In the early hours of Monday, March 2, a passenger on an Edmonton transit route was physically attacked while passing through Churchill Station en route to the Valley Line LRT. The rider recounted the incident in a text message sent to Transit Watch, Edmonton Transit Services’ safety reporting platform later that day, stating, “They punched me in the face.” The rider further explained that the delay in reporting the assault was due to a desire to swiftly depart the scene and return home.
On the same day, Transit Watch received multiple reports from riders highlighting instances of harassment, open drug usage, drug transactions, a fire ignited at a bus stop, and an individual brandishing a flame lighter within a transit hub. Despite efforts by the City of Edmonton to enhance public transit safety by increasing the presence of peace officers and law enforcement, expanding outreach programs, and investing in cleaning and security enhancements, text messages sent to the reporting line within a month earlier this year indicated persistent safety concerns among many riders.
CBC News obtained these text messages, submitted to the reporting line between mid-February and mid-March, through a request under the Access to Information Act. The messages, spanning over 200 pages, documented daily reports from various locations across the city.
Among the prevalent concerns raised by riders were incidents of drug use and smoking observed at LRT stations, bus stops, and pedways. Reports detailed encounters with individuals using substances such as meth, crack, and fentanyl on transit premises. Instances of harassment, including verbal abuse and discriminatory remarks, were also reported, highlighting the challenges faced by passengers.
Additionally, riders expressed discomfort over witnessing drug deals, discovering drug paraphernalia, encountering individuals engaging in disruptive behaviors like urinating in public, and facing safety hazards like broken glass and blood spills within transit facilities. These incidents collectively underscored the ongoing safety issues within the transit system.
Frequent transit rider Katarina Hamilton, who regularly communicates with Transit Watch, shared her experiences of encountering disruptive behaviors, including fires being lit and entrances being blocked during late hours. She recalled a past incident involving a violent altercation at Central Station, emphasizing the importance of increased security measures such as the presence of peace officers and enhanced surveillance.
Despite ongoing efforts to address safety concerns, surveys conducted by ETS revealed that the percentage of riders feeling safe throughout their transit journeys remained consistent at 61% in 2025 compared to the previous year. ETS acknowledged the complexity of shaping riders’ safety perceptions and noted an increase in texts to Transit Watch during colder months, indicating a heightened awareness of safety issues among passengers.
To foster a safer transit environment, ETS is implementing various initiatives, including the addition of more peace officers and community outreach teams. The organization aims to enhance safety perceptions through measures such as improving cellular connectivity in LRT tunnels, enhancing rider engagement, and upgrading station infrastructure.
City council members, such as Coun. Anne Stevenson, highlighted the city’s commitment to transit safety, citing initiatives such as pop-up events at LRT stations to promote community engagement. Efforts to address the underlying causes of social disorder, including increased funding for housing and addiction treatment, were also emphasized as crucial steps towards improving overall safety on public transit.
Experts in transit planning, like David Cooper, emphasized the challenges faced by cities across North America in addressing drug-related issues on public transit. While cities like Edmonton have implemented various recommendations to enhance safety, sustained support from government partners is deemed essential to effectively combat these challenges in the long term. Cooper stressed the importance of continuous investment and collaboration to ensure lasting improvements in transit safety.
In conclusion, the ongoing efforts to address safety concerns on Edmonton’s public transit system reflect a multifaceted approach aimed at enhancing security measures, engaging with the community, and addressing the root causes of social disorder to create a safer environment for all passengers.