Welcome to CFBT
The Citizens for Better Transit (CFBT) is a registered non-profit citizens group promoting public transit use in the Edmonton area. We aim to inform Edmontonians about the many benefits that public transit can offer.
UPDATED! August 6, 2012 1PM: 2012 Gerry Wright Better Transit Award
CFBT continues to accept nominations until July 15, 2012 for the upcoming 2012 Gerry Wright Better Transit Award. The 2012 award ceremony will be held on Monday August 6, 2012 1PM (Civic Holiday) at the Heritage Festival in Hawrelak Park's Main Stage! Click here for more details.
Please download the application for the BTA HERE!
Our 2012 Sponsor
The Gerry Wright Better Transit Award is designed to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the improvement of public transit in the Edmonton area.
Nominees may include private citizens, community leaders and public employees. Nominations may be submitted by individuals or organizations.
Edmonton Trolleybuses
Moving Edmonton Backwards - Electric Trolley Service replaced with Diesel Buses
It is with regret that Citizens for Better Transit must report that the operation of electric trolleybuses in Edmonton ended on May 2, 2009.
Trolleybuses served 46 neighborhoods on a system spanning about 140 kms.
The decision to end trolley operations results in the loss of sustainable transit infrastructure valued at $116 Million. It will increase diesel emissions, predominantly in the downtown area, as well as lead to a noticeable increase in noise levels in all communities that were served by trolleybuses.
With senior administrators objecting to a proper ceremony to mark the closing of the system, the end of 70 years of trolley service on the afternoon of May 2nd was marked only by a brief gathering outside the Westwood garage as the last trolleys completed their runs.
"Scrapping a 'green' asset of this size in the 21st century, at a time when the world is concerned with Peak Oil, sustainability, and improving urban quality of life just smacks of irresponsibility," says Michael Marriott, Chair of Citizens for Better Transit. "This is an embarrassment to the City of Edmonton, and one which will have a very longstanding impact."
Trolleybuses are in use in about 360 cities worldwide, a number that has been growing since the 1970's. Due to growing environmental concerns and the need to diversify fuel sources to cope with the impacts of Peak Oil, the introduction of trolleybuses has recently received consideration in a number of cities in Canada and around the world.
Click here to Visit an article by article by Darryl McMahon
or here for Councillor Don Ivesons Blog
Membership Information
Membership with the CFBT is now free for non-voting members! Full voting membership is $20/year.
Of course, you need not be a member to come to our meetings and voice your concerns and ideas regarding Edmonton's transit system.
Ever wanted to get involved in making Edmonton's transit system better? Now is your chance. We're looking for new members and volunteers in our advocacy and educational activities. Visit the get involved section of our website for more information.
2011 Membership dues are now due. Please fill out an application and forward it with your payment to the CFBT Treasurer at the next CFBT meeting or mail it to us at the address under Contact Us!
Previous News
Better Frequencies, Faster Travel Times
Support Improvements to our Transit System!
Let your Councillor Know!
Click here to see Citizens for Better Transit's Presentation on the ETS
Strategic Ridership Growth Strategy
Click here to view the City's original consultant's Report
Special Presentation on Transportation and its Future
Energy and Transport in the Next Decades
with Dr. Richard Gilbert
Did you miss this? Check it out on Youtube at http://www.youtube.com/transitedmonton