Increase in Violence on Public Transit Linked to Repeat Offenders

This story is a collaboration between CBC Visual Investigations and the Investigative Journalism Foundation (IJF).

Amid a surge in violent crimes on Canadian transit systems, Edmonton Police Service reports that 22% of offenders are responsible for nearly half of these incidents. Between 2015 and 2024, Edmonton’s transit-related violence more than doubled, with a 260% increase in physical assaults. Despite recent declines, the situation remains critical, particularly at the Coliseum LRT station, the city’s highest crime hotspot. Police acknowledge past neglect in addressing transit safety and are now intensifying their efforts to combat this issue.