A Year to Celebrate
2024 was a big year for transit in Edmonton – from record breaking ridership rates to the formation of Edmonton Transit Riders, it will be a year to remember!
We came together in April 2024 and accomplished a lot in 8 months. We’re proud to have:
- Participated in 6 community events;
- Led the repainting of the Mill Woods Pride Walkway;
- Been mentioned in 11 media pieces;
- Responded to 8 City Council items;
- Built relationships with community members, elected officials, city administration and advocates;
- Took part in a national advocacy campaign;
- Hosted a sold-out event;
- Attended the first ever national transit summit; and
- Launched a provincial budget advocacy campaign.
2025 is going to be another big year for public transit advocacy – we can’t wait!
Canada Public Transit Fund
On July 17, 2024, the federal government announced the Canada Public Transit Fund to improve public transit infrastructure. The Edmonton Transit Riders and advocates across Canada united for the first ever Canada Transit Action Week, from October 15, 2024, to October 20, 2024, to express their disappointment that the fund lacks essential operational support, isn’t large enough and won’t be accessible until 2026.
During this Action Week, we encouraged Edmontonians from across the city to send a letter to Federal Ministers and their local MP to tell the government to invest in affordable, reliable transit now. The lack of adequate operational funding directly affects transit users in Edmonton, resulting in longer wait times, reduced service frequency, and potential fare increases. By Edmontonians signing the letter and amplifying the message during the Canada Transit Action Week, Edmonton transit users ensured that their needs are prioritized on a national level while fostering local advocacy efforts.
Action Week included rallies, canvassing, and events that took place in Toronto, Edmonton, Windsor, Vancouver, and Kitchener. More than 2000 people across Canada signed the letter to the federal government, through email lists, social media, and other channels.
ETR Official Launch Party
On October 20, 2024, we hosted a Day of Action and our Official Launch Party. This event brought together community members, elected officials and advocates to show support for improved transit funding, while we took a charter train from Stadium Station, to the fully built, but not yet open, Blatchford Gate Station, where the event was held.
Transit For Tomorrow Summit
We joined advocates, industry leaders and government officials at the Transit for Tomorrow Summit in Ottawa on October 28, 2024, to discuss the urgent need for a better funding model for public transit across Canada. It was an incredible opportunity to build relationships and strategize on upcoming advocacy efforts, all while exploring the Ottawa and Gatineau transit systems.
Environmental Defence presented their report on how investing in public transit can help Canada reach it’s climate goals – definitely take a look!
You can read Transport Action Canada’s recap of the event here.
Other Resources:
Canada’s National Observer – Transit for Tomorrow Summit Article