The LRT in Edmonton

• The Light Rail Transit System (LRT) has been in Edmonton for over 20 years
• Edmonton was the first city in North America with a population of under 1 million to build a modern Light Rail Transit (LRT) system
• The first leg of the LRT opened in 1978 for the Commonwealth Games. 
• A number of expansions followed. 
• LRT now travels 12.3 km from the northeast part of the city, tunneling under Jasper Avenue downtown and linking across the North Saskatchewan River to the University of Alberta campus.

• LRT in Edmonton is a successful blend of surface and underground stations. The line extends from the northeast residential area of Clareview on the surface, sharing the CN Rail right-of-way until it nears downtown
• At 95 Street it enters its own tunnel beginning the underground portion of the line which extends through the downtown area to the North Saskatchewan River
• It crosses the river on its own bridge, just west of the High Level Bridge, and enters a second tunnel to the University of Alberta
• The downtown stations provide a direct link to the downtown pedway system, connecting with many major buildings, cultural facilities and shopping centers for year-round comfort. LRT connects with two major sporting venues -- Commonwealth Stadium and Skyreach Centre

Current Route

Existing System Facts:

LRT Vehicles

• Edmonton’s light rail cars are manufactured by Siemens/Duewag, a German manufacturer. However, 35% of the vehicle components were manufactured in Edmonton
• Each car is 24.3 metres long and 2.65 metres wide, and has a flexible, joined (articulated) section in the middle to allow for sharp cornering
• Each car can carry approximately 161 passengers comfortably (64 seated and 97 standing)
• The vehicles are heated in the winter and force ventilated in the summer. Heated sanders automatically drop sand if the wheels begin to slip or slide
• LRT vehicles can operate as a single car or in trains of up to five cars. They can easily be coupled or uncoupled to adapt to passenger volumes.

Bus/LRT Connection

LRT is an integral part of the Edmonton Transit System. LRT Route 201 is treated as a mainline route in the transit network. The regular fare, monthly passes and tickets with free transfers between routes, all apply to LRT. Bus and LRT schedules are carefully designed for quick and easy transfers. The LRT gives fast, direct service to its riders through convenient links to the fleet of buses and direct access to park and ride facilities. LRT customers have free parking at Clareview, Belvedere and Stadium stations.

(Information on the current system is provided by Edmonton Transit)