The recommended BRT Routes B1 and B2 were presented at the August 27, 2024 Urban Planning Committee and are now in the concept stage.
About the Project
Bus Rapid Transit planning as part of the Mass Transit Implementation project (BRT Routes B1 and B2) is underway. Funding for this concept planning work was approved by Council as part of the 2023-2026 Capital Budget. Funding for future phases of design and construction will be put forward as part of the next Capital Budget cycle.
Help shape how Bus Rapid Transit moves through your area!
Engagement is underway to seek feedback on two key areas of Route B2:
- 82 Avenue: The dedicated lanes (curbside or centre-running) for BRT on 82 Avenue between 109 Street and 83 Street
- University Area: The streets and avenues that BRT will use between 109 Street and the University Transit Centre
Tuesday, June 9
Strathcona Community Hall: 10139 – 87 Avenue NW
- Meet with the Project Team between 5:30 - 8pm
- 82 Avenue presentation at 6:30pm
Wednesday, June 10
McKernan School: 11330 - 76 Avenue NW
- Meet with the Project Team between 5:30 - 8pm
- University area presentation at 6:30pm
Draft concept plans will be presented for feedback in fall 2026
Review the designs:
Project Update - May 2026
Thank you to those who shared their feedback during our November - December 2025 public engagement. The What We Heard Reports summarizing your feedback are available.
What We Heard Route B1 and B2
What We Heard Route B1: 111 Avenue to 118 Avenue Options
Upcoming engagement opportunities to provide feedback on BRT Route B2 will begin in June 2026.
Considerations/criteria for BRT planning
- Improve efficiency, reliability of transit
- Maintain consistent, standard vehicle travel lane widths according to City standard
- Minimize impacts to mature trees
- Minimize major changes to existing curbs and boulevards where possible, while ensuring the design supports BRT operations and safety
- May require changes to the existing travel lanes and turning permissions at intersections
- May require changes to on-street parking
Bus Rapid Transit Route - B1
The B1 BRT route (map) will create a key north-south connection between Castle Downs and Century Park via Downtown, Whyte Avenue and the University. This route is made up of the following segments:
- Castle Downs to Downtown by way of 153 Avenue, 97 Street and 101 Street (south of 118 Avenue)
- Downtown to 82 Avenue by way of 101 Street, Bellamy Hill, Walterdale Hill and 109 Street, crossing Walterdale Bridge. Other river-crossing alternatives will be explored through further planning.
- 109 Street to 82 Avenue to Century Park by way of Calgary Trail and 23 Avenue
Bus Rapid Transit Route Route - B2
The B2 BRT route (map) will create a key east-west connection between West Edmonton Mall and Bonnie Doon via the University of Alberta. This route is made up of the following segments:
- West Edmonton Mall to South Campus by way of 87 Avenue, 149 Street, Whitemud Drive, Fox Drive and Belgravia Road. The route crosses the North Saskatchewan River using the Quesnell Bridge.
- South Campus to the University of Alberta
- University and Garneau areas to 83 Street (Bonnie Doon) by way of 82 Avenue. While the most eastern stop on the route will be at 83 Street (Bonnie Doon Mall), the project team is exploring the feasibility of a bus turnaround in the vicinity of 71 Street.
Timeline
We are currently in the Concept Stage for BRT routes B1 and B2.
- August 2024: The recommended alignments for the BRT routes were presented at the August 27, 2024 Urban Planning Committee (item 7.2).
- Spring 2025: Concept planning begins
- Fall 2025 - Fall 2026: Public and partner engagement at segment and route level
- Fall 2027: Final Concept Design
Public feedback helped shape the Mass Transit Planning Principles for the bus-based mass transit network. These principles will guide the development of the concept plans.
Definitions
- Alignment: The streets, avenues and roads that the BRT route uses.
- Road right-of-way: Public space designated for the movement of people, vehicles and goods, from property line to property line. Road right-of-way may also accommodate street furniture, trees and utilities.
- Street configuration: The physical layout of the road right-of-way, defining where each mode of travel is located.
- Segment: A section of the BRT alignment.
Project History
Thank you to those who shared their feedback on BRT Routes B1, B2 and station features during our November - December 2025 public engagement.
The What We Heard Report summarizing your feedback is now available.
Upcoming engagement opportunities to provide feedback on BRT Route B2,is anticipated to begin in May 2026.
BRT Route B2 includes:
- 87 Avenue/University of Alberta Transit Centre to 109 Street
- Whyte Avenue/82 Avenue between 109 Street and 83 Street
Information will be shared about engagement opportunities soon!
Public engagement on BRT Routes B1 and B2 and station features is underway until December 5.
Through concept planning, the City will:
- Confirm the streets, avenues and roads that the BRT will use*
- Determine where the BRT lane fits in the road right-of-way
- Determine where the stations will be located
- Consider connections to the active transportation network
- Consider business and community access
*A few segments along the routes are under review and will be presented separately for public feedback, these include:
- BRT Route B1
- Between 111 Avenue and 118 Avenue (participate in current engagement)
- BRT Route B2 (spring 2026 engagement)
- 87 Avenue/University of Alberta Transit Centre to 109 Street
- Whyte Avenue/82 Avenue between 109 Street and 83 Street