2025 brought expanded ETS service hours and new convenient fare payment options |
March 30, 2026
In 2025, Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) improved transit reliability and convenience by adding 50,000 annual service hours across the city and introducing easier fare payment options, as outlined in the ETS Annual Service Plan published last week.
These additional service hours increased frequency to the Edmonton International Airport through Route 747 and improved reliability on select routes. Twenty new buses were also added to the fleet to support the expanded service.
In December 2025, ETS introduced Arc tap to pay, giving transit riders across the Edmonton region the option to pay their fare with a physical or digital credit or debit card. These improvements helped more riders choose transit in 2025, with 61.8 million trips completed. Ridership was 12 per cent higher than 2019 pre-pandemic levels and, despite school closures in October, 0.3 per cent higher than in 2024.
“We’re really excited we were able to add service to help make transit more reliable for riders last year, and we’re looking forward to improving efficiency in 2026,” said Carrie Hotton-MacDonald, Branch Manager, ETS. “We take a data-driven approach to putting resources where they are needed most. This year, we’ll continue to use our service standards to review and reallocate service hours to where they can have the greatest impact for riders.”
This will include frequency changes and service reductions on routes with declining ridership, as well as the cancellation of a bus route that has not met minimum service standards for at least one year. ETS will also review school specials, which may result in additional service reductions in fall 2026 for trips that fall below service standards. Any adjustments will help support service enhancements on higher-performing routes.
Additional plans to improve transit service delivery in 2026 include:
- Increasing the number of Transit Peace Officers (TPOs) in transit spaces to proactively monitor safety and security, help prevent incidents and improve response times. Fifteen new TPOs were added in January 2026, with an additional 15 TPOs expected by summer, bringing the total number to 126.
- Beginning to plan and design an integrated ETS control centre that will bring together bus and LRT control teams. The centre will improve coordination and response to incidents across the transit network as ETS prepares for the Valley Line West and Capital Line South LRT expansions.
- Beginning to plan and design the Windermere North Transit Centre. This mobility hub will provide a critical connection between the Terwillegar Drive express bus service, local routes and On-Demand Transit.
- Activating transit spaces as part of the Downtown Action Plan. These events are designed to enhance the sense of belonging, safety and vibrancy within transit spaces.
- Bringing cellular service to Edmonton's LRT tunnels and underground stations.
Continuing construction of the Valley Line West LRT, with anticipated completion in 2028-29. This 14-kilometre extension will add 16 new stops, running from downtown to Lewis Farms.
- Increasing DATS service to meet growing rider demand. A Council-approved service package will support the 98 per cent target for the DATS accommodation rate, helping ensure riders continue to access convenient and reliable service.
- Reviewing the Owl late-night bus service by collecting ridership data and engaging with the public to inform service decisions for the 2027 Annual Service Plan.
ETS continues to work in alignment with the City Plan toward a future in which 50 per cent of trips are made by transit and active transportation, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions. |
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