Premier Alison Redford rode Edmonton's LRT Monday to kick off a province-wide tour that critics say is nothing more than pre-election campaigning.

Redford took the LRT from the stop closest to the Alberta Legislature, Grandin Station, to the Jubilee Auditorium, her first stop of the day.

Redford stepped into a car, accompanied by seven cabinet ministers and members of the Edmonton media.

Redford claimed she wasn't trying to make a point about public transit by taking the train.

"There's so many of us, we've all got to get there at the same time," she said.

The Premier later appeared at the opening of the newly renovated emergency department at the Stollery Children's Hospital.

Redford dismissed suggestions her government is engaging in pre-election campaigning on the taxpayers' dime, arguing cabinet does this type of tour every year.

"I think it's important for us, as cabinet, to listen to what Albertans are saying, I think that's what Albertans want," she said.

"That's certainly what we're going to do this week. We've done it every single year and we'll continue to do it because we think it's important."

Redford and members of her cabinet are appearing at locations across the province until Thursday.

She is expected to call an election after her government releases the provincial budget next month.