Edmonton’s Transit Crossroads: How to Build an Efficient and Sustainable Network
As Edmonton moves forward with its costly LRT expansion, questions arise about the value of such significant investments. With billions already committed to the Valley, Capital, and Metro Line extensions, the city must decide whether to prioritize LRT or enhance the bus network. While buses play a crucial role in public transit, the long-term benefits of expanding the LRT, including greater capacity, reliability, and sustainability, make it a vital investment for the city's future. A balanced approach that integrates buses and bus rapid transit with LRT will help create an efficient, sustainable network that meets the needs of a growing population.
Edmonton's $2.6 billion expansion of the Valley Line, the $1.34 billion committed to Capital Line South Extension, and the $300 million already spent on Phase 1 of the Metro Line Extension demonstrate the city's dedication to achieving its Mass Transit Plan. Shifting the focus to bus-based transit would not only waste the financial resources and time already invested into Edmonton's LRT network but also set back progress on The City Plan. Edmonton's vision of a healthy, urban and climate-resilient city of two million people targets 50% of all trips made by transit or active transportation. With greater capacity, durability, and lower annual operating costs, the LRT system is better suited to meet these long-term goals.
A single LRT train can carry up to 700 passengers per trip, the equivalent of seven full buses, reducing congestion and the number of trips needed to transport many people. Unlike buses, which are often delayed by traffic and road conditions, LRT operates on dedicated tracks, making it more reliable throughout the year, especially during Edmonton's harsh winters. Investing in LRT ensures a stable, high-capacity transit backbone supporting future demand.
The environmental impact of transit choices is another key consideration. Diesel buses contribute significantly to urban emissions, whereas LRT operates on electricity, making it a cleaner alternative. As Alberta continues to transition to renewable energy sources, the environmental benefits of LRT will only increase. LRT vehicles also have a longer lifespan, 35 years, compared to a bus's 10 to 15 years. Although the initial cost of LRT is higher, it proves more cost-effective in the long run, as fewer vehicles need to be replaced. Expanding LRT is a long-term step toward a more sustainable and eco-friendly transit system that aligns with Edmonton's climate goals.
Historically, Edmonton has been a car-centric city, but prioritizing LRT helps shift the focus toward walkability and transit-oriented development. Placing LRT stations in high-density areas encourages walking, biking, and transit use rather than car travel. The new low-floor LRT system further enhances accessibility by blending into existing neighbourhoods without requiring large overpasses or underground stations. Expanding LRT also reduces the need for costly road expansion, often reinforcing car dependency. While bus rapid transit is a valuable addition to the transit system, it does not provide the same long-term urban planning benefits as LRT. It may contribute to urban sprawl if not carefully implemented.
Buses remain essential to Edmonton's transit network by serving areas LRT does not reach. They provide flexibility for suburban and underserved communities. Bus rapid transit can effectively link neighbourhoods and LRT stations without the high costs associated with rail infrastructure. Additionally, buses can be deployed more quickly, addressing immediate transit needs, while LRT projects, which take years to complete, continue development.
The future of Edmonton's transit system should not be framed as a competition between LRT and buses. Instead, the city must strategically invest in both, using LRT as the high-capacity backbone while strengthening the bus network to provide comprehensive coverage. A well-integrated system that relies on buses for local routes and bus rapid transit for feeder connections can improve transit efficiency, prevent urban sprawl, and maximize the value of investments in both systems. The challenge is not choosing one over the other but ensuring both receive the necessary support to function effectively together. By taking a balanced, long-term approach, Edmonton can build a transit network that is efficient, accessible, and sustainable for future generations.
-Written by GAPSS VP External Rylee Thomson