Edmonton Transit Service Coliseum Transit Centre
Opened | April 23, 1978 |
Location | 78 St/ 118 Ave |
LRT Lines Served | Capital Line |
Platform | Large loop with perimeter stops |
Passenger Access | N/A |
Park and Ride | No |
Coliseum Transit Centre is located in North Edmonton, located
on the original LRT line, it is named after the nearby hockey area which was
originally known as the Northlands Coliseum. Although over the years the arenas
name would change, that wouldn't effect the LRT Station or Transit Centre.
Prior to the opening on Coliseum Transit Centre, buses had met at 118 Ave/ 80
St.
The transit centre features a less common design seen in Edmonton with a large
loop with perimeter bus bays, rather than a central island. Buses can enter/
exit via 118 Ave, or 76 St. A passenger shelter is integrated with the entrance
to Coliseum LRT Station, while bus shelters are provide at the various bays
around the loop.
Originally, route 5 trolley coaches and route 18 diesels did not entre the
transit centre, but rather stayed on 118 Ave with their stop being under the
underpass. Route 6 trolley coaches continued using the 80 St/ 118 Ave loop for a
few years until their peak hour extensions were cutback. Route 5 trolley coaches
operated to a loop made via 72 St, 119 Ave, and 73 St., just East of the
Northlands Coliseum.
With the extension of Capilano Drive North off 118 Ave (Now Wayne Gretzky
Drive), trolley wire was erected into the Coliseum Transit Centre in 1996 at
which point the route 5 terminus was shifted to the transit centre itself.
During the summer of 2017 the entire busway and sidewalks were rebuilt with
funding through the Federal PTIF grant and Provincial GreenTrip. While the
layout remained the same, the concrete median at the 118 Ave entrance (West end)
was made smaller. While I don't believe buses ever used this end to loop around,
it would be easier with it reduced in size. I did see buses turning at the West
end once, when a fire adjacent to Belvedere Station prevented the LRT from
operating and contingency service was required from Coliseum to Clareview.
Looking West from the entrance to the LRT Station. | Looking Northwest to the transit centre, while only 3 buses, it was all GM's at the time. |