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FAQs


How is the Spruce Grove service operated?

The City of Spruce Grove’s commuter transit service is operated through a contract agreement with the City of Edmonton and Edmonton Transit Service (ETS). While the City of Spruce Grove determines the route and the placement of stops, ETS is contracted to provide service between Spruce Grove and major employers / post-secondary institutions in Edmonton through Route 197. Fare revenue from Route 197 goes to the City of Spruce Grove which then uses this money to help fund the service. While the buses used have the same ‘look’ as ETS’s regular buses, they are a separate entity from ETS’s other routes.



Who does this service target?

The service is targeted at people who commute into Edmonton on a peak hour (morning / late afternoon) Monday to Friday schedule for work or school. As the service is offered on a different fare schedule and bus pass system than the local ETS service, the ideal user will commute to somewhere along Route 197 (i.e. no additional ETS connections required). The route includes stops at several downtown locations as well as NAIT, Grant MacEwan University, and the University of Alberta.



How many riders use this service?

Use of Spruce Grove’s commuter transit service has steadily grown since it started in January 2006. Data from 2011 saw bus pass sales around 240 per month and between 200 - 220 riders in each direction every day. The service is currently operating at near full capacity during peak months (September to April).



What are the environmental benefits of the transit service?

Route 197 has eliminated approximately 275,000 personal vehicle trips between Spruce Grove and Edmonton since it started in 2006. The reduction in carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas emitted by vehicles, is estimated at close to 1,400 tonnes. Other benefits include reduced air pollution, congestion, and wear and tear on infrastructure.



Why does my bus pass not work within Edmonton on the regular ETS system?

The City of Spruce Grove contracts Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) to provide service specifically between major employers/post-secondary institutions in Edmonton and Spruce Grove on Route 197. This route is considered one of a few intermunicipal bus routes operated by ETS. The City of Leduc and the City of Fort Saskatchewan also operate their service in a similar way.  

These routes, which look the same as other routes, are a separate entity from the regular service offered within the City of Edmonton. Fare revenue from Route 197 goes to the City of Spruce Grove which then uses this money to help fund the service. Access on ETS’s other routes however requires the appropriate fare to be paid directly to ETS.



Why is there no service to Stony Plain or more local service?

Resources for transit service are limited and the high cost of transit makes expansion a challenge. Commuter service into Edmonton was deemed as the most feasible option to start the service. This service was designed to provide limited peak hour local service as well.

Part of the City’s long-term goal for transit service is expanding local service and introducing service between Stony Plain and Spruce Grove. The City is currently engaged with other municipalities in the Capital Region to create an integrated regional transit network which better meets the needs of transit users as part of the Capital Region Growth Plan External



Why is there no mid-day, evening or weekend service to Edmonton?

Resources for transit service are limited and the high cost of transit makes expansion a challenge. Commuter service into Edmonton was deemed as the most feasible option to start the service. While the City recognizes there is demand for mid-day, evening or weekend service, the City does not have the resources to expand the service past its current focus on peak commuters.

The City is currently engaged with other municipalities in the Capital Region to implement the Intermunicipal Transit Network Plan and better meet the needs of regional transit users. Learn more: Capital Region Growth Plan External



Why is Spruce Grove not a partner in the U-Pass program?

The Universal Transit Pass (U-Pass) is a ‘group purchase’ transit discount, offered to students at specific institutions as a group. In this program, the discounted price is a result of all students sharing the cost of student transit use (i.e. all students subsidize transit using students). The program is applied to students regardless of where they live or their level of transit use. Students vote on these agreements on a three-year cycle. The program and vote is organized by the Student Unions.  

Revenue generated through U-Pass sales is shared amongst participating transit operators based on the formula agreed upon at the time of negotiations with participating Student Unions. These agreements are based on three-year contract cycles with the next round of negotiations to be held and voted upon by the students in 2013. The City of Spruce Grove was not included in the last round of negotiations.

Spruce Grove’s transit program is already heavily subsidized (as are all transit systems). Participating in the U-Pass program prior to the next contract cycle will place an undue burden on local taxpayers and require a tax increase. In addition to the lost revenue associated with Route 197 pass sales, U-Pass program participation would likely increase ridership. As our system is at capacity this would in turn require us to contract additional service from ETS. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, it would come at significant cost and must be considered as part of the City’s long term budget planning process.

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Are bus tickets available?

Bus tickets are not available for the Spruce Grove transit service. These tickets present a security concern for Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) and there is limited demand for these in Spruce Grove. Riders can pay for individual trips with cash. Monthly bus passes are also available.



How does the "reverse-commuter" service work? 

Limited service is available to Spruce Grove in the mornings and to Edmonton in the afternoons. Morning service to Spruce Grove leaves from 154 Street and 118 Avenue. Residents can pick-up afternoon service to Edmonton at any of the scheduled stops in Spruce Grove.

Buses arrive 20 minutes after leaving Spruce Grove at the Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) west end garage located at 11904 - 154 Street. A short walk provides access to ETS bus routes serving this area (Routes 3, 122, and 126). These routes provide connections to the Northgate and Westmount terminals, West Edmonton Mall, and downtown.



What is Spruce Grove doing to improve its transit service?

The City of Spruce Grove and Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) closely monitor route ridership and service levels. Changes to the service are made and additional buses added as resources allow. For example, a seventh bus was added in the morning and afternoon in September 2009 to accommodate more people using the service.

In addition, the City is currently engaged with other municipalities in the Capital Region to implement the Intermunicipal Transit Network Plan to better meets the needs of regional transit users. Learn more: Capital Region Growth Plan External