Edmonton Public Transit

[s211]

This works really well in Vancouver. Has been running for some time.

One additional thing I saw on a bus in L.A. was a real-time map of where the bus was located.

[Xelebes]

I've ridden on a coup,le buses that look like they'll be implementing these on. They have the screens there which I would guess show maps, locations and ETAs.

[Hallsy's Toupee]

More provincial money needed for transit, group says

BY ELISE STOLTE, EDMONTON JOURNAL

EDMONTON - Edmonton’s transit use is growing but it will need the province’s support to develop the system to its full potential, says the head of the Canadian Urban Transit Association.
Michael Roschleau presented his organization’s Transit Vision 2040 to city councillors Tuesday, asking them to commit to a goal of 120 rides per capita by the year 2040. The vision also calls on cities to put transit at the centre of new developments, expand regional transit, and focus on excellent customer service and financial health.

Edmonton already has 99 rides per capita — above average for a city of its size. It should see that number increase significantly with the addition of more LRT lines, said Bob Boutilier, general manager for transportation.

Roschleau said the federal government has made clear funding commitments already. “Ultimately, what’s more important is getting support from the province. There’s been intermittent support from the province over the years,” he said.

In Quebec, Ontario, B.C. and Manitoba, provincial governments put funds toward transit operating expenses. That doesn’t happen in Alberta.

“There’s been some strong support on the capital side. We need to look at making that permanent, and supporting that with funding for operating expenses,” said Roschleau.

The councillors voted to endorse the transit vision.

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/More...ed+transit+group+says/7124029/story.html

Preaching to the choir here

[MalcolmTucker]

Important to note that the province has the most generous and flexible funding for municipalities in Canada. That the province doesn't force the city to spend its capital grant money (save for greentrip) on transit is a thing the municipalities fought long and hard for. Cities choose their own priorities, and Edmonton if my memory serves dedicates more to roads than Calgary (not all of that is a choice, but dictated by worse for the roads weather and soil conditions).

Alberta's grants work very differently from most if not all other provinces, with dollar amounts committed as general dollars and laid out reasonably far in advance, instead of lurching from project to project with project specific grants. Toronto would kill to have a dedicate piece of the provincial gas tax in their coffers to spend as they saw fit.

More support will come, but the city will also likely face tough choices even with the province stepping up its game. With a City Charter, and the likely ability to ask voters to raise revenues to be dedicated to a project, the city will have to pull its weight too.

Edmonton should also look at its priorities and look at what it can secure 30 year bonds for. The city does have lots of debt room it could use without much pain if it decided so. Calgary paid for much of its LRT advantage in the 80s with debt when interest rates were much higher.

Also, to say the federal government has made clear commitments, yes it is true (depending on how the new deal for cities and communities is renewed in 2014). But one should also remember that the spending falls very much short to providing even a 1/3rd share of project budgets in Alberta because we spend so much more than the national average on infrastructure already! (Ontario is also above the where it can count on 1/3rd share).

[tkoe]

Just out of curiosity, do you work for the PC party?

Originally Posted by MalcolmTucker

Important to note that the province has the most generous and flexible funding for municipalities in Canada. That the province doesn't force the city to spend its capital grant money (save for greentrip) on transit is a thing the municipalities fought long and hard for. Cities choose their own priorities, and Edmonton if my memory serves dedicates more to roads than Calgary (not all of that is a choice, but dictated by worse for the roads weather and soil conditions).

Alberta's grants work very differently from most if not all other provinces, with dollar amounts committed as general dollars and laid out reasonably far in advance, instead of lurching from project to project with project specific grants. Toronto would kill to have a dedicate piece of the provincial gas tax in their coffers to spend as they saw fit.

More support will come, but the city will also likely face tough choices even with the province stepping up its game. With a City Charter, and the likely ability to ask voters to raise revenues to be dedicated to a project, the city will have to pull its weight too.

Edmonton should also look at its priorities and look at what it can secure 30 year bonds for. The city does have lots of debt room it could use without much pain if it decided so. Calgary paid for much of its LRT advantage in the 80s with debt when interest rates were much higher.

Also, to say the federal government has made clear commitments, yes it is true (depending on how the new deal for cities and communities is renewed in 2014). But one should also remember that the spending falls very much short to providing even a 1/3rd share of project budgets in Alberta because we spend so much more than the national average on infrastructure already! (Ontario is also above the where it can count on 1/3rd share).

[Shodan]

Regular LRT service soon on track
Tricky Churchill station work accommodates new NAIT line; After labour day, it's full speed ahead

Dave Cooper
Edmonton Journal

Wednesday, August 22, 2012


CREDIT: Candace Elliott, Edmonton Journal
Foreman John Mathew works on the tracks Tuesday at the Churchill Square LRT tunnel, where custom-made switching equipment is being installed for the North line.

It has been a long summer of delays for LRT commuters, but Edmonton's custom-made rail-switching apparatus at the Churchill station is finally complete and regular service will resume after the Labour Day weekend.

"This diamond crossover was a big challenge because of the space constraints in the Churchill cavity just north of the station," said Brad Smid, program manager for the new North LRT line...

dcooper@edmontonjournal. com
© Edmonton Journal 2012

Copyright © 2012 CanWest Interactive, a division of CanWest MediaWorks Publications, Inc.. All rights reserved.
CanWest Interactive, a division of CanWest MediaWorks Publications, Inc.. All rights reserved.

http://www2.canada.com/components/print.aspx?id=64bbc339-90bb-48e3-9ed6-287dc56f7a38&sponsor=

[MalcolmTucker]

Originally Posted by tkoe

Just out of curiosity, do you work for the PC party?

I work at the Legislature for the government, but being on here isn't my job or anything. That doesn't diminish the truth of anything I said. Edmonton and Calgary are growing fast, and it would be hard to cross all the needs and wants off the funding checklist even with lots of additional money, which right now there isn't. As more oil sands projects reach payoff and start paying significant royalties even with prices where they are at today revenues will grow by leaps and bounds.

Look at the last boom and the price the city paid for the 23rd Ave overpass - sometimes spending too much leads to diminishing returns on investment due to the lack of any extra capacity to build things. Fortuneately more funding wasn't added like gasoline to the fire, but saved so all the funding wasn't cut back when the global financial crisis hit. (funding was cut big time in 2001/02 recession that followed Sept 11th)

[Daveography]

The next time anyone is in Churchill, I suggest taking a wander to the far north end of the platform and taking a peek at the new switches. It actually looks really neat. Has a bit of a "big city" vibe to it, too.

[MalcolmTucker]

Anyone know what speed the crossover is cleared for? My guess would be pretty low due to the limited sapce, but then that may limit headway.

[240glt]

30 kph I think is what the sign says. It does go prety slow over the double crossing heading south

[oiler-dude]

I'd imagine (but don't know for sure) that with the switch being so close to Churchill, the speed isn't an issue anyway since trains are slowing to enter the station as is.

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Smart Bus technology comes to Edmonton
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/story/2012/08/30/edmonton-smart-bus.html

Edmonton Transit has awarded a contract to equip 45 city buses with so-called Smart Bus technology.

"We'll be able to provide real-time information through various electronic media," said Ken Koropeski, director of service development and fleet support.

"Passengers will have more accurate information on when their buses will be arriving at their bus stops."

[dancinb]

Hey - I'm heading to the football game tonight. Does anyone know: is all ETS free with a ticket to the game or is it just the LRT?
Thanks in advance!

[MrOilers]

The ticket is good for all buses and LRT, 2 hours before and 2 hours after the game.

Go Esks!

[rapid_business]

Go Esks indeed! A great night for it.

I never have a ticket on the way there as I often get them from scalpers by the gate. I don't think they care too much, but who knows.

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Edmonton's bus service, the good, the great, and the just plain ugly ... with a focus on the airport bus

http://www.hicksbiz.com/Home/tabid/56/entryid/65/Default.aspx

Really good critiques here, but mainly focused on technology.

[Coldrsx]

Northwest LRT: Get Involved


September 25, 2012

Have your say on the Northwest LRT line from NAIT to the northwest city limits. These meetings will be the last opportunity for the public to provide input on the draft concept plan.

Date: Wednesday September 26, 2012
Time: 4 – 8pm
Location: Calder Hall, 12721-120 Street

Date: Thursday September 27, 2012
Time: 4 – 8pm
Location: St. Lucy School, 11750-162 Avenue

Presentations will be given at 4:30pm and 6:30pm.

The concept plan defines where the LRT will run within the approved corridor, and where stations will be located.

Two final public meetings will be held in November to share the concept plan to be presented to Council at the end of 2012.

Learn more about and get involved on City issues affecting you and your neighbourhood. Go to Public Involvement Calendar for a list of City of Edmonton public involvement opportunities.



For more information:
Erum Afsar

Transportation Services

Telephone
780-423-4732

Miriam Bard-Dumont

Title Communications Officer
Telephone
780-495-9904

http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/news/2012/northwest-lrt-get-involved.aspx

[Rogie]

A few shots of the North LRT construction, taken by me as I spent a week in Edmonton last week.

[IMG]
North LRT by Rogie 09, on Flickr[/IMG]


North LRT by Rogie 09, on Flickr


North LRT by Rogie 09, on Flickr


North LRT by Rogie 09, on Flickr


North LRT by Rogie 09, on Flickr


North LRT by Rogie 09, on Flickr


North LRT by Rogie 09, on Flickr

[Shodan]

Private firm set to build, run LRT line
Council makes decision behind closed doors

Elise Stolte
Edmonton Journal

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

A federal threat to withhold hundreds of millions in funding has forced city councillors to commit to having a private company run the southeast LRT line.

The public-private partnership now being proposed would cover construction, ongoing maintenance and daily operations for the line to Mill Woods, rather than leaving operations to Edmonton Transit...

[email protected] twitter.com/estolte
© Edmonton Journal 2012

Copyright © 2012 CanWest Interactive, a division of CanWest MediaWorks Publications, Inc.. All rights reserved.
CanWest Interactive, a division of CanWest MediaWorks Publications, Inc.. All rights reserved.

http://www2.canada.com/components/print.aspx?id=a0867b1f-12a4-40c7-8c8f-590afb837cef&sponsor=

[Hallsy's Toupee]

P3 for LRT shifts risks to private partners

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/shif...ransport+manager+says/7400445/story.html