Michael Janz
Platform
Strengthen public services like transit and resist attempts at cutting services or privatization
Growing our active and public transportation network
Faster transit
Electrify our transit
Voting History
Michael Janz is an outspoken transit advocate in council and beyond. He has demonstrated an awareness of the importance of transit, with a good track record of voting for funding increases. He showed faith in the suggestions made by the administration for the success of the transit system and supports housing, safety, and reliability across the system.
Survey Response
Infrastructure
Do you support prioritizing new transit infrastructure (such as LRT expansion and bus garages) over other forms of new capital spending? yes
More transportation choices save us time and money and improve affordability.
How would you ensure that transit investments keep pace with population growth and new neighbourhood development? Increased prioritization in the capital and operational budgets. This year we grew the service hours in the budget for the first time in many years.
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
4-Improving express/rapid connections across the city
What trade-offs would you consider in the city budget to ensure transit service levels meet the needs of riders?
“All of the above” option? I was torn on this one. Increasing service is important too, but I thought improving express/rapid might help encompass the above. According to experts, the number one way to induce ridership is speed. If you can improve rapid connections, we can hopefully assign more service hours to the others?
Affordability and Fares
Would you commit to maintaining or expanding programs that make transit affordable for low-income Edmontonians?
Affordability is critical and will help improve the well-being of our whole community. We can’t depend on Smith to help us.
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? Enormous role. It is one of our most important civic responsibilities. Not just transit but first-mile/last-mile pedestrian and multi-modal connections as well.
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? Again, all of the above. Money we spend on transit reaps dividends in terms of ridership increases, less traffic and congestion, and more choices for residents to travel.