11 per cent of Edmontonians concerned about transit safety: CityNews poll
Posted October 18, 2025 5:17 pm.
Last Updated October 19, 2025 10:50 am.
Only 11 per cent of Edmontonians say they are concerned about safety when using public transit, according to a new poll conducted by Canada Pulse Insight for CityNews.
Taking transit, whether by LRT or bus, is one way to get around Edmonton. But with the municipal election coming up on Monday, transit commuters are sharing how they feel about their safety and overall experience.
“From a timing standpoint, I think it’s fantastic, like they’re almost always on time,” said Balbir Singh, transit user.
“Well, I’m pretty satisfied with the routes and stuff,” said Manan Aggarwal, transit user. “It’s just like safety as the main issue.”
While some transit users are mixed on their overall experience, one of the main concerns is safety.
“Not so much with unhoused people or things like that, but people are clearly in a bad way harassing other transit users, and I have had to intervene,” said Zach, transit user.
Some Edmontonians are also calling for more security, including peace officers.
“To some extent, certainly more eyes on transit is not really a bad thing,” said Zach.
“Honestly, I wouldn’t mind having a post set up like a security installation,” said Hiran, transit user. “The camera is just not going to do it.”
Others, however, feel public transit is already safe.
“I think that it was safe before it,” said Mick, transit user. “I think it’s safe now. I think that the police should be defunded.”
When it comes to what the next city council should improve, locals have mixed reviews.
“I hope they can finish the construction,” said Megan, transit user.
“Wanting to be able to say, ‘Hey, I can take my wife and two kids on the transit system and not feel concerned that someone’s going to say something or do something,’” said Balbir Singh, transit user.
“Addressing these problems, like homelessness and the drug crisis, before it can get to this point where we as transit users feel unsafe,” said Aisha Hoedl, transit user. “They feel like there’s a risk.”
The municipal election is on Monday, and transit users are hoping to see changes that improve rider safety and overall experience as they navigate Alberta’s capital city.
- Files from Leo Cruzat
