Transportation

In Transit Newsletter - May 2011

The Every Day Way to the ETS Community Fair

We have an exciting new venue for the 2011 ETS Community Fair on Saturday, May 28 this year. We’re holding it in Phase I of West Edmonton Mall from 10am - 3pm.

The ETS Community Fair is a one-stop shop for information on all kinds of Transit-related topics including service, safety and security, operations and training, LRT projects, accessibility, trip-planning, the new DATS I-book feature, and much more. This is your opportunity to get transit information directly from the people in-the-know and enjoy some family-style fun as well, including a display of ETS historical vehicles (outdoors) and tours to the new Lewis Farms Transit Centre.

It promises to be a fun and informative day for the whole family. By the way – it's free!

Take ETS to the AGA

ETS is proud to announce a new partnership with the Art Gallery of Alberta giving Transit users an incentive to visit the Gallery. The AGA will offer discounted Gallery admission to visitors who present a valid ETS Fare Ticket or bus pass.

This promotion is an extension to The Every Day Way to Your Creative Destination initiative highlighting the 1 Year Anniversary of the Art Gallery of Alberta.

When you present your adult, youth, senior, or day pass on your next visit to your AGA , the price of the ticket will be discounted from your admission price! Bus pass holders also receive a discount equivalent to the cost of a corresponding ETS ticket (with a valid bus pass).

New Scona Temporary Bus Routes

ETS has developed two new temporary routes to provide service during the closure of Scona Road.

Route 391 provides a direct link between downtown and bus stops on 99 Street (between Saskatchewan Drive and Whyte Avenue). It operates on a 30 minute frequency on weekdays between 6am - 6pm.

Route 390 is a new shuttle service providing service along 99 Street from Saskatchewan Drive to 82 Avenue (southbound only), connecting to University TC. It provides 20 minute frequency weekdays all day, and Saturday/Sunday midday. It provides 30 minute frequency weekday evenings, plus Saturday/Sunday mornings and evenings.

ETS Detours During Kingsway Closure

Starting Monday, May 2, Kingsway Avenue will be closed to all traffic between 102 Street and 106 Street until October 15, 2011.

The total closure is required to relocate the lanes of Kingsway Ave several metres to the south, to create space for the future Kingsway/Royal Alex LRT Station. All traffic, including bus service, will be detoured to 101 Street and 111 Avenue.

As a result of the road closure, Route 9 moves from Kingsway to 101 Street & 111 Avenue; Route 12 moves from Kingsway to 101 Street & 111 Avenue and Route 309 moves from Kingsway to 101 Street and 102 Street & 111 Avenue.

Buses will be re-routed to connect with the new Kingsway/Royal Alex Transit Centre when the project is completed in 2014.

Transit Centres Get Ready for Artics

Customers at a number of transit centres are going to be facing construction this summer as ETS expands the platforms to accommodate 60' articulated buses.

Early this month, the platforms at Kingsway, Coliseum, Millgate and Lakewood transit centres will have two bays extended for the artics, and the platform itself extended to maintain the ability to handle the existing bus routes.

Construction at all transit centres is scheduled to be complete before September.

Some routes will be temporarily relocated in the transit centres – look for signs. The contractor will be installing a fence around each construction area to minimize dirt and debris on the platform and in the bus lanes.

Twenty new articulated buses will join the transit fleet this year. Customers on route 8 will be especially pleased as the artics will help reduce some crowded travel conditions. An artic can carry up to 114 people while a regular 40' bus carries 76.

Leading the Way Youth Summit - May 6-8

Edmonton Transit is pleased to be the host transit property for 54 delegates (ages 18 - 28) from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the Yukon attending the Leading the Way Youth Summit from May 6 – 8 at Lister Centre, University of Alberta.

Presented by the Prairie and Territories Chapter of CUTA, this weekend summit offers delegates an opportunity to meet, share ideas, network and explore career paths with their peers as well as transit and sustainable transportation industry professionals.

We’re pleased that Councillor Don Iveson has agreed to present the opening keynote address to delegates. Other presenters include representatives from other transit properties in the Prairie and Territories Chapter.

ETS Victoria Day Holiday Service

On Monday, May 23, Victoria Day, ETS will be operating regular Sunday service on all routes.

Transit Information is available by calling 311. If you’re calling from outside Edmonton, phone 780-442-5311.

The ETS Customer Services Centre including Lost & Found will be closed on holiday Monday.

Check the ETS Trip Planner or call BusLink at 780-496-1600 for complete route and schedule details.

Summer Shuttle Service Returns

The first day of service for this year’s Fort Edmonton/Valley Zoo summer shuttle is Sunday, May 22 on the Victoria Day long weekend.

The shuttle service runs only on Sundays and holidays until Labour Day, Monday, September 5.

Buses travel on an hourly schedule between South Campus Transit Centre, Fort Edmonton Park (including the John Janzen Nature Centre) and the Valley Zoo. Passengers pay regular ETS fares.

For more information:

Contact Customer Services

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