Quarterly Update on Enhanced Transit Safety Plan and the Downtown Core (October 2024)
At our June 12th Council Meeting we received our quarterly verbal update on the Enhanced Transit Safety Plan and the Downtown Core. If you missed my update from last quarter, (JUNE POST)
Quick Summary: Transit safety continues to improve when compared to last year and last month. Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) monthly ridership has grown by over 3 million, or 130 per cent, since spring 2021, continuing one of the strongest post-pandemic ridership recoveries in the country.
In data shared with Council we can see for example that in July 2024, 4.5 million trips were completed, representing the second highest month of year-over-year growth in ridership at 20 per cent. Transit support for civic events during the summer such as major concerts, festivals and sports events has contributed to this growth. This is so exciting, especially as this is the first summer with the Valley Line operating.
Additionally, if you look at the numbers from January to September ridership has grown by 14 per cent compared to 2023, this continues one of the strongest post-pandemic ridership recoveries in the country.
According to ETS, we are now on track to record nearly 60 million riders in 2024 — up from 53 million in 2023.
The City is continuing to work on improving the ridership experience and also provide opportunities to further familiarize Edmontonians with transit options. This includes the following initiatives:
City administration initiated research to help improve youth access to transit and encourage long-term use, this research is meant to enhance understandings of the perceptions, motivations and barriers of transit use among young riders from 12 to 24 years.
A back to school campaign that featured city administration participating in information fairs hosted by the University of Alberta, MacEwan University, NAIT, Norquest College and Concordia University during their student orientation activities. Additionally, ETS participated in the First Riders event in August hosted by the Edmonton Public School Board and the Edmonton Catholic School Division. Throughout the first week of the 2024/2025 school year, ETS teams were in select transit centres engaging with riders during the morning peak service. The teams helped students find their connections, plan trips and provide other transit information, including distributing safety information postcards.
Administration have been working on the Auricle project, which has been ongoing over the past three years, supporting a new model for listening to Edmontonians. experiences. The aim is to understand the narratives and stories that help shape perceptions of wellbeing and safety. Furthermore, Administration aims to share these stories from community members to help positively influence perceptions of safety.
ETS is also working collaboratively with the Edmonton Student Alliance (ESA), comprised of student leaders from local post-secondary institutions to better improve the experiences of students.
Work is underway to provide cellular coverage in the LRT tunnels; teams recently completed preliminary signal and systems testing. A solution should be completed in 2025.
Another major area of focus is on traffic safety, especially in the winter months. Transit Peace Officers will continue collaborating with the Edmonton Police Service TRACS team, and working with outreach workers from Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society as part of the Community Outreach Transit Teams.Personnel have been increased in hot spot areas and ETS has entered into an agreement with the University of Alberta to help keep students and staff safe and provide additional support to the University LRT station and transit centre.
As in previous years, winter transportation will be provided for vulnerable individuals who need transportation to emergency shelters. The hours for transit officers have been adjusted based on resident feedback and they will now begin their shifts earlier and support riders in feeling safe, as well as doing their best to help connect community members seeking shelter to the winter transportation shuttle.
Finally as we look at the data trends we continue to see positive trends, however we are also seeing an increase in need for housing or shelter supports. These include:
EPS data illustrates that the types of calls continue to shift from violent to non-violent.
Compared to Q2 2023, violent crime decreased by 11 per cent between Q2 2023 and Q2 2024. EPS calls related to disorder have also decreased by 17 per cent during the same period.
Overall COTT interactions and engagements have decreased by 36 per cent from Q2 2023 to Q2 2024. While the COTT interactions for most support needs,including basic needs, housing, financial and addiction decreased from Q2 2023 to Q2 2024, the need for shelter increased by 26 per cent during this period.
I’ve said it numerous times before, including earlier in this post, the work is not done. One serious incident is one too many and when one-third of people still don’t feel safe, we have to stay focused on this. The improving safety results are encouraging and it suggests that the significant financial investment in transit safety and security is working. We wouldn’t be seeing the ridership numbers that we are without this ongoing work.
I’ll continue to provide updates every quarter so you can see progress on this important topic. As usual, if you have any questions or specific ideas that you would like to see to further help address safety, please let me know.
