In the early hours of Monday, March 2, a passenger using Edmonton transit was attacked while passing through Churchill Station en route to the Valley Line LRT. The rider later texted Transit Watch, the safety reporting line of Edmonton Transit Services, stating, “They hit me in the face.” The rider explained that the incident wasn’t reported immediately as they just wanted to leave and reach home quickly.
On the same day, Transit Watch received reports from riders concerning harassment, drug use, drug transactions, fires being set at bus stops, and an individual brandishing a flame lighter inside a transit center. Despite efforts by the City of Edmonton to enhance public transit safety over the years through increased law enforcement presence, expanded outreach teams, and investments in cleaning and security upgrades, text messages sent to the reporting line earlier this year indicate ongoing safety concerns among many riders.
Text messages obtained by CBC News, covering a period from mid-February to mid-March, revealed numerous reports of drug use and smoking at LRT stations, bus stops, and pedways. Riders expressed dismay at being exposed to illegal drugs and encountering individuals under the influence of substances regularly during their commutes. Reports included observations of drug use involving meth, crack, and fentanyl, as well as instances of verbal abuse and disturbing behavior by drug-affected passengers.
Concerns raised in the text messages ranged from drug deals and drug paraphernalia sightings to disruptive behaviors like public urination, screaming, and obstructing pathways. Specific incidents mentioned included discovering a used condom in a ticket machine at Davies Transit Centre, witnessing blood at Belvedere Transit Station, fires being lit in transit areas, and threats of violence at various LRT stations.
Frequent transit rider Katarina Hamilton shared her experience of encountering disturbances, including fights and fires, during late-night and early-morning commutes. She emphasized the need for more peace officers and increased surveillance on buses to enhance passenger safety.
Despite efforts to address safety concerns, surveys conducted by ETS revealed that the percentage of riders feeling safe during their last transit trip remained unchanged at 61% in 2025. ETS acknowledged the complexity of influencing safety perceptions in the short term, citing various factors that shape riders’ views on safety.
To address safety issues, ETS is implementing initiatives such as deploying additional peace officers and community outreach teams, enhancing infrastructure, and providing rider training and engagement opportunities. City council members have also emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of social disorder, with ongoing efforts to improve safety on public transit.
Experts in transit and transportation planning, like David Cooper, highlighted the widespread challenges faced by cities in North America regarding public transit safety and drug use. Cooper emphasized the need for sustained support from government partners to effectively address these issues and ensure long-term improvements in public transit safety.