Transit route changes begin April 25

Transit’s spring and summer schedule goes into effect starting April 25, 2021. In addition, there will be some major long-term changes to stops in downtown Edmonton due to LRT construction and changes to the ETS route structure.

Spring and summer schedule

The regular springtime reduction of mid-day and evening service to the University of Alberta is in effect as of April 25. Please visit strathcona.ca/transit for route information.

Long-term changes to daily commutes

One of the most important changes coming is to stop locations for routes 401 and 411:

• Routes 401 and 411 will no longer be stopping on 107 Street at 104 Avenue at stop #1973.
• Due to construction, these routes will now travel two blocks further west to 109 Street to turn on to 104 Avenue.
• The new recommended MacEwan stop number is #1824 on 104 Avenue between 108 and 107 Street.

Additional changes due to traffic include:

• Route 403 will no longer travel north of 101 Avenue
• Route 413 travelling to NAIT will begin travelling on 109 Street at Jasper Avenue, making stop #1702 at 109 Street and 104 Avenue the new MacEwan stop, adding two blocks walking distance to this trip.
• Route 414 to the University area from Bethel Transit Terminal will now travel on both the Sherwood Park Freeway and Baseline Road in a loop. While we have been traveling this route for a while as a detour to accommodate construction, we are now making the change official – no stops will be missed.
• Local routes 440 and 441 have some minor timing changes in their schedules.

As always, we encourage all transit riders to check their individual schedules for changes to both the spring and fall service changes.

Smart Fare update

In addition to the route and schedule changes, a small-scale pilot for the upcoming Smart Fare electronic fare collection system is expected to begin by this fall, leading to full adoption in 2022. Customers will begin to see new fare vending machines installed in transit centres over the next couple of months. More details will be shared as we approach the pilot and launch of Smart Fare. Once implemented, Smart Fare will enable customer to pay for transit using a variety of methods. The "tap and go" fare payment system will make paying for transit simple and it will also make travel across the region easier for customers, since one account could be used on all participating transit systems, including Strathcona County Transit, Edmonton Transit and St. Albert Transit.

Transit encourages residents to watch the County website for updated Transit schedules, news and updates on Smart Fare. Visit strathcona.ca/transit or call 780-464-RIDE (7433).

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications 780-410-6595