Edmonton is adding 30 transit peace officers by July to enhance safety and public perception, bringing the total to 126 officers for buses, LRT, and transit centers
Edmonton to Increase Transit Peace Officers
By July, the City of Edmonton will add 30 peace officers for public transit. This will bring the total to 126 transit peace officers for buses, the LRT, and transit centres.
“We are collectively committed to a safe and reliable transit system,” said David Jones, Edmonton’s chief bylaw enforcement officer.
The city council approved these additional officers in April. Fifteen officers will deploy this month, and the remaining officers are expected to be in place by summer.
Jones stated that the new officers will enhance proactive enforcement at stations with higher call volumes, including downtown.
He hopes these reinforcements will improve public perception of transit safety. “When it comes to that public perception, lots of times that uniform provides that increased perception of safety,” Jones said.
Public perception of safety remains mixed. Global News spoke with several people at a downtown LRT platform.
| Quote | Source |
|---|---|
| “I feel it’s not very safe for a woman because you see everywhere there are people having drugs.” | Unnamed Woman |
| “I have never had a problem being on transit so really don’t have bad things to say about it.” | Another Woman |
Additionally, Edmonton peace officers will launch a dedicated traffic safety team this year. This team will handle enforcement responsibilities, including speeding violations.
Jones expects the team will have 22 frontline officers by the end of 2027.
