Edmonton transit riders can expect some upcoming route changes on their commute later this month. Changes to the Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) routes for summer services will go into effect June 21. Bus routes will be adjusted to reflect summer ridership patterns including the suspension of school service until the fall, according to a media release from the city. Introducing On Demand Transit to Capilano and Gold Bar ETS will replace conventional transit with “On Demand Transit” (ODT) in the Capilano and Gold Bar neighbourhoods. ODT provides riders with direct service to a local transit hub when requested, instead of adhering to a fixed schedule and routing. The city says this is a more efficient use of transit resources in areas with lower ridership. A review of Route 522 determined the route didn’t meet minimum performance standards due to low ridership. Capilano and Gold Bar riders using ODT will be dropped off at Capilano Mall Transit Centre as their transit hub. Routes 1 and 53 will continue to operate along 50 Street and 106 Avenue. To help residents adapt to the service change, ETS is providing information sheets and free information sessions at edmonton.ca/TransitAlerts. Service Changes Several bus routes will encounter bay changes at various transit centres: The city will also remove 21 closely spaced bus stops to allow for more consistent distances between stops. A full list of service changes and bus stop closures can be found on Transit Service Changes. Holidays and special events ETS is reducing holiday services to coincide with public, Catholic and post-secondary school calendars. This is the full provided list of upcoming changes: Riders are encouraged to plan ahead using the trip planner at edmonton.ca/Transit or on Google Maps by selecting a date after June 21.
