Edmonton Welcomes First Hyundai Rotem Light Rail Vehicle for Valley Line West Expansion
This month, Edmonton celebrated a key milestone in the Valley Line West expansion: the first of 46 Hyundai Rotem light rail vehicles (LRVs) has arrived. The first car landed on August 6, kicking off a fleet that will eventually cover 27 kilometers, linking the southeast to the northwest and extending Edmonton’s growing light rail network.
With these sleek, zero-emission LRVs, the city is reinforcing its commitment to faster, greener, and more reliable transit. Edmonton’s population is projected to reach two million within the next decade, and the Valley Line West is a crucial part of the city’s long-term strategy to manage growth efficiently while promoting sustainable urban living.
Edmonton’s LRT Embraces the Future
The new Hyundai Rotem LRVs will complement the 26 Alstom trains already running the Valley Line Southeast. Featuring seven wide doors and a low-floor layout, riders can board step-free, whether they are students, seniors, parents with strollers, or passengers in wheelchairs. This design speeds up boarding and alighting, reducing wait times and improving transit efficiency.
The Valley Line West spans 14 kilometers of the 27-kilometer expansion, connecting Mill Woods in the southeast to Lewis Farms in the northwest. By linking neighborhoods, parks, shops, schools, and cultural hubs, it offers a smoother east-west route, eases traffic congestion, and supports the city’s goals for sustainable mobility. The new line builds on the strong ridership of the Valley Line Southeast, which opened in November 2023.
Testing, Assembly, and Delivery
The first LRV underwent rigorous testing at Hyundai Rotem’s Changwon, South Korea plant. Shipped in two segments on July 1, it arrived at the Port of Tacoma on July 20 and was trucked to Edmonton for final assembly at the Gerry Wright Operations and Maintenance Facility. After assembly, the vehicle will undergo commissioning and on-track testing along the Valley Line Southeast to ensure all electrical, signal, braking, and passenger systems meet safety standards.
The remaining 45 LRVs are being manufactured in South Korea, with deliveries continuing through 2027. Each car is engineered to perform reliably in Edmonton’s extreme seasonal temperatures, ensuring consistent service year-round.
Changing How Edmonton Moves
The Valley Line West is designed to offer reliable, efficient transit as an alternative to driving, reducing congestion and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. With electric-powered vehicles, the expansion supports Edmonton’s climate action objectives, promoting cleaner air and sustainable urban growth.
Brian Latte, director of the project, stated: “This line will reshape the way we travel, how we design our neighborhoods, and how we connect. It’s more than a train line; it’s the backbone of an efficient, sustainable, and welcoming transit system.”
The new LRVs focus on passenger comfort and accessibility, with spacious interiors, dedicated bike and stroller areas, ample standing space, wheelchair zones, tactile floor indicators, and clear audio-visual information for all riders.
Economic and Social Impact
The Valley Line West expansion brings economic benefits by boosting commerce, attracting investment, and connecting communities to shops, schools, and cultural sites. By integrating neighborhoods into a seamless transit network, it encourages denser, walkable development and strengthens social connections.
From a sustainability perspective, the project reduces car dependency, energy use, and emissions, supporting Edmonton’s climate action goals and fostering a greener, more livable city.
Future Outlook
The first Hyundai Rotem LRV marks the start of a transformative expansion. As additional vehicles arrive and construction completes, the Valley Line West will offer faster, cleaner, and more dependable transit. The project highlights Edmonton’s commitment to sustainable urban development and provides a blueprint for future transit growth across Canada.
Conclusion
The arrival of Edmonton’s first Hyundai Rotem light rail vehicle represents a major milestone for the Valley Line West expansion and the city’s transit system. With step-free access, modern amenities, and eco-friendly operation, these LRVs serve thousands of daily passengers efficiently and sustainably. As more vehicles enter service and the line fully opens in 2027, Edmonton will benefit from reduced commute times, lower emissions, and enhanced connectivity. Learn more about innovations in urban transit at Neon Report.
