Infrastructure

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

yes
Right now, too many Edmontonians face unsafe infrastructure, congestion, and a transportation system that isn’t sufficiently fast, frequent, or reliable. That’s why we need a connected, city-wide network approach to mobility. Public transit is an essential service for people of all ages, abilities, and income levels to be able to affordably access the basics of life.
Combined with a population boom that has brought more than 130,000 people here in just a few years, we know that systems are being stretched thin. Maintaining Edmonton’s 11,000 km of roadways is important, but we know that building more roads won’t solve congestion problems. Population growth this rapid must be accompanied by proportional transit investment or congestion will dramatically worsen for every mode of transportation.
There is substantial demand for reliable public transit in Edmonton. ETS was one of the first in the country’s big cities to return to pre-pandemic ridership, and now boasts 20% higher ridership over pre-pandemic levels. The people moving here are the most likely to form new transportation habits and this is a critical opportunity to ensure they see public transit as a viable option.
Our affordability, climate, and livability goals depend on getting this right at this moment. Over the past four years I have supported funding for expanded transit operating and capital investment. Operating investments include adding service hours, more Transit Peace Officers, and permanent funding for On-Demand transit. I also supported approving funding the construction of a new transit bus garage and design work for two new Bus Rapid Transit routes.

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

I am committed to implementing Edmonton’s Mass Transit Strategy, which includes a variety of mass transit and service expansion strategies to support population growth to 2 million residents. I will advocate for our fair share of the federal Permanent Transit Fund as well as pursue and anticipate funding opportunities from other orders of government in order to advance large-scale transportation projects.
In the near term I will advance the completion of the new transit bus garage and the North-South and East-West Bus Rapid Transit lines B1 and B2, as well as regular service expansion following the completion of the bus garage.

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?

There are many projects that compete with funding at the municipal level. I have consistently prioritized and supported investment into public transit, approving funding for operating expansion and large-scale capital projects like the bus garage. It is a core responsibility for a municipal government that is fundamental to the success of our city. Edmonton’s City Plan envisions a substantial modal shift to public transit, and this will not be possible without real investments.

Affordability and Fares

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

yes
I pushed back against provincial government cuts to the Ride Transit Program for low-income Edmontonians, and I rejected the planned base fare increase to $4.25. I will continue to advocate to the provincial government that it fund transit passes for those most in need. We know this is a rising need, as the cost of personal vehicles gets more expensive, and people look to public transit as a way to get around. We expanded the program eligibility a few years ago to include more groups of people, including newcomers and refugees, and I will support additional expansion as is deemed necessary to improve transit and economic equity.

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 should play an active role in maintaining the affordability of public transit. I voted against the planned fare increase to $4.25 and support funding for the Ride Transit Program for low-income Edmontonians. The cost of personal vehicles has dramatically risen, and people are looking to public transit as a way to get around. The City should look in other areas beyond transit to address budget pressures.

Comfort and Cleanliness

Which investments do you believe are most important for making transit feel safe, welcoming, and reliable for all riders?
1- More transit peace officers/security presence
2- Outreach and support teams for vulnerable riders
3- Better lighting and station design
4- Cleaner facilities and vehicles

1-More transit peace officers/security presence. 2-Outreach and support teams for vulnerable riders

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

The success of a transit system depends on the perception and reality of safety. I have supported funding increases for Community Outreach Transit Teams, Transit Peace Officers, station attendants, and other transit safety measures. Much like investments in transit can offset future spending on road repairs and expansion, when we invest in a holistic community safety system, we can better support everyone. If people do not ride because of safety concerns, then they will be forced to spend more on transportation, while our system loses revenue and puts more cars on the road.
Police tell us they do not want to be tasked with responding to every call for disorder or mental health crises. One answer to this is to fund transit peace officers, Community Outreach Teams, and 24/7 Crisis Diversion, offering more responsive, flexible teams to ensure the right expertise responds. Not only can this de-escalate situations that can sometimes be unpredictable or perpetuate harm, it frees up police to respond to the types of calls they are trained and prepared for. We can also fund more cleaning, monitored and staffed washrooms, and ETS navigators, all of which improve the experience of taking transit as much as the safety.
We also have to consider capital spending that can improve transit safety and experience. Calls for crime and disorder have dropped by 50% after Stadium Station reopened with a new layout, new lighting, and a community-focused design. We cannot underestimate how the design and use of our public spaces and places contributes to safety and comfort. That is why I recently moved to advance funding for the Coliseum LRT Station Replacement as part of the Exhibition Lands redevelopment plan and Coliseum demolition.