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Edmonton On Demand: Canada's Largest Microtransit Deployment
Applicable Industries
- Cities & Municipalities
- Transportation
Use Cases
- Public Transportation Management
- Smart City Operations
The Challenge
The City of Edmonton, Canada, faced a significant challenge in overhauling its bus network for the first time since 1997. The goal was to bring more frequent service to heavily-trafficked corridors, reroute local bus routes, and introduce a new service, Edmonton On Demand, to bridge transit gaps in lower-density areas. The city aimed to provide more convenient connections to high-frequency routes and accessible transit to local destinations. The challenge was to implement this in 30 communities and 18 large senior residences. The city also had to deal with fluctuating community needs due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic response.
About The Customer
The customers of Edmonton On Demand are the residents of the City of Edmonton, particularly those living in 30 communities and 18 large senior residences where the service was initially introduced. These include neighbourhoods such as Westridge — Rio Terrace- Quesnell Heights, Edgemont, and Big Lake — Northwest Industrial. The service is designed to provide more convenient connections to high-frequency routes and accessible transit to local destinations, catering to the diverse needs of the city's residents. The service has been particularly beneficial during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, providing reliable and timely transportation for residents.
The Solution
In collaboration with Via and Calgary-based operator Pacific Western Transit, the City of Edmonton introduced on-demand transit in 2021. The service, Edmonton On Demand, has experienced steady growth since its launch in April 2021, with daily ridership peaking at around 1,400 nearly a year later. The on-demand trips are most concentrated in several neighbourhoods, including Westridge — Rio Terrace- Quesnell Heights, Edgemont, and Big Lake — Northwest Industrial. Riders can expect a trip within 30 minutes of their request and spend an average of just 12 minutes in the vehicle on the way to their destinations. The city has continued to tweak its transit offerings based on community needs and passenger input, and is exploring plans to expand the demand-responsive service to additional neighbourhoods requiring additional transit support.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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