By: Taylor Bauer
Following CNIB’s Get on Board campaign, Edmonton Transit Service has continued to work closely with CNIB to improve transit accessibility and create a more inclusive transit experience for all riders.
Operator Education
In the summer of 2024, Edmonton Transit Service invited CNIB to present at their operator meeting on blindness etiquette. This training helped operators better understand the needs of passengers who are blind or have low vision and how to provide assistance respectfully.
Enhanced LRT Announcements
Edmonton Transit Service upgraded internal light rail transit safety announcements to include locational information for emergency buttons, improving accessibility and safety for all riders. Additionally, external announcements now indicate train lines and direction of travel, such as, “This is a Northbound Capital Line train.”
Improvements to the Built Environment
To enhance accessibility, Edmonton Transit Service increased the contrast of bus stop infrastructure, including shelters and curbs. They also consulted with CNIB to improve contrast in bench seating at older underground LRT stations, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to inclusive design.
Clearer Signage
Bus signage has been modified to display only the route number and destination, ensuring crucial route information always remains clear and accessible.
These advancements were made possible thanks to the invaluable feedback provided by Edmontonians who participated in CNIB’s Secret Rider survey and the Edmonton Get on Board campaign. Your input has been instrumental in driving these meaningful changes.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Edmonton Transit Service’s approach is its proactive and collaborative mindset. Rather than waiting for a perfect plan, they actively engaged with the Get on Board campaign, listened with open minds, and immediately applied what they learned. Edmonton Transit Service's ability to identify and implement small, impactful changes, sometimes within days or weeks, has set a new standard for accessibility initiatives. They have also demonstrated the ability to independently identify additional areas for improvement, further strengthening their commitment to inclusivity. 
Building on this momentum, Edmonton Transit Service and CNIB have recently partnered on a Rider Respect campaign to promote awareness and inclusivity on public transit. As part of this initiative, Edmonton Transit Service has posted signs in transit spaces offering tips to help create a welcoming environment for everyone.
Suggestions include:
- Offering your seat to those who may need it more and respecting priority seating and shared spaces.
- Understanding that disabilities are not always visible and can be episodic.
- Respecting everyone’s autonomy by asking before offering help.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Get on Board campaign. Together, we are making Edmonton’s transit system more accessible and inclusive for all.
For more information, visit the Edmonton Transit Accessibility webpage.