EDMONTON — Big changes were made to downtown transit service this weekend, in order to accommodate the area’s revitalization and construction of the southeast Valley LRT line along 102nd Avenue.
On Sunday, new bus stop locations and schedule changes were introduced to 29 routes that travel to the downtown core.
“This is probably the most significant change of routes on a permanent basis that ETS has had in its history,” said Dorian Wandzura, general manager of transportation services with the City of Edmonton. Wandzura said the city tried very hard to keep changes to a minimum.
“For example, if you caught the bus at the Stanley A. Milner Library, you might have to walk a block or a block-and-a-half to Jasper Avenue or 104th to catch your bus, but we’ve tried to keep everything very close to where it’s at.”
Wandzura said riders will notice the changes during the Monday morning commute.
The changes include removal of bus service on 102nd Avenue between 95th Street and 103rd Street, where the new LRT line will be built. Bus stops near Edmonton City Centre Mall, Don Wheaton YMCA, Commerce Place, Churchill Square, Stanley A. Milner Library, and the Winspear Centre have been permanently closed.
Here are the 29 routes permanently changed on Sunday: 3, 7, 8, 12, 14, 15, 16, 52, 60, 61, 62, 65, 68, 69, 72, 90, 100, 112, 125, 134, 140, 151, 160, 161, 162, 180, 197, 308, 309 and some DATS stop adjustments.
The changes are in addition to ones made in April, when several routes were adjusted because of road closures to accommodate construction of the Rogers Place downtown arena, new office towers and preparations for the Valley Line LRT construction.
READ MORE: Nearly 50 bus routes in downtown Edmonton are changing
In addition to the 29 permanent changes to downtown bus routes, the city made regular seasonal changes to summer service. The changes include removing school service for students and reducing the number of buses used for the weekday morning and afternoon commute. Normal service resumes in September. For more information, click here.
The city has an online trip planner and a live downtown construction map to help riders with their routes. ETS riders are encouraged to check and confirm their travel routes and schedules by visiting takeETS.com, picking up a new brochure or calling ETS’ automated BusLink line at 780-496-1600.
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