“Here to Help” campaign begins as students return to transit

News Release

“Here to Help” campaign begins as students return to transit


As students head back to school this fall, the City of Edmonton and partner agencies are prepared to welcome them back to transit. With over 70,000 students taking transit, the City is focused on helping new and returning riders navigate the transit system with confidence and ease.

The annual “Here to Help” campaign is built around the return of students to classrooms. From September 1 to 18, enhanced patrols will target key high-traffic transit hubs and LRT stations during peak weekday hours, from 7 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. Peace officers, ETS staff and Edmonton Police Service (EPS) members will also visit post-secondary campuses and be available in public spaces and pedways, offering tips to navigate the transit system and understand bylaws. 

“People are the heart of Edmonton’s transit system,” said Mayor Andrew Knack. “Whether they are routine riders or first time commuters, the City is dedicated to supporting Edmontonians to get to the places they need to be. I am incredibly thankful to ETS, Transit Peace Officers, Community Standard Peace Officers and Edmonton Police Services who support this initiative each year, helping Edmontonians navigate their everyday journeys with ease.”

“We want Edmontonians to know that our Transit Peace Officers are dedicated to making our system welcoming and accessible for all,” said Brooke Hilborn, Deputy Chief, Community Standards Peace Officers. “They are available across our system to help riders navigate their routes, answer fare questions, address safety concerns, assist with reporting incidents and ensure a smooth, comfortable journey for everyone.”

In addition to teams supporting transit riders at LRT stations, Downtown Community Standards Peace Officers will assist with wayfinding and education.

To support the fall increase in ridership, ETS will provide ongoing help for all riders, including new and returning students. ETS teams participate in new student orientation events hosted at MacEwan University, NorQuest University, the University of Alberta, NAIT, Concordia University and King’s University to provide resources and help students navigate the transit system.

“Our staff are excited to welcome students at transit centres and post-secondary institutions in September to provide information and trip planning support,” said Carrie Hotton-MacDonald, Branch Manager, Edmonton Transit Service. “Through partnerships with schools and student associations, as well as additional in-person outreach at transit facilities, we are committed to providing education and communication to students all year long.”

As a key partner in ensuring transit safety throughout the system, the Edmonton Police Service is increasing its visibility during the campaign, while also supporting educational opportunities to promote rider confidence.

“We’ve seen firsthand how proactively working with our Edmonton Transit and City of Edmonton partners in transit spaces keeps our riders safe,” said Patrick Stevens, Staff Sergeant, EPS Transit Safety Operations. “As Edmontonians head back to class, we want them to know we will continue to be available throughout the transit system and are here to help.”

During peak hours, uniformed members will be at 10 locations, including LRT stations and transit centres.

“When we talk about transit, the first thing we always hear is that students value a safe and reliable experience,” said Angelina Raina, Vice President (External), University of Alberta Students’ Union. “The City has been a great partner for student safety priorities like funding the Community Outreach Transit Team (COTT) team, providing new resources and rolling out cell service in the LRT tunnels. We appreciate the City’s hard work to meet those needs and get students informed.”

Riders are encouraged to save the Transit Watch number (780-442-4900) in their phones to report non-emergency safety concerns like harassment, disorder or suspicious behaviour via call or text. Emergencies should always be reported immediately to 911.
For more information:
edmonton.ca/ETSSafety