Bus Network Redesign

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Edmonton’s bus routes will be changing. The new network focuses on connecting people to places and to each other.

The Bus Network Redesign is the first major action coming out of the Transit Strategy. The proposed new bus network, built with input from thousands of Edmontonians, reflects residents' priorities by delivering a bus service that meets the needs of more people.

Planning the New Bus Network

Phase 1

Spring-Summer 2018

Develop the Bus Network

In phase 1, our transit planners created the draft bus network based on the principles in the Transit Strategy.

We gathered feedback from many Edmontonians in April through June. Our transit planners will use this feedback to further refine the bus network over the summer. There will be a second round of engagement in the fall.

After the basic bus network is finalized with help from citizens, we will add in community buses, school specials, late night OWL service and options for some neighbourhoods that will have longer walking distances.

View the first draft route types and maps of the Bus Network Redesign. These will be further refined based on public feedback received in spring 2018.

Phase 2

Summer/Fall 2018

Refine the Bus Network

Over the summer of 2018, we will use the information shared by Edmontonians in the first round of engagement to refine the new bus network.

In the fall, we will check back with Edmontonians to share how we incorporated their feedback into the final bus network, and to gather final feedback.

Phase 3

2019

Prepare the Bus Network

In 2019, we will begin preparations to launch the new bus network. Work will include developing educational materials, creating new bus maps and making new bus stop signs among other things.

Phase 4

2020

Roll Out the Bus Network

We anticipate that the new bus network will be implemented In 2020. We will have educational materials and street teams available to help people navigate and understand the new bus system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions the City has received about the proposed new bus routes and the bus network redesign project. If your question isn’t answered, please contact 311.

Are the new bus routes final?

No. These are proposed main bus routes and we are looking to citizens to provide feedback to help us refine them. Once the main routes are finalized, we will start planning for community bus routes, school special buses and late night OWL service. Then we will take the entire proposed new bus network to City Council for approval.

When will the proposed bus routes change?

The new bus network is scheduled to roll out in June 2020. Once public engagement is finished, the proposed network will be finalized and presented to City Council for approval in early 2019. Then we will start getting the bus schedules and public information ready for the launch.

I currently have direct bus service to work, school or shopping. Why do I need to transfer with the proposed new routes?

The proposed new bus network is designed to move residents across the city more efficiently, but some people may need to transfer. Buses will come more often or travel more directly to destinations, depending on where you live in the city. The current network requires fewer transfers because there are many overlapping routes. However, these routes often travel along curvy streets, which makes service slow and confusing for new riders.

How will the proposed new bus system be different from the current one?

Almost every bus route is brand new and we are developing different route types. Most routes will be straighter with less overlap. Residents in inner area neighbourhoods can expect to see an increase in service throughout the day, while those in outer area neighbourhoods will see an increase in service during peak times for commuters. The proposed new system increases how often buses come, but there will be about half as many routes and people may need to walk up to 10 minutes to get to a bus stop. We continue to explore options for citizens with mobility challenges so they can access transit.

Will I get or lose service in my neighbourhood?

This bus network project is focused on improving the efficiency in current service areas, within the existing budget. Therefore, communities that do not have transit service today will not receive service as part of the proposed network changes. The proposed network also recommends removing regular service from a few communities due to a number of factors, including the low number of transit users. We will explore alternatives as part of separate study on First/ Last Kilometre options for Edmonton, which is being presented to Council in Fall 2018.

Walking up to 10 minutes to get to my bus stop is too far. What are my options?

After the basic bus network is finalized, then we will add in community buses, school specials, late night service, and options for some neighbourhoods that will havel longer walking distances.

We are currently studying how other cities serve residents in communities where demand for regular transit service is low. In fall 2018, we will present options and costs to City Council for consideration. There is no single solution for the whole city. So if there is a solution that would work for your community, please let us know, by calling 311 or emailing newbusroutes@edmonton.ca.

Background

In 2015, we started talking to Edmontonians about what they wanted in a transit system. A new approach was needed, based on a community conversation about the role of transit in our city. These conversations resulted in the development of the Transit Strategy.

We heard from over 20,000 Edmontonians. We spoke with all sorts of people - motorists and transit riders, young children and seniors, suburbanites and urban dwellers, indigenous Edmontonians, people with disabilities, and many others.

What we heard from Edmontonians directly informed the development of the Transit Strategy and now the Bus Network Redesign. The elements of the Strategy - Values, Pillars, Guiding Principles, and Actions - guide how we deliver transit service and how we invest in transit over the next 10 years.

Council Decisions

July 11, 2017

Approved beginning work for the Bus Network Redesign project
Approved the Transit Strategy that reflects the priorities of Edmontonians and will modernize Edmonton’s transit system over the coming years

Project Updates

Stay informed on the latest project information.

For More Information