An Edmonton transit centre reopened Thursday after renewal work was delayed over a year due to a falling out with the initial contractor.
Jasper Place Transit Centre opened on April 9 at 10 a.m.
The $5.6-million renewal was supposed to be completed by the end of 2018 but the original schedule was upended after the city terminated the contract with the initial contractor — a move described as a rare step.
The city indicated in November 2018 it found only 30 per cent of the work was done.
The transit centre has been fenced off since spring 2018.
The site sat idle for about nine months before a new contractor resumed work this past summer. The project was expected to be complete by March 2020.
On Wednesday, Edmonton Transit tweeted, saying the centre would reopen April 9.
“Thanks for your patience while we completed upgrades. Please see map for updated stop information,” the message read.
Transit response to COVID-19
The City of Edmonton began offering free public transit service as part of its response to the novel coronavirus outbreak in March.
In an effort to protect all riders and city staff, protective shields were installed on every bus in operation. The city implemented heightened cleaning, sanitizing and physical distancing measures as well as rear-door boarding in an effort to minimize contact.
But there is more all the city’s residents can do, the company said.
“Please only travel when you need to,” Eddie Robar, branch manager of Edmonton Transit Service, said. “Stay off the buses unless it’s an essential trip for yourself or to work or you need to go get groceries.”
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ETS has seen ridership drop substantially during the pandemic.