ETS summer service changes to begin June 21

An Edmonton Transit Service bus in a file photo.

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

• Route 31 will begin using the dedicated bus lane built as part of the Terwillegar Drive Expansion project, providing transit priority between 53 Avenue and Leger Transit Centre.
• Route 52 will be rerouted onto 156 Street and 111 Avenue from 149 Street and 107 Avenue.
• Route 111 will no longer run through the Westmount Mall parking lot when travelling westbound and will instead head directly to Westmount Transit Centre.
• Route 128 will be rerouted to loop around Northgate Mall, matching Route 127.
• Route 140X will be routed to 139 Street between 150 Avenue and 155 Avenue.
• Route 521 will be rerouted onto Orchards Boulevard and Orchards Road.
• Route 701 will detour to Gateway Boulevard until fall 2026, serving stops at 80 Avenue, 83 Avenue and 85 Avenue. This change is part of the Summer Streets program.

Several bus routes will encounter bay changes at various transit centres:

• Leger Transit Centre
• Route 56 WEM will move to Bay O (#4815) from Bay M (#4813) on 23 Avenue westbound.
• Century Park Transit Centre
• Route 717 Leger will move to Bay I (#4209) from Bay F (#4206).
• Route 518 Mill Woods will move to Bay I (#4209) from Bay F (#4206).
• Route 712 Yellowbird will move to Bay B (#4202) from Bay H (#4208).
• Route 715 Leger will move to Bay F (#4206) from Bay H (#4208).
• Route 716 Leger will move to Bay H (#4208) from Bay G (#4207).
• Westmount Transit Centre
• Route 111 will be added to Bay D (#5206).

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:

• July 1 (Canada Day): Buses and LRT, including Valley Line Southeast, will operate at Sunday service levels, with extra late-evening LRT and OWL service. Additional train cars will be added to help meet capacity needs
• July 17 to 26 (K-Days): Extra service will be added on Routes 8 and 53, and the Capital Line LRT.
• August 3 (Heritage Day): Buses and LRT will operate at Sunday service levels.

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.