Welcome to CFBT
The Citizens for Better Transit (CFBT) is a registered non-profit citizens group advocating for quality public transit in the Edmonton area.
We aim to inform Edmontonians about the many benefits that good public transit can offer and advocate for quality investments in our transit system.
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
Better Transit Award
Michael Phair receives
2009 Gerry Wright Better Transit AwardRead all about it at Here!
The presentation of the 2009 award took place at the South Campus Station stage at the ETS Community Fair, held April 25th in conjunction with the opening of the South LRT extension to South Campus. The 2009 Winner is former Edmonton City Councillor Michael Phair. Congratulations to this outstanding citizen.
Previous winners were Kevin Brown and Doug Cowan (2008), J.A. Brown (2007), Robert Clark and Ewen Nelson (2006) and Sonja Mihelcic (2005).
Earth Day
The 2009 Earth Day at Hawrelak Park in Edmonton on Sunday April 26, 2009 has been postponded due to weather issues. We will announce here when we will have our booth up at the rescheduled Earth Day Festivities!
Membership Information
NOW DUE FOR 2009!
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.
2009 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