Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) selected Pacific Western Transportation (PWT) and Via Transportation to launch Canada’s largest on-demand transit service.

A total of 57 shuttle buses will conveniently and safely connect residents in select neighborhoods with a nearby transit hub. The accessible shuttles do not follow fixed routes and only operate upon request. The on-demand transit service, which will add a new layer to ETS’ integrated transit network, is set to launch in mid-2021 and will be part of a two-year pilot project.

Edmontonians will be able to book a ride directly from their smartphone using an app, a telephone, or a website. A shuttle bus with a professionally trained driver will take customers from designated stops in their neighborhood to nearby transit hubs. The shared ride service provides quick and efficient trips by using Via’s advanced trip planning software to match multiple passengers headed in the same direction.

PWT has been leading the Canadian new mobility market since 2017 by offering solutions in the realm of on-demand transit, autonomous vehicles, and Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) in Alberta, B.C., and Ontario. With its flourishing on-demand transit systems operating in Calgary, Cochrane, and Okotoks, PWT has the proven operational expertise and resources to successfully manage on-demand transit service in Edmonton.

Edmonton’s service will operate during peak and off-peak hours in approximately 30 communities and provide service to 18 large seniors residences. These sites, which were selected based on a number of factors, will be provided a flexible connection to the new bus network that is rolling out in mid-2021.