A new rapid public transit solution is on the horizon for the tens of thousands of Southwest Edmonton residents aiming for speedier access to the city centre. Edmonton Transit Service is set to roll out a ‘super express’ bus service this autumn, beginning its journey from the Leger Transit Centre near the Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre, and ending at the University of Alberta.
Given fewer stops along their route, these super-express buses are designed to minimize travel time, reaching their predetermined destination sooner. With this new service, students will be able to reach the university within 20 to 25 minutes. From there they can hop onto the LRT to continue to other locations, as explained by Mayor Amarjeet Sohi while experiencing the new Route 31 during a media display held recently to announce the service launch on September 5th.
The addition of Route 31 to the Edmonton Transit’s line-up is a strategic move catering to the rapidly growing population in the city’s southwestern segment. This innovation is possible following the extensive expansion of Terwillegar Drive, according to area city councillor Tim Cartmell. He described it as a “multi-modal corridor”. The plan includes active transportation, roadway improvements and added vehicle capacity, with a particular focus on intersection enhancements.
Route 31 will navigate along the partially completed, yet newly added bus lane on Terwillegar Drive. The city’s strategy includes continuing work on the bus route between Whitemud Drive and Anthony Henday Drive, with completion projected by the summer of next year.
Turnaround plans for Terwillegar Drive into an expressway began two years ago. Construction crews have been working to introduce bus lanes, a communal use path, and higher-grade intersections at the terminal points. Eventually, Whitemud Drive is expected to feature extended bus lanes that will cross a broader Rainbow Valley bridge nearby.
These modifications come about as the city strives to enhance transit’s appeal to residents of the southwest. Special attention is being paid to areas where service is particularly deficient.
Cartmell concluded, “There are over 30,000 people now residing south of Anthony Henday Drive. Today’s inauguration of this route offers those individuals a clear perspective of what this corridor will ultimately mean for them in terms of more efficient commuting options.”
