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Regional Transit

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Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Edmonton Regional transit taking baby steps forward
Buses coming in from St. Albert, Sherwood Park or Leduc could soon be managed by one group, as the region begins exploring a more connected transit system.

A recommendation going to city councillors on Wednesday is set to look at whether the city should work with St. Albert and other regional municipalities on a co-ordinated bus service for routes running between cities.

Local routes would still remain firmly in their own jurisdiction's control

The city’s transit manager, Eddie Robar, said if council approves the idea it won’t mean a change overnight.

“This is the toe in the water,” he said.

He said with other municipalities starting to add transit service it might make sense to look at ways for them to work together.

“Looking into the future its either we have eight or nine different transit system running independently or we look at ways to collaborate,” he said.

Full Story (Metro Edmonton)
 
Edmonton St. Albert Regional transit system moving forward
A regional transit service could ferry St. Albertan commuters into Edmonton in just three years time.

City council approved working out the regional transit deal with St. Albert Tuesday, after the two municipalities studied the idea.

The proposal is to build a regional commission that provides a commuter service with a shared fare structure. If it is created by the two municipalities it could be expanded in future to include other cities in the region, officials said.

Eddie Robar, Edmonton’s transit manager, said Edmonton could gain from the deal— from saving money on bus purchases to better schedules.

“When I look at infrastructure possibilities and the possibility to run services, there is an opportunity on our end to benefit,” he said.

Full Story (Metro Edmonton)
 
Universal transit pass expands to Fort Saskatchewan, Leduc and Spruce Grove
Hundreds of students who live in Fort Saskatchewan, Leduc or Spruce Grove, but attend post-secondary schools in Edmonton, will no longer be dinged twice when commuting by transit.

Starting Jan. 1, the three municipalities will be included in the universal transit pass (U-Pass) program.

“There are many students at the participating institutions — MacEwan, NAIT, NorQuest College and the U of A — who need to travel by bus from another city or county in order to go to school,” Robyn Paches, vice-president of operations and finance for the University of Alberta Students’ Union, told a news conference Thursday.

Full Story (Edmonton Journal)
 
Jul 05, 2017 Media inquiries

Canada and Alberta invest in public transit
The governments of Canada and Alberta are making investments to create jobs and grow the middle class, while building a foundation for a strong, sustainable economic future.


New Leduc Transit buses will carry commuters locally and across Edmonton.

Investing in public infrastructure supports efficient, affordable and sustainable transit services that help Canadians and their families get to work, school and essential services on time and back home safely at the end of the day.

Amarjeet Sohi, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Brian Mason, Alberta Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Transportation, and Greg Krischke, mayor of the City of Leduc, announced more than $733,000 for six new projects.

Support for the projects in four Alberta communities is through the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF), the provincial Green Transit Incentives Program(GreenTRIP) and municipal funding. The federal government is providing more than $315,000, while the province is investing more than $317,000. Local municipalities will be responsible for the remaining costs.

“The Government of Canada is working closely with the Government of Alberta and its municipalities to invest in transit initiatives that will strengthen communities across the province by growing the middle class, fostering long-term prosperity and getting Canadians to their daily activities on time and back home at the end of the day. The projects announced today will provide Alberta residents with affordable and efficient public transit infrastructure now and into the future.”

Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
This investment is part of an agreement between Canada and Alberta for PTIF. The projects announced today are in addition to the 49 PTIF projects announced for Alberta on Sept. 1, 2016 and the 52 PTIF projects announced on Dec. 3, 2016. In all, more than $930 million has been announced for Alberta transit projects.

“Our government continues to show leadership by creating jobs through significant investment in infrastructure and supporting reliable, accessible and improved transit service across the province. This announcement shows that we are committed to making life better by ensuring Albertans in our cities, towns and counties have reliable access to affordable and environmentally sustainable public transportation options.”

Brian Mason, Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Transportation
Funding will help the City of Leduc replace a specialized transit bus and upgrade bus stops with garbage/recycling units and concrete shelters. This will increase the comfort and safety of transit riders while they wait for their bus. Additional projects will rehabilitate high-capacity articulated buses in Airdrie, design and implement a transit plan for Lake Louise–Banff, and purchase a bus for local service in Spruce Grove.

“None of us can do it alone. Transit is important in communities like ours and when all three levels of government work together it is amazing what we can accomplish. We're very pleased to be included in this major Transit funding announcement. The dollars we receive today will enhance our connectivity in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region.”

Greg Krischke, mayor of the City of Leduc

Quick facts
  • The Government of Canada will provide more than $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years for public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, transportation that supports trade and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
  • Canada’s Budget 2017 committed $25.3 billion to support public transit. This amount includes $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
  • The Government of Alberta has committed $1.3 billion over the four years of Budget 2017 for urban, rural and regional transit to connect communities and help Albertans access affordable transportation options.
  • Alberta’s transit investment aligns with the province’s Climate Leadership Plan, as transit helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing affordable alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles.
  • Transit funding helps to improve the quality of life for Albertans by supporting safe, affordable, accessible and environmentally sustainable transportation options.
  • Transit projects improve public access to essential services, education and jobs, making lives better for Albertans.

Media inquiries

https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=47221BF135235-B733-8969-E0578FC703800A53
 
Regional players should contribute to better airport bus: Mayor Don Iveson
The ticket system on Edmonton’s airport bus is so antiquated international tourists are stuck trying to get change from fellow passengers just to get into the city, say critics.

It runs as little as once an hour, and the first departure is too late for early flights, said Izak Roux, head of the Edmonton Transit System’s advisory board, pleading for at least basic upgrades at council’s urban planning committee Wednesday.

But city council members said they need to see who else is willing to subsidize it.

The airport isn’t even Edmonton’s jurisdiction, said Mayor Don Iveson. It’s in the region, and regional players should invest in what brings benefit to everyone, he said: “Shared investment for shared benefit.”

The issue is going to council next Tuesday.

A push for electronic payment
“Transit is a crucial link and … tourism is growing,” said Roux.

International visitors don’t have a Canadian $5 bill in their pocket, he said. “Why would you? You’re used to being able to pay by smartphone.”

Edmonton’s Route 747 has been running between the Century Park transit station and the Edmonton International Airport since 2012. It runs every 30 minutes during peak times, but costs an additional $5, to be paid in cash or with two transit tickets.

Even vendors at a farmers’ market have electronic payment systems, and the bus already has wifi, added advisory board member Sean Lee.

The board also criticized Edmonton’s way of naming stations and lines that is confusing for outsiders, and urged transit to adopt the tourist-friendly transit passes common in other cities — day or weekend passes sold in transit centres, or bundled with hotel stays and attraction passes.

Transit branch manager Eddie Robar said staff will be looking at those issues as part of the larger transit strategy, a re-organization of routes set to roll out in 2020.

http://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/critics-say-edmonton-transit-is-failing-the-tourist-crowd
 
Edmonton and St. Albert agree to next steps in creating metro transit commission
The cities of Edmonton and St. Albert are one step closer to creating a joint transit system.

For the past year, a task force made up of representatives from both cities has been working on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to create a Regional Transit Services Commission (RTSC).

That MOU will be presented to the two city councils next week. Both councils will need to approve Phase 1 of the RTSC memo for it to proceed further.
The MOU includes goals and objectives, operating principles, a governance model for making decisions and a weighted voting structure that reflects the balance of interests and ridership, as well as a revenue model.

“The MOU focuses on regional commuter transit between the two communities,” the report said.

It will deal with local transit services within each community not operated by the new RTSC. Other transit services like the Disabled Adult Transit Service (DATS) and LRT are not part of the new RTSC.

“Each community will assess benefits of regional approach before considering integrating any other transit services,” the report said.

St. Albert City Council will vote on Monday. Edmonton City Council will vote on Tuesday at its final regular council meeting before breaking for the election.

http://globalnews.ca/news/3725455/e...t-steps-in-creating-metro-transit-commission/

New regional bus system one step closer to hitting the road
st-albert-bus.jpeg

St. Albert recently introduced long-distance electric buses. The city now wants to partner with Edmonton on some bus routes. (City of St. Albert)

Edmonton and St. Albert are en route to consolidating some transit services.

After years of wrangling about co-operation between municipalities in the capital region, the two cities are poised to join their commuter bus services.

But the announcement on Thursday was only one step in a process that has already taken years, and will not see buses hit the road until at least 2019.

"It's a huge step forward for residents of St. Albert and Edmonton who have buses running next to each other today that — if we could find a way to weave those services together — for the same dollars, we could get better service," said Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson.

"By aligning our bus assets and service hours, [it] could mean more rapid trips for residents in both communities and more cost-effective and efficient operations overall."

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/st-alberta-edmonton-bus-route-1.4280034
 
Edmonton and St. Albert agree to a new Regional Transit model
September 12, 2017

Regional transit customers in Edmonton and St. Albert will ultimately benefit from faster and more convenient service between the two communities, as a result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed this week to establish a Regional Transit Services Commission.

The MOU spells out how the two communities would voluntarily collaborate to operate inter-municipal routes, leaving local service with existing operators. The objective of the Regional Transit Services Commission is to create fast, convenient, simple, reliable, efficient and affordable transit services that can be integrated with other modes of transportation.

“A significant barrier to restructuring and improving transit has been the patchwork of multiple transit networks operated by separate municipalities in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region,” said St. Albert Mayor Crouse. “A Regional Transit Services Commission will improve how we plan inter-municipal transit, design fare strategies and build infrastructure.”

“Taking a coordinated approach to commuter transit service is a great example of how local municipalities can work together to increase efficiencies and make better use of our available resources to benefit everyone in the region,” said City of Edmonton Mayor Iveson. “With improved transit services, we also have the opportunity to reduce traffic congestion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

The decision to endorse the MOU means St. Albert and Edmonton will now move forward to the next phase of the planning process. The communities will create an interim transition board to determine the scope and service delivery approach; administrative needs; as well as funding and governance model.

A formal application to create the commission under provincial legislation will also be submitted to the Alberta government. While the MOU currently only includes the two municipalities, other municipalities interested in sharing commuter transit services in the region are encouraged to join the initiative.

For more information:
City of Edmonton website

Media contact:
Tarra Kongsrude
City of Edmonton, Communications Advisor
780-496-6159

Mayor Nolan Crouse
City of St. Albert
780-459-1605
 
City staff suggest higher fare and shorter hours for Edmonton airport shuttle

story-317177-400481-image-rendered.jpg.size.xxlarge.letterbox.jpg

KEVIN TUONG / METRO WEB UPLOAD
Edmonton International Airport.


In an effort to keep the Route 747 running to the airport, city administration is asking councillors for more money—or to consider increasing prices and cutting service hours.

The city's five-year agreement with the Edmonton Regional Airports Authority expired back in April and wasn't renewed. The Authority had paid of total of $500,000 to keep the shuttle running, funds which now need to be found elsewhere, according to a report going to the Community and Public Service Committee on Monday.

They shuttle currently runs between Century Park transit station and the airport every hour, and every half hour during peak times. A ride costs $5, or two bus tickets.

http://www.metronews.ca/news/edmont...orter-hours-for-edmonton-airport-shuttle.html

Mayor Don Iveson hoping for Leduc-Edmonton airport transit deal by spring
The Edmonton region could see renewed bus service to the Edmonton International Airport by spring if Mayor Don Iveson has his way.

The new plan would also achieve the region’s first integrated transit system, potentially pulling together basic service for the entire south side in order to connect shoppers and employees with the new airport mall, which is scheduled to open in May.

“In principle, we all agree,” said Iveson in an interview Saturday. He’s been meeting with all municipalities in the region. The project would include Edmonton, the City of Leduc, Leduc County and perhaps Beaumont.

It could rejuvenate Edmonton’s threatened airport bus service and provide access to the new outlet mall beside the airport, which will become a major employment node in the region. The mall will cover nearly 40,000 square metres (428,000 square feet), feature more than 100 stores and is expected to create about 1,000 part-time and full-time jobs.

Edmonton officials were looking to increase fares and cut back service on Edmonton Transit’s Route 747 between the Century Park LRT station and the airport to make up costs after the airport authority ended its subsidy.

But travellers already struggle to make the bus work for early and late flights. It only runs every 30 minutes during peak times and once per hour at other times. It costs $5 per person, only payable in cash, plus regular transit fare for connections.

http://edmontonjournal.com/news/loc...leduc-edmonton-airport-transit-deal-by-spring
 
Edmonton Metropolitan Region united by transit model
October 11, 2018

Residents and businesses in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region are a step closer to a more convenient and integrated transit service between all 13 communities and counties as a result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed today to establish a Regional Transit Services Commission.

The MOU outlines how the Edmonton Metropolitan Region partners will voluntarily work together to set up and operate inter-municipal routes, leaving local service with existing transit agencies. The Regional Transit Service Commission will provide more integrated and reliable movement between nearby communities than the current mix of transit services.

“This win/win approach to regional commuter transit service is a great example of how the municipalities are working together to make best use of resources to benefit our citizens, businesses and the environment,” said City of Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson.

The Government of Alberta has provided $3.7 million to support behind-the-scenes work to set up the commission. The goal is to have the new commission begin inter-municipal operation after 2020. The Edmonton Metropolitan Region will join the ranks of major Canadian urban centres that have efficient regional transit services, including Vancouver, Victoria, Montréal, Toronto and Ottawa.

For more information:
Regional Transit Services Commission

Media contact:
Tarra Kongsrude
Communications Advisor
780-495-9903
 
I would like to see a similar video for Edmonton Transit, @Reecemartin. I like your Calgary descriptions of hypothetical extension alternatives and I have one suggestion for Edmonton. First, I am basing my concept on the notion that not all forms of transit have to serve expediency in terms of shortest times from point A to point B; there is some room, I believe, for enjoying the ride and sightseeing as well as commuting. I am working to get support for the attached route -- an upgraded and extended line matrix for the ERRS (Edmonton Radial Railway Society), using refurbished historical stock. I am proposing eliminating the overhead power lines in favour of LSM (Linear Synchronous Motor) propulsion centered between the dual rails on the roadbed. LSM is far more efficient than conventional electric motor propulsion, "juicing" one linear segment at a time instead of the whole wire line. LSM systems are far safer as well in that two-way traffic can be accommodated on a single line without any chance of collision (propulsion is linear in direction, one way at a time per segment).
Screenshot 2018-10-28 12.14.24.png

The Red Line indicates the existing ERRS line, connecting Old Strathcona in the south to Grandin in the North. I would look at a couple of improvements to this line for efficiency sake (beyond converting propulsion to LSM). 1. I would prepare for a grade separation bridge on an extension that would cross Jasper Avenue on the north end of the line. 2. I would elevate the tracks on the south end of the line in preparation for bridging Whyte Avenue as well as passing over 105th Street, 104th Street and Gateway Boulevard. 3. I would upgrade and add station points a) at the midpoint between 106 and 107 street (adjacent to the southern terminus to Fort Hill Road, b) at the tunnel entry west of 109th street in the Garneau District, c) at the current location of a stopping point between 97 and 98 Aves., and d) at a similar stopping point north of 100th Ave. I would like to see the overpass bridges built in Trestle form, using concrete pile footings attached to steel base plates with timber superstructure, reminiscent of early railroad days. The stations, too, could emulate the style of railroad architecture familiar in Edmonton by way of the Strathcona Station. They could be weather-protected with micro retail/hospitality components inside for customer convenience.

The first extension to the existing line -- the Green Line -- would include the building of the trestle across Whyte Avenue and along the one-time CPR right-of-way to 7oth Ave., skirting the CPR lands on the eastward side. The elevated rail would gently come back to grade and head eastward along 79th Avenue, then returning southward along 100th Street. Turning eastward at 70th Avenue for a distance of one block before bending south along 99th Street, the tracks would cross 99th street at grade and head eastward along the abandoned CPR spur-line (now a linear park) just north of 68th Avenue. As the line nears the Argyle Velodrome it would tack northward along the original Edmonton Railway right-of-way through Mill Creek Ravine, meandering with the Creek all the way to the proposed terminus at the Muttart Conservatory connecting to the new LRT station there. Stations could be located at a) Whyte Avenue (a two-storey structure accessing the elevated track), b) 79th Ave and 100th Street (excellent access point to whatever development finds its way onto the CPR lands while also subtending new developments along Whyte Avenue East), c) 70th Avenue and 100th Street (another access point to CPR future development), d) 68th Avenue and 99th Street (gateway to the linear park), e) the velodrome, f) 76th Ave. and 91st Street, g) 84th Ave. and 95a Street (Mill Creek Ravine Park), and h) Muttart LRT Station. Several things would be accomplished with this line: 1. it would provide a commuting conveyance for the CPR land redevelopment, 2. it would anchor Old Strathcona as a Tourism Destination Point, 3. it would encircle the Ritchie Neighbourhood, 4. it would provide access to the Velodrome , the BMX Association and adjacent ball parks, 5. it would provide an historic and scenic ride through the Mill Creek Ravine, and 6. it would provide a tourist-friendly access to the Muttart Conservatory.

The next line extension -- the Blue Line -- would cross Jasper Avenue via a new trestle bridge and, heading northward, tunnel under the west end of Grant MacEwan University to 105th Ave. where it would tack westward along 105th Avenue to 119th Street, bending southward for several metres to engage the Brewery District. Continuing westward from there, it would terminate at 124th Street. Stations would be located at a) 102nd Ave. and (110th Street), b) Grant MacEwan University, c) 113th Street and 105th Ave., d) 116th Street and 105th Ave., e) the Brewery District, and f) 124th Street and 105th Ave. Highlights of this route would include: 1. Adjacency to the Provincial Government Precinct, 2. engagement with Edmonton's main thoroughfare -- Jasper Avenue, 3. the "Railtown" build-out, 4. Grant MacEwan University, 5. North Edge build-out, 6. the Brewery District, and the 124th Street Art and Retail Precinct.

The Light Blue or Aqua extension would branch off of the Blue Line at 105th Avenue and 110th Street and would head east along 105th Avenue tunneling under 109th street and resurfacing at 108th street for two blocks to 106th street where the line would bend northward for one block to 106th Avenue. From this point it would tack eastward criss-crossing the LRT tracks continuing to 100th street, where it would head south between the CN Tower and the new Royal Alberta Museum, east of City Hall all the way to Jasper Avenue. Heading east along the North side of Jasper Avenue the line would loop through the Quarters Precinct along 96th Street north to 104a Avenue, then bending westward to reconnect with the completed loop at 105th Avenue and 100th Street. Stations would be located at a) 105th Avenue and 106th Street (Grant MacEwan East), b) 106th Ave. and 105th Street (combined with an LRT station), c) 106th Ave. and 101 Street (adjacent to Ice District Phase 2), d) 105th Ave. and 100th Street (EPCOR Tower adjacent), e) City Hall, the Courts, and RAM, f) Churchill LRT Station, g) Jasper Avenue and 99th Street, h) 101a Avenue and 96th Street, i) 103a Ave. and 96th Street, and j) the LIVING Bridge. Features of this line include: 1. Grant MacEwan (twice), 2. proximity to Rogers Place, 3. proximity to the Ice District Phase II, 4. access to Qualico's future developments, 5. proximity to the Royal Alberta Museum, City Hall, the Law Courts, the Art Gallery of Alberta, Churchill Square, the Winspear Centre, the new Edmonton Public Library main branch, and the Citadel Theatre, 6. Proximity to three (and soon to be four) major hotels, 7. adjacency to the Federal Building, 8. a romp through the Quarters District, and access to the LIVING Bridge.

The final construct -- the Yellow Line -- would connect Bonnie Doon Town Centre with University of Alberta, bisecting Old Strathcona. I envision stations at a) Bonnie Doon, b) Whyte Avenue at Mill Creek Ravine, c) Whyte Avenue at 99th Street, d) Whyte Avenue at Gateway Boulevard, e) Whyte Avenue at 104th Street, f) Whyte Avenue at 105th Street, g) Whyte Avenue at 106th Street, h) Whyte Avenue at 108th Street, i) 108th Street at 104th Avenue, j) 86th Ave. at 109th Street,
k) 87th Ave. at 109th Street, l) 87th Avenue, mid-block between 111th Street and 112th Street, m) 84th Ave. at 112thStreet, n) 82 ave. at 112th Street, and o) 82nd Avenue at 109th Street. Highlights of this route are manifold: 1. Bonnie Doon Town Centre, 2. Mill Creek Ravine Crossover, 3. numerous access points -- 5 stations in all -- to Old Strathcona, 4. stations in the Garneau and University of Alberta Precincts, 5. access to the Timms Centre for the Arts, access to the University Hospital Precinct, and 6. nodal connection at the major intersection of 82nd Avenue and 109th Street.

This historic Street Car Matrix, rivaling San Francisco's fabled cable cars in tourism oomph, would give a cohesive raison d'etre to many of Edmonton's best assets, tying communities together, promoting a pedestrian-oriented world and slowing things down just enough to add introspection and pride to the street scene.
 

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@archited This is a very interesting concept you have come up with. I would especially love to see the street car go down Mill Creek Ravine, as it would be very scenic and beautiful!:)

I just don't know if the city would choose to be more motivated about the streetcar system, but I also see the possible large amount of revenue from an expansion. Also it appears that the city is tight on money this budget around (probably because half of it is going to neighborhood renewal, which isn't a bad thing, but still) but maybe if we could somehow get more publicity about this and get people's imaginations going, and expansion could be placed in the next budget, and I would think that this would hook up very well with the high level bridge redevelopment (and honestly I would REALLY rather have this on Whyte Ave as opposed to LRT).

By the way, it's cool to be promoted to active member now, I guess.;)
 
@Platinum107 I am contacting all potential interested parties -- Strathcona Business Association, Old Strathcona Foundation, Morguard Properties (Bonnie Doon), City Planning, Alberta Government, University of Alberta, MacEwan University, Canadian Pacific, Edmonton Parks & Recreation, Edmonton Historical Society, Edmonton Radial Railway Society, Ice District, Brewery District, Royal Alberta Museum, Art Gallery of Alberta, Winspear Centre, Citadel Theatre, Edmonton Central Library, Alldritt Land, Hyatt Place, All Landowners and Businesses along the proposed route, and, in the effort to suss out all interested parties, any businesses/organizations that surface in the effort. I believe that this potential project could be entirely funded by Government Grants and Donations from interested businesses and institutions. Convincing the City that this is a worthwhile project could be a challenge. We'll see.
 
@Reecemartin -- LSMs are commonly used in modern rollercoasters throughout North America as a means of propulsion up that first big hill (common in Disney Parks). Several companies, including SyncPark use them in automated garages. I have done several designs using them in rail applications -- primarily in India (one application in Afghanistan). They are far more efficient from a power consumption perspective than overhead power lines. It would be a relatively easy matter to lay a centre-positioned LSM line between existing tracks for the ERRS and then have a driver magnet placed under the carriage of any tram car (historic or not). It is not the prime concern that the power train would be more efficient than LRT -- it is the historical nature of the ride that would be popular and appealing across a broad spectrum of society. It would make for a great inner-City conveyance -- not for speed to the suburbs (leave that for LRT). The two systems would not be intended to compete, one with the other.
 

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