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June 12, 2024
Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) monthly ridership has grown by over 3 million, or 130 per cent, since spring 2021, continuing one of the strongest post-pandemic ridership recoveries in the country.
Starting in April 2021, when ETS launched its current bus network, year-over-year monthly ridership has increased for 37 consecutive months. For example, monthly ridership jumped from 2.3 million in April 2021, to 3.3 million in April 2022, 4.3 million in April 2023, and 5.2 million in April 2024. Ridership reached 5.3 million in May 2024.
“I am so pleased to see more riders returning or discovering transit as a viable option to connect them with the places and people they love. It’s a testament to the work that focuses on improving the rider experience that helps move more people throughout the city, whether it’s for a special event such as the Stanley Cup playoffs or a summer festival, or day-to-day commutes for work and play,” said Carrie Hotton-MacDonald, Branch Manager of Edmonton Transit Service.
The launch of the Valley Line Southeast LRT has been one of several contributing factors. In the first six months of Valley Line Southeast service, ridership has grown from 138,000 monthly riders in November 2023 to 223,000 monthly riders in April 2024. Currently, Valley Line Southeast, which runs from Mill Woods to Downtown, represents around 13 per cent of total LRT ridership.
In late 2023, through investments from Council, ETS was also able to grow the bus network for the first time since the 2015/16 budget. This included adding 70,000 new annual service hours previously allocated to Valley Line Southeast precursor bus service. As a result, ETS added more off-peak and frequent service to enhance flexibility for riders.
As Edmonton continues to grow, and the needs of transit riders change, ETS continually analyzes transit performance to ensure it remains efficient and effective for riders. This includes making service adjustments five times each year, based on transit data, rider feedback, seasonal changes and ridership growth. ETS conducts numerous rider research programs and has expanded partnerships to help ensure its service meets the needs of all riders.
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