Like many families in the Cavanagh, Edmonton AB my family is heavily dependent on public transportation. The absence of a fixed-route bus service has proved financially burdensome, as we are forced to rely on ride-share services such as Uber on a daily basis. Not only does this increase daily expenses, but it also exposes individuals to the inadequacies of on-demand transit, jeopardizing their access to essential activities.

Numerous community members have shared their frustrations with the current system. One resident mentioned that their son frequently uses on-demand transit but often finds it unreliable. There have been instances where he had to walk from Allard to Cavanagh because no service was available. This is an unacceptable burden, particularly during Edmonton’s harsh winters.

Another parent shared how their son relies on on-demand transit to commute to Century Park. However, the service is inconsistent: sometimes it takes 20 minutes, and traffic delays make him late. At other times, the shuttles are full, leaving him with no choice but to walk 18 minutes to catch the 722 bus. Such long walks in freezing temperatures are neither practical nor safe.

One mother highlighted the safety concerns for her 16-year-old son, who has to walk 1.5 km home from the nearest bus stop in Callaghan. The lack of a reliable transit option means he frequently faces delays and long walks, despite paying for a full-price bus pass. Another resident revealed that their son often has to walk 25 to 30 minutes due to unavailable on-demand shuttles, a challenge that becomes unbearable during extreme weather conditions.

This struggle is not an isolated experience. It reflects the frustration of many community members who find themselves in the same predicament, unable to afford the high costs of using ride-share services daily. This speaks volumes about the current deficiencies of public transportation in our neighborhood.

According to Statistics Canada, approximately 12% of households in Edmonton do not have a vehicle, making them reliant on public transit. This statistic highlights a significant portion of our community that feels the impact of the lack of regular bus service.

Our collective experience underscores the urgent need for a dedicated, reliable public transportation system serving Cavanagh, Edmonton. Implementing a regular bus service would alleviate financial burdens, promote accessible transportation, and uphold the rights of our community members to essential mobility. Together, let’s support enhanced quality of life and mobility for all residents of Cavanagh.

I kindly encourage you to sign this petition and support the establishment of a regular bus service in our area.