Edmonton Transit Phases Out Paper Tickets by December 2025

Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) is discontinuing the acceptance of paper tickets and passes, urging riders to use any remaining paper fare options by the end of December 2023. After this date, tickets with an expiry of December 31, 2023, along with Family and Day passes expiring in 2024, will no longer be valid for travel on ETS.

Riders can continue to utilize alternative payment methods, including Arc cards, Arc tickets, and cash. The decision to phase out paper fares aligns with the City of Edmonton’s full transition to the Arc card system, which aims to streamline the fare payment process for public transport users.

Transition Timeline for Fare Changes

Originally scheduled for the end of 2024, the phase-out of paper tickets and passes has now been extended to conclude by the end of 2025. Starting in January 2026, the orange paper ticket validators currently in place at Light Rail Transit (LRT) stations will be removed and replaced with additional Arc card validators. This change is intended to enhance the convenience of tap-on, tap-off service for passengers.

The City of Edmonton has indicated that the entire removal process of the paper ticketing system is expected to take approximately two months. For those who have not yet acquired an Arc card, they can easily order one for use on ETS online, ensuring a smooth transition ahead of the upcoming changes.

This initiative represents a significant modernization effort by ETS, aiming to improve user experience while promoting digital payment methods in public transport. As the city moves forward, passengers are encouraged to adapt to the new system to ensure uninterrupted travel.