In Transit Newsletter - November 2009
The Every Day Way to a safe transit trip
With flu season on its way, ETS is ramping up our measures to enhance the safety of customers traveling on buses and trains. With the Pandemic H1N1 virus in the news, our efforts are more critical than before.
As part of our commitment to provide safe travel on public transit, ETS vehicles are getting a nightly dose of disinfectant. Operators have hand sanitizer and instructions to wipe down steering wheels and work areas. As well, cleaners are disinfecting the grab bars on buses, LRT and DATS vehicles.
However these actions don't replace good personal hygiene practices. Please be respectful of those around you. Covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze and washing your hands have the potential to take us all through flu season without incident.
Visit http://www.health.alberta.ca/for information on Pandemic H1N1 influenza virus.
U-Pass Update
Edmonton City Council approved a new three-year deal for U-Pass last month. The current pilot project ends in 2010.
The new program includes a revised rate structure agreed upon in consultation between ETS and the affected student organizations at the University of Alberta and MacEwan. There is a series of price increases scheduled for the next three years. In September 2010 the U-Pass will be priced at $110 per term; in September 2011 the cost will be $125 per term; and in September 2012 a U-Pass will cost $140 per term.
The rate structure will go to a student referendum in both institutions in March 2010. The ballot would be the first vote to re-approve the program which began after students voted in favour of it in March 2007.
Remembrance Day Service
On Remembrance Day, Wednesday, November 11, ETS will be operating on a reduced weekday service level.
Both am and pm peak period service levels have been adjusted to address the travel requirements of customers who will be working on Wednesday.
Transit information is available by calling 311. The ETS Customer Services Centre, including Lost & Found, will be closed on November 11.
Check the ETS Trip Planner or call BusLink at 780-496-1600 for service information.
ETS Plans to Stuff a Bus Again
Our annual Christmas promotion Stuff a Bus is back. ETS volunteers will be collecting non perishable foods for the Edmonton Food Bank from November 23 - 28 this year.
We’re pleased to announce that two new sponsors are joining our current partners Save on Foods and Global Television. We’d like to welcome JOE FM Radio and the Edmonton Sun to the campaign.
An ETS bus will be at select Save On Foods stores on weekdays from 7am - 8pm. We’re kicking off the campaign on Monday at Londonderry. On Tuesday we’re at Mayfield, on Wednesday it’s Calgary Trail, on Thursday we’re at Namao, and on Friday we’re at the Kingsway store. We’re collecting both food and cash donations.
JOE FM on-air personalities will be broadcasting live at various times throughout the campaign, so stop in and say “Hi”.
ETS volunteers will be at all 13 Edmonton Save on Foods stores on Saturday, November 28 from 8:30am - 4:30pm. Look for us on the ETS bus! Please come out either during the week or on Saturday and help support the Edmonton Food Bank.
NOTE: Strathcona County Transit is at all three Save on Foods stores in Sherwood Park on Saturday.
Jasper Place Transit Centre Construction
The old building at Jasper Place Transit Centre is being demolished and replaced with the large heated shelter formerly used at Southgate Transit Centre.
A unique energy efficient feature of the shelter is that customers press a button inside the structure to turn on the heater. The result is the shelter is heated only when it’s occupied.
The current alignment of the transit centre remains the same. Any changes in the future will be determined by the routing for the West LRT.
Snow Valley Shuttle Returns
The ETS Snow Valley Shuttle service is back for another season -- as soon as the snow arrives.
Traveling from University Transit Centre to Southgate Transit Centre to Snow Valley, the service runs on weekends, statutory holidays and major school holidays (Christmas Break, Spring Break and Teacher’s Convention).
Check the ETS Trip Planner or call BusLink at 780-496-1600 for service information.
Take ETS to the CFR
The Canadian Finals Rodeo rides into Edmonton from November 11 to 15 this year.
The LRT provides fast and convenient service to Rexall Place from Clareview in the north to South Campus in the south. Weekday and Saturday service runs from approximately 5:30am - 1:30am with Sunday and holiday service from approximately 5:30am - 12:30am.
Many ETS operators take this opportunity to wear western duds in support of the CFR.
LRT Service Disruption
There will be no LRT service south of Health Sciences Station from 6pm Friday, November 6 until the start of service on Monday, November 9 while ETS performs work on the signal system in preparation for the extension of service to Century Park.
Replacement shuttle bus service will operate on the following frequencies between University and South Campus stations while the LRT is shut down: 5 minute frequency on Friday from 6:30pm - 10pm and on Saturday from 10am - 10pm, 7- 8 minute frequency on Friday after 10pm, Saturday from 5:45am - 10am and after 10pm, and all day on Sunday.
Regular LRT service operates from Clareview Station to Health Sciences Station during the signal system upgrade.
For more information:
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