Edmonton light rail vehicles: Hyundai Rotem contract for 32 LRVs

Edmonton light rail vehicles are set for a fleet renewal as the Canadian city moves ahead with a Hyundai Rotem contract for 32 high-floor light rail vehicles.

The agreement is valued at USD 220 million and covers both design and production, as reported by International Railway Journal. Manufacturing is expected to begin later this year, with deliveries planned between 2029 and 2030.

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The new vehicles will be three-section units capable of speeds up to 80 km/h. They are intended to replace Edmonton’s long-serving Siemens U2 light rail vehicles, which entered service more than 45 years ago.

Vehicle design focused on climate, safety, and comfort

The purchase is aimed at replacing worn-out equipment, so the new LRVs are being developed with passenger safety and comfort in mind. They are adapted to Edmonton’s extreme climatic conditions, including temperatures as low as –40°C and heavy snowfall. The design also incorporates energy-saving solutions through lightweight construction, as outlined by Railway PRO.

Safety measures also extend to the vehicle’s front end, where a collision warning system will be fitted to increase protection for passengers and pedestrians.

Where the new trains will operate in Edmonton?

The new high-floor fleet is expected to enter service on the first 1.6 km segment of the Northwest Line (Phase I), which will be operational in 2024. The vehicles are also planned for the extension of the Capital South Line (Phase I), which is under construction and is expected to become operational in 2029.

The Capital Line runs through Edmonton on a north–south axis, linking the city center to suburban areas.

Exterior identity, onboard systems, and accessibility

From the outside, the incoming LRVs will keep the visual identity of the existing fleet, but with added color contrasts and updated, modern lighting. Inside, the trains will be equipped with passenger information systems and layouts designed to support easier access for passengers with reduced mobility.

With this contract, Hyundai Rotem will supply vehicles for all light rail lines in Edmonton. The manufacturer previously secured a 2021 order for 46 high-floor light rail vehicles for the Valley West line, a project distinct from the high-floor lines covered by the current procurement, and Railway Supply’s coverage of the Valley Line deliveries notes those vehicles have been delivered in stages since August last year.

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