LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT AND BUS INTEGRATION IN EDMONTON (ABRIDGMENT)

This paper discusses the appropriateness of light rail transit (LRT) and bus integration as a public transportation option in Edmonton. Three transportation options were considered: a northeast freeway option that would require 70 buses during peak periods; including express services for the corridor; an all-bus option that would require use of 150 buses during peak periods, including express services through the central area of the city; and an integrated bus-LRT option that would require 75 buses during peak periods to serve mainly as feeders and cross-city services, together with 14 LRT cars on the northeast line. An integrated option means that the LRT line is part of the transit network but uses a different technology. It was concluded that the LRT-bus system has proved able to handle the existing transit patronage and has attracted additional riders, notwithstanding the introduction of transfers. The conversion from express buses to feeder buses-LRT has been accepted as an attractive alternative. The integrated system has also shown its worth during special events at the Coliseum, Exhibition grounds, and Stadium; however, a system capable of carrying 5,400 people an hour in one direction cannot be expected to fill a stadium of 46,000 people. The disadvantage of the LRT system is that it does not serve two major trip destinations--the government center and the university--without a second transfer. A fully valid solution probably requires a more complete system.