In the early hours of Monday, March 2, a passenger on an Edmonton transit was attacked while passing through Churchill Station en route to the Valley Line LRT. The assaulted rider later messaged Transit Watch, the safety reporting line of Edmonton Transit Services, stating, “They punched me in the face.” The rider explained that the delay in reporting the incident was due to the immediate desire to leave the area and return home.
On that same day, Transit Watch received multiple reports from riders regarding various safety concerns, including harassment, drug use, drug trafficking, setting fires at bus stops, and individuals wielding flame lighters within transit facilities. Despite ongoing efforts by the City of Edmonton to enhance public transit safety through increased law enforcement presence, expanded outreach programs, and elevated investments in cleaning and security upgrades, text messages sent to the safety reporting line earlier this year indicate persistent worries among many riders regarding safety within the transit system.
Text messages obtained by CBC News through a request made under the Access to Information Act, covering a period from mid-February to mid-March, revealed a stream of incoming reports from different areas of the city. Drug use emerged as a significant concern among riders, with reports highlighting instances of drug consumption and smoking in LRT stations, bus stops, and pedways.
Observations shared by texters included witnessing individuals using substances like meth, crack, and fentanyl on transit premises, as well as encountering aggressive behavior from drug-affected passengers. Instances of drug deals, drug paraphernalia discoveries, public urination, disruptive behavior, and safety hazards like broken glass were also reported. Accounts ranged from finding used condoms in ticket machines to witnessing violent incidents such as fights and threats in transit locations.
Katarina Hamilton, a frequent transit user, mentioned texting Transit Watch monthly, citing incidents of people blocking entrances and starting fires, particularly during late-night hours. She recounted an incident from a year ago involving a violent altercation at Central Station, prompting her to contact both Transit Watch and the police due to safety concerns for herself and nearby children.
Despite regular surveys conducted by Edmonton Transit Services to gauge rider safety perceptions, the percentage of passengers feeling safe during their transit trips remained unchanged at 61% in 2025 compared to the previous year. ETS Branch Manager Carrie Hotton-MacDonald acknowledged the complexity of influencing safety perceptions and noted a rise in texts to Transit Watch, particularly during colder months, alongside increased police responses to violent incidents at transit locations.
To address safety concerns and enhance rider confidence, ETS is enacting various measures, such as deploying additional peace officers and community outreach teams, improving cellular connectivity in LRT tunnels, and boosting infrastructure enhancements at stations. City Councilor Anne Stevenson emphasized the city’s commitment to transit safety, mentioning initiatives like pop-up events and safety attendants while acknowledging the need to address underlying social issues contributing to disorder.
Amid ongoing discussions on public transit safety and drug-related challenges, experts like David Cooper underscore the importance of sustained support from all levels of government to combat such issues effectively. Cooper highlighted the efforts undertaken by cities like Edmonton in hiring more staff, investing in security measures, and redesigning infrastructure to deter criminal activities. However, he stressed the need for continued collaboration and long-term strategies to ensure lasting improvements in public transit safety.