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Bus Network Redesign - First Kilometre / Last Kilometre Study

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ETS is looking at options for some neighbourhoods that will have longer walking distances or limited service as a result of the proposed bus network.

The Challenge

Designing a transit system that meets the needs of more Edmontonians requires balancing different priorities and making tradeoffs. For example, based on extensive public feedback, the proposed new bus network will provide more frequent service and routes will be more direct. In exchange, many people said they would be willing to walk a bit further to the nearest bus stop.

A 10 minute stroll is fine for most transit users, but it can be troublesome for people who have mobility challenges, are carrying heavy loads or are trudging through knee-deep snow at -30C degrees.

The challenge is finding suitable first km/last km options to help people complete their journey in areas that have few transit users or are located further from the main bus routes.

Many options will be explored in a first km/last km study, which will be presented to City Council in November. More information about these options will be available after this report is made public.

First km / Last km Study

Edmonton is just one of many cities that is looking for solutions to the first km/last km portion of a user’s transit trip. The first km/last km report looks at how other communities manage this challenge, identifies feasible options for Edmonton and provides ballpark costs. Pending direction from City Council, we could conduct some pilot studies in 2020.

City Council asked us to look at the following options and more.

  • An updated community bus strategy (for local routes)
  • On demand style of service
  • Review car sharing
  • Vehicles for hire
  • Partnerships with vehicle manufacturers to develop a fleet of connected automated vehicles and buses
  • Partnerships with Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council, as well as seniors not-for-profit and for-profit transportation companies
  • Transfer some reduced conventional local bus service hours to enhance DATS paratransit service

Solutions Implemented by Other Municipalities

We are preparing for new technology and looking at new mobility options to include in our plans for the future of transit in Edmonton. We are also looking at best practices in other cities including Calgary, Minneapolis, Houston, Los Angeles and Seattle. Our initial research shows there are some innovative approaches being used by other transit agencies.

Edmonton has no agreements with any private companies, such as Uber, to supplement our regular transit service. Any first km/last km options would have to meet the needs of Edmonton neighbourhoods, be easy to implement, affordable and would require approval by City Council after consultation with key stakeholder groups.

Solutions Implemented by Other Municipalities

We are preparing for new technology and looking at new mobility options to include in our plans for the future of transit in Edmonton. We are also looking at best practices in other cities including Calgary, Minneapolis, Houston, Los Angeles and Seattle. Our initial research shows there are some innovative approaches being used by other transit agencies.

Edmonton has no agreements with any private companies, such as Uber, to supplement our regular transit service. Any first km/last km options would have to meet the needs of Edmonton neighbourhoods, be easy to implement, affordable and would require approval by City Council after consultation with key stakeholder groups.

For More Information

Bus Network Redesign Project

Telephone

In Edmonton: 311
Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311
TTY 780-944-5555
Email newbusroutes@edmonton.ca

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