COVID-19: Edmonton buses, LRT moving to reduced service schedule

City buses and LRT trains are moving to reduced service schedules effective Tuesday in an attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19.

All buses and LRT will run on Saturday schedules seven days a week.

All school special routes have already been cancelled because students are no longer attending classes.

"If we reduce the number of buses and LRT on our city streets, we can further increase the level of cleaning and disinfecting taking place on these critical services that Edmontonians rely on," Mayor Don Ivesonsaid in a news release.

"Our No. 1 priority is ensuring the safety of Edmontonians and city employees during these trying times."

Transit ridership has dropped by about 22 per cent because of the pandemic, and is expected to fall further because of the cancellation of K-12 classes, interim city manager Adam Laughlin told a news conference Monday.

Bus passengers will benefit from better social distancing, Laughlinsaid. All buses will have shields in place to protect drivers. That will help ensure Edmonton Transit can keep operators in buses, he said.

Social distancing will also be improved on LRT trains by adding, in some cases, extra cars, he said.

LRT doors will now open automatically at stations, so passengers no longer have to touch a button to exit the trains.

"These changes will help us ensure we safely deliver transit to Edmontonians," Laughlin said.

Transit riders who want more information can check takeets.com for more information.

There is no change to DATS service at this time. Regular operation will continue.

Laughlinand Iveson both spoke Monday about the city's decision not to declare a state of local emergency at this time.

A team has been given the power to make key decisions. Other municipalities, including Calgary have declared states of local emergency, and Edmonton will continue to monitor the other cities'experiences, Laughlin said.

On Sunday, Laughlin reported that a city employee has tested positive for novel coronavirus. The case is travel related.

The employee's illness is not related to a decision announced Saturday to close all recreational facilities, arenas and other attractions.

On Friday, city councillors voted to suspend all council and committee meetings until March 30.