ETS adjusts service in response to workforce shortages

An increase in Omicron cases is presenting a challenge for operating many critical public services across the country, including public transit. In a release this week, the City of Edmonton said because of staffing shortages, temporary, short-term service adjustments are in effect for Edmonton Transit Service (ETS). More than 98 per cent of bus service, including Saturday and Sunday bus schedules, will not be affected. Capital/Metro LRT service, On Demand Transit, DATS and regional service will continue to operate at the current levels at this time, reports the City.

“The health and safety of our riders and staff remain our top priority, and we understand changes to bus service may create challenges. This is top of mind, and we are working to minimize any disruption to riders as much as possible,'' said Carrie Hotton-MacDonald, Branch Manager, ETS. “We will continue to monitor the service closely and we thank riders for their patience and understanding.”

To minimize the impact on riders, most school special routes remain on current schedules, and adjustments are targeted on routes which already have high frequency service.

A full list of bus service adjustments is available at edmonton.ca/TransitAlerts. ETS is working to update the trip planning tools (Transit app, Google Maps and the trip planner on edmonton.ca/transit).  

Transit riders are encouraged to plan their trips using the Transit app, Google Maps, or the trip planner at edmonton.ca/transit. The City says some routes/trips may not have real-time updates available until January 23. Edmontonians can also call 311 for trip planning assistance.