number will be provided so that you know which shuttle bus to board (the shuttle buses don’t have destination signs on the front of the vehicle). If you see multiple shuttle buses using the same stop, double check the vehicle number before boarding, as the other shuttle buses may be going to a different neighbourhood.
Neighbourhoods:
The number of On Demand Transit pick up/drop-off spots varies by the size of the neighbourhood. In most neighbourhoods, the walking distance is around 400 metres to the nearest pick up/drop off spot.
Pick Up/Drop Off Spots Near Neighbourhood Entrances
There is an additional On Demand Transit pick up/drop off spot just outside the entry to neighbourhoods with one main road entrance. This allows riders to transfer to/from regular transit in the local area or continue to the designated transit hub with more connection options. Riders who want a ride to the entrance of a neighbourhood will be able to make this request online, using the app or by phoning the call centre.
Seniors' Residences:
Pick up/drop off spots are located very close to the building.
Wait times will vary depending on the number of riders booking rides, the location of the shuttles, as well as traffic and weather conditions.
The maximum wait time between booking and pick up varies by neighbourhood. It should not exceed 30 minutes in the peak periods (rush hour) and 60 minutes in the off-peak periods.
If you book using the Edmonton On Demand Transit app, you will be able to keep track of your shuttle in real time.
Wait Time at a Designated On Demand Transit Pick Up/Drop Off Spot
The shuttle bus will wait one minute (60 seconds) for you at your requested pick up spot.
On Demand Transit Telephones
On Demand Transit telephones are available at some transit centres and LRT stations. Simply pick up the phone and you will be automatically connected to the On Demand Transit call centre when it is open.
On Demand telephones are available at:
- Belvedere Transit Centre
- Capilano Transit Centre
- Castle Downs Transit Centre
- Century Park Transit Centre
- Coliseum LRT Station
- Corona LRT Station
- Eaux Claires Transit Centre
- Heritage Valley Transit Centre
- Jasper Place Transit Centre
- Leger Transit Centre
- Lewis Farms Transit Centre
- Meadows Transit Centre
- Mill Woods Transit Centre
- South Campus/Fort Edmonton Park Transit Centre
- Westmount Transit Centre
- West Edmonton Mall Transit Centre
If you need to book a trip from an On Demand Transit hub that does not have a telephone, you can:
- Approach an On Demand Transit Operator who can book a trip for you.
- Call ahead from your departure point, or use a nearby payphone. Please ensure you give yourself enough time to get to the transit hub so you can make your connection.
On Demand Service Overview
- All On Demand Transit areas have peak and off-peak service, including weekends
- When you book a trip, you will be provided a couple of trip options, up to 60 minutes in advance to take you from a set pick up/drop off spot in your neighbourhood or a designated transit hub. The trip can be booked using a smartphone app, online or by phoning the On Demand Transit call centre
- A shuttle bus, with a professionally trained driver, will take the most direct route to the transit hub
Frequently Asked Questions
- Set up your Edmonton On Demand Transit account through the Edmonton On Demand Transit app, online or call 780-496-2400.
- Be on time for your scheduled pick up. In fairness to other passengers, the bus will wait for 1 minute if you are not there.
- When booking, identify if you need space for a wheelchair, walker, child stroller or will require a child safety seat. You must bring your own infant carrier if the child weighs less than 20 pounds/9 kilograms.
- If you can’t make a trip, make sure you cancel at least 20 minutes prior to boarding versus keeping the trip and not showing up.
- Make sure you double check the vehicle number before boarding so you get on the correct shuttle bus.
- Sit back and enjoy the ride with your fellow passengers.
Shelters are not planned for On Demand Transit pick up/drop off locations for two reasons:
- Existing bus shelters are being moved to high-use bus stops
- If you use the On Demand Transit app, you can track the shuttle’s location so you won’t have to wait long at the pick up/drop off spot
- Your safety is a top priority for Edmonton Transit and its partners. All contracted staff are required to meet safety and customer service requirements set by Edmonton Transit. This is similar to the way in which Edmonton Transit closely monitors the conduct and training of all contracted DATS services.
- All On Demand Transit vehicles are equipped with surveillance cameras.
- If you have a safety concern, notify the operator, who will contact their on-road supervisor to dispatch appropriate security staff or Edmonton Police Service.
- Similar to regular bus service, you can phone or text Transit Watch at 780-442-4900 to connect with Edmonton Transit staff.
- Similar to regular bus service, after 6pm you can request the vehicle stop anywhere along a main road within the neighbourhood. The operator will look for a suitable location but cannot go directly to your doorstep.
The contractor will be held accountable to the same service quality, safety and productivity metrics as our regular bus, LRT and DATS services.
Contact Us
On Demand Transit Call Centre
Phone 780-496-2400 | TTY 780-944-5505