Discover the History & Future of Local Transit

Lethbridge—The Galt Museum & Archives | Akaisamitohkako’pa is pleased to announce the opening of a new temporary exhibition Ticket to Ride: Transit Through the Years, running from June 11 to September 4, 2022.

Public transit has played a vital role in Lethbridge’s history ever since the municipal railway system first opened back in 1912. From its humble beginnings with just ten streetcars, to the dozens of buses moving people around today, public transportation in Lethbridge has come a long way.

“This new temporary exhibition highlights changes in services over the years as well as the peppy personalities who make transit run on an everyday basis,” says Tyler Stewart, Curator at the Galt Museum & Archives. “It’s a great project to highlight the importance of this vital public service that often gets taken for granted.”

Items from the personal family collection of Lethbridge’s first female bus driver, Mariette Moroz, are some of the unique items on display in this exhibition, which recognizes her special accomplishments.

“For her it was never about ‘women’s lib,’ but about equal treatment for everyone no matter your gender, race or beliefs,” explains her son Jeff Moroz, who generously loaned items for display from his mother’s lengthy career. “She was always focused on serving the customer and going that extra mile to be a kind person.”

“I remember going on ride-alongs with her as a kid and grandma was on a first name basis with all her riders,” reflects Moroz’s granddaughter Maggie Hemsing, who also loaned objects for the exhibition. “I think the thing she valued the most from her career was the friendships she made.”

Although balancing service and cost has been an ongoing challenge, streetcars and buses have provided Lethbridge residents with mobility, and access to work, shop, play and engage with their community. The voices of past Lethbridge Transit employees help bring this exhibition to life and share insight into how things have changed over the years.

In addition to historical artifacts, authentic bus seating has been installed in the gallery courtesy of Lethbridge Transit. “Lethbridge Transit is honoured to be featured in the upcoming exhibit,” says Jeannie Ng, Service Delivery Supervisor for Lethbridge Transit. “The Galt Museum & Archives have done a wonderful job in highlighting the history of Lethbridge Transit and the impact it has in creating a thriving community.”

Visitors are also encouraged to look into the future by voting for their favourite experimental mode of public travel—automated flight might not be far off!