Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Operated by Edmonton Transit System, which uses 37 Siemens Transportation Systems U2 cars.
It was Edmonton, NOT San Diego
that started the North American Light Rail Revolution!
Stations
Edmonton's LRT system has a total of 10 stations, 4 above ground just out of the
downtown area; 5 underground in the downtown area and University Station, which is
underground across the river from the downtown area.
Downtown area
There are a total of five downtown stations that are underground (Grandin, Corona, Bay,
Central and Churchill). Of those five stations, four of them (Corona being the exception)
attach to the underground pedway systems. In fact, it is possible to go from Central to
Bay or Churchill underground by foot via that pedway system. Grandin's pedway system
connects to several provincial government buildings, including the Alberta Provincial
Legislature itself.
End of the Line
Stations at the ends of the line are Claireview and University. The trains used to run
1/2 mile past Clareview, however, additional crossovers have made this unnecessary.
Repair Facility (LRV Yard)
The D.L. MacDonald Garage is located between Clareview and Belvedere stations.
Right of Way Alignment
All trackage is either in a tunnel or an exclusive right of way. There are a few
grade crossings in the above-ground section of the system (Northeast of downtown).
Travel time
Travel time from one end of the system to the other: 20 minutes during peak periods, 19
minutes off-peak
Fares
The current one-way fare is $2.00 CDN. The downtown section underground
(Grandin to Churchill). Downtown Free Fare Zone in effect.
Operating Details
Car
consists may be as long as 5 cars. Doors open only when passengers press the Door Open Request button on the interior or
exterior of the car. Cars operate on 680 Volts DC.
History
Edmonton wanted proven technology, so they bought the Siemens-Duewag (now known as
Siemens Transportation Systems) U2 car, a derivative of the same car used in daily
service on Frankfort Germany's subway since the 1960's.
Consist at Belvedere Station Southbound
A 3 car consist southbound at a grade crossing just south of Stadium Station
A 3 car consist northbound at a grade crossing just south of Stadium Station.
A high-rail vehicle (specifically
called a Fairmont Speeder) intended for transportation use of Maintenance and
MOW employees.
Photos by
Martin Parsons
August 31, 2000
Claireview Station
D.L. MacDonald Garage Yard Tracks
Grandin Station
University Station (end of the line)
Note the Train Operator walking to the opposite end of the consist.
Photos by
Lightrail.com Webmaster
July 19, 2000
University Station (end of the line)
Photo by
Martin Parsons
July 25, 2000
Northbound LRT crossing the Dudley B. Menzies Bridge between University and Grandin
Stations
Northbound LRT crossing the Saskatchewan river. The portal into the tunnel
to University Station is behind the trees, you can just make out the edge of
the service building at the portal, upper-right corner of the picture at the
tracks.
Northbound LRT between the portal to the downtown
underground stations and Stadium Station
Northbound LRT in tunnel between Central and Churchill stations
Information compiled by Dan Dmytryshyn, Martin Parsons, Glenn St-Germain and Lightrail.com Webmaster.
Updated November 14, 2005