First Light Rail Vehicle Arrives for Edmonton’s Valley Line West

The first Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) for Edmonton’s Valley Line West Light Rail Transit (LRT) project has arrived in the city, marking a key step in the expansion of the local transit network.

The vehicle was manufactured by Hyundai Rotem Company in Changwon, South Korea. Shipped in two sections, it was loaded onto a roll-on/roll-off vessel on 1 July.

After crossing the Pacific Ocean, the ship docked at the Port of Tacoma, Washington, on 20 July. From there, the LRV was transported by road to the Gerry Wright Operations and Maintenance Facility in southeast Edmonton.

Brian Latte, Director of Valley Line West at the City of Edmonton said:

The arrival of the first LRV is more than just a milestone; it’s a sign of momentum for the Valley Line West. Watching this train roll into Edmonton is a proud moment for our team and for the city. This LRV is a part of where we’re headed as a city. As Edmonton grows towards two million people, Valley Line West will change how we move, how we build, and how we connect with one another.

Hyundai Rotem is contracted to deliver a total of 46 LRVs for the Valley Line West. Sixteen vehicles are currently in production at various stages in South Korea, with deliveries scheduled through to 2027.

These new LRVs will operate alongside the 26 vehicles already in service on the Valley Line Southeast. Both fleets are fully compatible with the infrastructure across the entire 27-kilometre route.

Chiseung Kim, Project Manager for Valley Line West at Hyundai Rotem Company said:

We’re proud to see the first LRV arrive safely in Edmonton. From initial design, to manufacturing and testing in Korea, to final delivery, this vehicle represents years of collaboration and a shared commitment to delivering a high-quality transit vehicle. As the LRV manufacturer, Hyundai Rotem hopes that the LRVs we deliver will operate well in Edmonton and be helpful to Edmontonians in their daily lives.

In 2023, the City of Edmonton invited residents to test a full-scale mock-up of the vehicle. Public feedback contributed to several design decisions, particularly around accessibility, comfort, and usability.

Now that the vehicle has arrived in Edmonton, it will be offloaded, assembled, and prepared for local testing. Commissioning will take place on Valley Line Southeast tracks to ensure compatibility, without interfering with the existing passenger service.