Transportation

Transportation in Cities

Street maps are available in stores that sell magazines and newspapers.

Walking

The following laws and suggestions about walking near vehicle traffic are provided for your safety:

• Use sidewalks, obey traffic signals and cross streets at intersections (where two or more streets meet). In Alberta, jaywalking (crossing the street other than at an intersection or marked crosswalk or against a red light) is against the law.
   
• If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road so you are facing traffic.
   
• Many street corners have crosswalks painted on the road. Drivers should stop at crosswalks to let pedestrians cross. However, pedestrians should be cautious and watch to make sure that cars have stopped before starting to cross the street.
   
• At night, wear light-coloured clothing to make it easier for drivers to see you.

Bicycles

Many adults and children ride bicycles during the summer months. They must obey traffic laws such as the following:

• Riders 17 years of age or younger must wear an approved bicycle helmet.
• Keep to the right or in the right lane, and ride in single file.
• Obey all traffic signs and lights.
• Use hand signals when turning.
• Get off and walk your bicycle when using crosswalks or sidewalks.
• Only one person is allowed on a bicycle designed for one person.
• Bicycles ridden at night must have a bicycle light and reflector.

Public transportation systems

Transit buses pick up people and drop them off at bus stops only. Bus stops are marked with signs.

Edmonton and Calgary also have Light Rail Transit (LRT) systems that connect some areas of the city with the downtown area.

Most transit systems print maps that show where buses and LRT trains go. For information about bus and LRT routes, travel times and fares, visit the city's website or phone the transit system. Phone numbers are listed in the phone book in the blue pages or under the name of your community in the white pages.

Have the correct amount of money (in coins) for bus fare because bus drivers do not carry change. In Edmonton and Calgary, you can purchase monthly bus passes or books of transit tickets at various retail outlets. Students can often purchase reduced fare bus passes through their schools.

Read the signs posted in LRT stations and always pay the fare. Inspectors randomly check to see if passengers have proof that they have paid (a bus pass, date-stamped transit ticket or transfer slip). If you have not paid the appropriate fare, you will be fined.

The cost of a bus ride does not vary with the length of the trip. If you need to take more than one bus or transfer to an LRT train to reach your destination, ask for a transfer slip when you pay your fare. A transfer slip allows you to get on the first available bus or train, at no additional charge, within 90 minutes after you received the slip.

Larger cities have special transit systems for people who have disabilities. These buses are specially designed to accommodate wheelchairs and take people from their homes to their destinations. Contact your local public transit system for information.

Taxis

Taxis are more expensive than public transit but passengers are taken directly to their destination.

All taxi companies in a city charge the same rate but rates may vary from one city to another.

Each taxi has a meter to measure the time and distance of each trip. The meter will show how much to pay the driver. There is no bargaining for taxi fares. A tip of about 10 per cent may be expected but is not required.

Taxis can be found waiting beside airports, large buildings, hotels, large department stores and hospitals. Or, taxis can be requested by phone. Telephone numbers for taxi companies are listed in the yellow pages of the telephone book and on the myTELUS phone book website.

Transportation between communities

Communities are often far apart, but Alberta has a well-maintained system of highways that makes motor vehicle travel fast and comfortable. Highway maps are available at tourist information centres located along busy highways.

Buses, trains and planes offer other travel options:

Buses travel between large and small cities throughout Alberta. For information about costs and schedules, look under Buses or Bus Lines in the yellow pages of your telephone book or on the myTELUS phone book website and call one or more companies for information.

Passenger train service is limited to an interprovincial train route with stops in Jasper and Edmonton, and tour services from Vancouver to Jasper, Banff and Calgary. For information about schedules and costs, see the VIA Rail Canada website or call 1-888-842-7245 toll-free; or see the Rocky Mountaineer Railtours website or call 1-877-460-3200 toll-free.

Several airline companies offer regularly scheduled flights between Calgary and Edmonton. Regional airline companies also fly to other cities in the province. For free information about schedules and costs, contact a travel agent (look under Travel in the yellow pages of your telephone book or on the myTELUS phone book website).

Hitchhiking (standing on a roadside indicating you want someone to give you a ride) is dangerous and may be against the law in some provinces.

Date Updated: Nov 01, 2007
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