Reduced transit services leads to frustrated commuters

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Edmonton announced reduced hours for transit services across the city yesterday evening, making for a busy morning commute on Tuesday.

According to an announcement on the city’s website, effective March 17, transit services will be reduced across the city from normal weekday levels to Saturday service levels, seven days a week.

The changes took effect on Tuesday morning and saw Edmonton residents going against public health recommendations for social distancing, due to the crowding in buses.

This was my bus this morning. Whoever thought that this idea was going to protect anyone (driver included) probably does 👏 NOT!👏 TAKE! 👏 THE BUS!#ets #etsfail #edmonton #cityofedmonton @doniveson @Edm_Examiner @edmontonjournal @Edmontonsun @GlobalEdmonton @ctvedmonton @CTVNews pic.twitter.com/5D0Ulq5zee

— Allen Lai (@alai2fly) March 17, 2020

This morning the#2 bus at 7am is packed of people going from West Edmonton mall to Downtown with people who need to work and this is not going to help stop the Virus! Keep at peak hours more busses @AndrewKnack @takeETSalert @GlobalEdmonton @doniveson @ctvedmonton @CBCEdmonton

— Alberto Cea (@ceasol) March 17, 2020

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Mayor Don Iveson took to Twitter to address the concerns he was hearing on social media, and letting Edmontonians know that the issue will be fixed.

I’m hearing your concerns on #yegtransit service adjustments loud and clear this morning and pushing @cityofedmonton officials hard for service changes.

Sorry about this.

Your safety and the safety of our staff matters most in these challenging times.

We’ll fix this. #yegcc https://t.co/QXa4undxU7

— Don Iveson (@doniveson) March 17, 2020

A spokesperson from the city says that the city will be addressing the concerns later today.

With coronavirus on the rise, Alberta Health Services is reminding individuals who attend events and large gatherings to monitor their health for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. And if you’re not feeling well, they recommend staying home at this time. Also, due to unexpected cancellations, please check the event you plan to attend is still taking place. Keep up with COVID-19 news here.