Mike Elliot

Survey Response

Infrastructure

Do you support prioritizing new transit infrastructure (such as LRT expansion and bus garages) over other forms of new capital spending?

I believe we need to be extremely cautious with how we prioritize capital spending, especially given Edmonton’s current debt load and rising property taxes. While public transit is important, I do not support prioritizing costly LRT expansion at this time.
Instead, I support more practical and cost-effective investments, such as expanding and modernizing our bus network and bus garages, which can deliver improved service more quickly and with significantly lower costs.
We also need to balance transit investments with other critical infrastructure needs—such as road upgrades, snow removal equipment, and aging facility maintenance—that impact far more residents on a daily basis.
In short, I support public transit, but we must focus on value for money, fiscal responsibility, and flexibility. That means buses and smart infrastructure upgrades, not billion-dollar LRT commitments that limit our ability to respond to other urgent priorities.

How would you ensure that transit investments keep pace with population growth and new neighbourhood development?

As Edmonton continues to grow, especially in newer and suburban communities, we must ensure that transit service expands in a way that is flexible, cost-effective, and responsive to real demand.
To achieve this, I would prioritize:
• Expanding our bus network—including more frequent service and new routes—to meet the needs of growing communities quickly and affordably;
• Investing in bus garages and fleet upgrades, which provide far greater flexibility than committing to expensive, fixed-line infrastructure like LRT;
• Integrating on-demand transit options in lower-density or newly developed areas, where traditional routes may not yet be viable;
• Requiring better transit planning during the approval of new neighbourhoods, so we don’t repeat the pattern of building homes first and scrambling to add service later.
We cannot afford to fall further behind by relying solely on massive LRT expansions. Buses can scale with growth, adapt to changing patterns, and serve more residents without driving up our already high property taxes.
Smart transit planning means focusing on affordability, adaptability, and efficiency—and that’s the approach I will take if elected.

Service

In your view, what should be the top priority for improving transit service in Edmonton?
1- More frequent service during peak hours
2- More frequent service during off-peak hours
3- Expanding service to underserved neighbourhoods
4- Improving express/rapid connections across the city

1-More frequent service during peak hours

What trade-offs would you consider in the city budget to ensure transit service levels meet the needs of riders?

Transit is a core service, and it must be treated as such—but we can’t keep increasing taxes or piling on debt to fund it. That means making smart, responsible trade-offs within the existing city budget to ensure transit service meets the needs of riders without adding to the financial burden on taxpayers.
Here’s how I would approach it:
• Prioritize funding for essential transit operations, like buses and on-demand service, over expensive, long-term capital projects such as further LRT expansion;
• Defer or scale back non-essential or “nice-to-have” projects that don’t directly benefit day-to-day city services;
• Review and cut administrative inefficiencies within the City and Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) to free up resources for front-line service delivery;
• Shift funding toward high-demand routes and underserved communities, where investment will have the biggest impact on ridership and equity;
• And ensure all future spending is tied to measurable outcomes—so we’re not just spending more, but spending smarter.
Ultimately, it’s about delivering reliable, accessible transit while protecting affordability for residents. I will work to ensure transit is properly funded—not by raising taxes, but by making better use of the dollars we already have.

Affordability and Fares

Would you commit to maintaining or expanding programs that make transit affordable for low-income Edmontonians?

yes
Yes, I would commit to maintaining programs that keep transit affordable for low-income Edmontonians. Transit isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline for many residents who rely on it to get to work, school, medical appointments, and essential services. We cannot ignore that reality.
That said, we also need to ensure these programs are financially sustainable and well-managed. I would support:
• Maintaining the Ride Transit program for low-income individuals and families;
• Reviewing the program annually to ensure it’s reaching those who need it most and is delivering measurable impact;
• Exploring partnerships with community organizations to improve outreach and accessibility without increasing administrative costs.
Helping people stay mobile and connected benefits the entire city—socially and economically. I believe we can be both compassionate and fiscally responsible by protecting programs that make a real difference in people’s lives while keeping an eye on long-term sustainability.

Transit is one of the largest household expenses after housing. What role do you believe the City should play in keeping transit fares affordable, while balancing overall budget pressures?

The City absolutely has a role to play in keeping transit fares affordable, especially for those who rely on public transportation every day. When we talk about affordability in Edmonton, it’s not just about housing — transit is a major cost for many families, students, seniors, and low-income residents.
That said, we also need to be realistic about our city’s financial position. With rising debt and increasing property taxes, we can’t afford to keep passing the buck to taxpayers or running inefficient programs.
Here’s what I believe the City should do:
• Protect fare assistance programs for those who truly need them, like the Ride Transit program;
• Avoid large fare increases that punish everyday riders and risk pushing people away from using transit;
• Focus on operational efficiency within Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) to reduce costs without cutting service;
• Explore new partnerships or sponsorship opportunities to offset costs without burdening the taxpayer.
Transit must remain accessible, but we also need to ensure that every dollar spent is justified and delivers value. That’s the balance I’ll work to maintain—keeping fares reasonable while managing our budget responsibly.

Comfort and Cleanliness

How would you balance spending on transit safety measures (e.g., more officers or attendants) with other city budget priorities?

More transit peace officers / security presence, Better lighting and station design, Turnstiles at LRT platforms