By Ashton Wong, for the Canadian Transit Heritage Foundation

Visitors to Edmonton, Alberta’s 2025 K-Days exhibition were able to view two of Edmonton Transit Service (ETS)’s prized historic vehicles, units 59 and 148. These rare buses were showcased alongside informational displays and other historic items such as fare media and memorabilia. Visitors could explore the bus interiors and learn about ETS’s transit history.

For those with fond memories of Edmonton’s earlier transit years, this display offered a meaningful chance to reminisce about riding the red and cream buses decades ago. On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, fairgoers were able to gain free general admission by presenting their Arc (smart fare) card at the entrance gate, as part of “Transit Tuesday”, turning a regular Tuesday into a transit-themed celebration.

ETS 59, a 1950 Twin Coach 44-SP, on display at the K-Days exhibition. Photographed by Nico Sander on July 20, 2025.

Unit 59, a 1950 Twin Coach 44-SP, is a propane-powered bus equipped with a Fageol FTC 210 engine. It was the only propane unit in the ETS order of six 44-S buses, the remaining five arriving with gasoline engines. After retirement in the mid 1970s, this bus was retained for the ETS historic collection and was fully restored around 1990.

ETS 148, a 1947 Canadian Car & Foundry Brill T-44, on display at the K-Days exhibition. Photographed by Nico Sander on July 20, 2025.

Unit 148, built in 1947, is a Canadian Car & Foundry Brill T-44 trolleybus that was powered by overhead wires. With its electric motor and high-floor design, this vehicle once glided silently along Edmonton’s now-decommissioned trolley routes.

ETS 4955, a 2020 New Flyer XD60, on display at the K-Days exhibition. Photographed by Nico Sander on July 20, 2025.

Representing the modern-day fleet was an articulated bus, Unit 4955, a 2020 New Flyer XD60. This bus is part of the regular operational fleet but was part of the 2025 K-Days display.

The exhibit invited interaction, reflection, and learning about the history of Edmonton’s transit system. For older generations, it’s a trip down memory lane, with many recalling commutes or daily rides on the very models on display. For younger visitors, it’s a glimpse into a different Edmonton, when transit looked and sounded very different from today’s diesel and battery electric (and even hydrogen!) fleet.

Whether you’re a transit enthusiast or simply interested in Edmonton’s history, ETS’s historic fleet is a one-of-a-kind collection, and we’re fortunate to have these rare and valuable pieces of the past preserved for future generations to appreciate.