Edmonton LRT

File:LRT Station South Campus Edmonton Alberta Canada 01B.jpg, near the Neil Crawford Centre and Foote Field]]

Edmonton's population grew rapidly in the decades after the Second World War, going from 160,000 residents in 1951 to 451,000 in 1976.{{Cite journal |last=MacDonald |first=D.L. |last2=Bakker |first2=J.J. |date=1978 |title=Edmonton's Northeast Light-Rail Rapid Transit Line |url=http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/sr/sr182/182-005.pdf |journal=Transportation Research Board |pages=23–27}} During the 1960s and early 1970s, city-commissioned studies recommended a number of city-wide transportation systems such as heavy rail transit lines, and freeway networks. The city opted to study LRT as a "balanced" solution; being more cost effective and flexible than heavy rail (i.e., subways), but higher-capacity and less expensive in the long-term than bus-only networks utilizing freeways.

Edmonton's northeast section was selected as the first area to receive transportation improvements, because its road network was at risk of being overwhelmed by new developments. City Council was presented with three options in 1974: 1) A freeway-bus option, which would require 70 buses in peak hours, require substantial land acquisition, and reduce potential transit ridership; 2) an all-bus option that would require 150 buses in peak hours, which would share traffic lanes with vehicles aside from limited bus-priority measures, and; 3) an integrated option that required 75 buses in peak hours, and 14 LRT cars on a northeast line. The third option had the lowest ongoing costs of the three, and City Council approved it in 1973 despite provincial funding not being secured yet.{{Cite journal |last=Bakker |first=J.J. |date=1981 |title=Edmonton's Light Rail Transit from Concept to Operations |url=http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1981/817/817-002.pdf |journal=Transportation Research Board |pages=7–12}} In 1974, the Alberta Government pledged $45 million over four years, which was the original estimated cost of construction.

Construction began in 1974 with a budget of $65 million.{{cite web |url=http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/ets/about_ets/ets-history-statistics.aspx |title=History of ETS |date=June 2016 |website=City of Edmonton |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130601142233/http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/ets/about_ets/ets-history-statistics.aspx |archive-date=June 1, 2013 |access-date=July 11, 2013}} During planning and construction, the managers of various departments and city-owned utilities coordinated through a Municipal Planning Commission, which allowed the city to reserve a path for the LRT; this included controlling the location of piles under the Edmonton Plaza Hotel to allow for LRT tunnels to be constructed later. As well, members of the University of Alberta's Faculty of Engineering served as advisors for the project, and conducted research in areas such as transportation planning, traffic management, soil mechanics, and tunnelling.

Edmonton became the first city in North America with a metropolitan population of less than one million to build a modern light rail system.{{cite web |url=http://www.edmonton.ca/transit/whats_new/LRT_Brochure_2004.pdf |title=LRT Brochure |date=November 15, 2004 |access-date=December 2, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070104201709/http://www.edmonton.ca/transit/whats_new/LRT_Brochure_2004.pdf |archive-date=January 4, 2007}} It also became the first city in Western Canada to operate a rapid transit system. Testing of the new line started in 1977 with regular service starting April 22, 1978, in time for the 1978 Commonwealth Games. The line followed a CN right-of-way from Belvedere Station to Stadium Station (near Commonwealth Stadium), via an intermediate stop at Coliseum Station (near Northlands Coliseum), and then continued in a tunnel under 99 Street to Central Station, at Jasper Avenue and 100 Street, including an intermediate stop at Churchill Station. The original line was {{Cvt|6.9|km}} long.

Planning influences included the rail systems of Toronto (for dimensions), Montreal (underground environment), Cleveland (reuse of existing rail right of way), as well as Netherlands and Germany (feeder bus routes with timed-transfers, and choice of rolling stock). Operating practices were influenced by the MBTA Green Line, British trams, and the Canadian National Railway.{{Cite web|url=https://pedestrianobservations.com/2018/07/03/why-are-canadian-construction-costs-so-high/|title=Why Are Canadian Construction Costs So High?|date=July 4, 2018}}

When the line opened, fare collection was modelled on traditional rapid transit lines, with booth attendants. Low volumes of activity at some entrances led to weekend closures of alternate station entrances. In November 1980, Edmonton Transit (as it was then named) switched to a modified European-style "proof of payment" system, retaining the old turnstiles to issue the new receipts.{{cite book |last=Tingley |first=Kenneth W. |title=Ride of the Century: The Story of the Edmonton Transit Service |year=2011 |publisher=City of Edmonton |isbn=978-0-9809275-0-4 |page=239 }} Fares were now collected by automated ticket vending machines with irregular proof of payment inspectors, which permitted keeping all entrances open and required fewer staff.

Every station on the line constructed since 1983 has been built with full accessibility for persons with disabilities. The 1998 and 2001 upgrades to the Belvedere and Clareview stations involved installation of roofs and lengthening of platforms to accommodate five-car trains.

The LRT system had an estimated 18,220 weekday passenger boardings in 1978. 24 years later, after the completion of six new underground stations in the downtown and with a new terminus at the University of Alberta, boardings more than doubled to 39,550 in 2002. The LRT system continues to expand, and operated with 18 stations, {{convert|24.3|km|mi|1|abbr=on}} of double track and ridership of 110,786 average weekday boardings in 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/PDF/2018-LRT-Passenger-Count-Report.pdf|title=2018 LRT Passenger Count Report|date=March 2019|website=City of Edmonton|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531210450/https://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/PDF/2018-LRT-Passenger-Count-Report.pdf|archive-date=May 31, 2019|access-date=May 31, 2019}} Extensions of the LRT system have resulted in significant increases in ridership; ridership increased nearly 78% in the first full year of the South Campus and Century Park extensions (2011 versus 2008), and increased 15% in the first full year of the NAIT extension (2016 versus 2014).{{cite web |title=2016 LRT Passenger Count Report |url=https://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/RoadsTraffic/LRT_2016StationActivity-PassengerFlowReport_Dec2016.pdf |website=City of Edmonton |publisher=Edmonton Transit Service |date=December 2016 |access-date=June 24, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023120258/https://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/RoadsTraffic/LRT_2016StationActivity-PassengerFlowReport_Dec2016.pdf |archive-date=October 23, 2017}}

The system has three lines. The Capital Line, runs from northeast Edmonton to south Edmonton via Downtown. A second line, the Metro Line, connecting Downtown with northwest Edmonton, began limited operations in September 2015. The third line, the Valley Line, runs from Southeast Edmonton to Downtown and opened in late 2023. There are further projects to extend the network towards the North, Northwest, West and South areas of the city.

During the construction of the Capital Line, surface area was preserved (although costs increased) by tunnelling under the downtown core and the University of Alberta main campus. The underground portions of the LRT connect to the Edmonton Pedway system with links to many buildings. The LRT crosses the North Saskatchewan River between the Government Centre and University stations on the Dudley B. Menzies Bridge,{{cite web |url=http://www.pcl.com/projects/Archived/E30032/index.aspx |title=Dudley Menzies Bridge - Light Rail Transit Bridge Over The North Saskatchewan River |year=2005 |publisher=PCL |access-date=April 24, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716021537/http://www.pcl.com/projects/Archived/E30032/index.aspx |archive-date=July 16, 2011}} a dedicated LRT and pedestrian bridge.

Storage, maintenance and operations of the LRT are controlled from the D.L. MacDonald Yard. The Gerry Wright Operations and Maintenance Facility provides additional storage, maintenance, and operations for the Valley Line.

The LRT operates approximately between 5:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. daily. During peak times, Capital Line trains run approximately every six minutes, and run every 15 minutes during off-peak hours. After 6 p.m. trains run every 15 minutes. Metro Line trains run on a twelve-minute frequency during peak times and run every fifteen minutes during off-peak times. On weekdays, Valley Line trains run on a ten-minute frequency from 5 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and run every fifteen minutes after 9:30 p.m. On Saturdays, Valley Line trains run on a ten-minute frequency from 5 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and run every fifteen minutes after 6:30 p.m. All trains run on a fifteen-minute frequency all day on Sundays.

Before the opening of the Metro Line, the city held a naming contest, to determine the names of the five current and future LRT lines.{{cite web|last=City of Edmonton|title=Help Name Edmonton's LRT Lines|url=http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/news/2012/help-name-edmontons-lrt-lines.aspx|access-date=June 25, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007202331/http://edmonton.ca/city_government/news/2012/help-name-edmontons-lrt-lines.aspx|archive-date=October 7, 2012}} On January 31, 2013, the city announced the names: Capital Line, Metro Line, Valley Line, Energy Line, and Festival Line.{{cite web|url=https://edmontonjournal.com/news/edmonton/City+releases+names+lines/7900154/story.html |title=City names LRT lines, grumbling follows |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203035825/http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/edmonton/City+releases+names+lines/7900154/story.html |archive-date=February 3, 2013}}{{cite web |url=http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/approved_LRT_line_names.pdf |title=Approved LRT Line Names |publisher=City of Edmonton |access-date=January 31, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130904020346/http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/approved_LRT_line_names.pdf |archive-date=September 4, 2013 }}

{{main|List of Edmonton LRT stations}}

The Capital Line has 15 stations: Clareview, Belvedere, Coliseum, Stadium, Churchill, Central, Bay/Enterprise Square, Corona, Government Centre, University, Health Sciences/Jubilee, McKernan/Belgravia, South Campus/Fort Edmonton Park, Southgate, and Century Park stations. Of these, Central, Bay/Enterprise Square, Corona, Government Centre, University, and the Capital/Metro Line platform at Churchill, are underground.

Three stations are serviced by the Metro Line which opened in 2015: MacEwan, Kingsway/Royal Alex, and NAIT/Blatchford Market. The Metro Line then continues along the route of the Capital Line, heading southbound before terminating at Health Sciences/Jubilee Station. An additional station, Blatchford Gate, exists north of the current line, however is not open for passenger service.

Another 11 stops were built for the first phase of the Valley Line, which opened in late 2023: {{stl|Edmonton LRT|102 Street}}, {{stl|Edmonton LRT|Quarters}}, {{stl|Edmonton LRT|Muttart}}, {{stl|Edmonton LRT|Strathearn}}, {{stl|Edmonton LRT|Holyrood}}, {{stl|Edmonton LRT|Bonnie Doon}}, {{stl|Edmonton LRT|Avonmore}}, {{stl|Edmonton LRT|Davies}}, {{stl|Edmonton LRT|Millbourne/Woodvale}}, {{stl|Edmonton LRT|Grey Nuns}}, {{stl|Edmonton LRT|Mill Woods}}. New street-level platforms and an entrance were built at Churchill Station in order to allow transfers between the Valley Line and the rest of the LRT network.

File:SiemensSD160EdmontonInterior.jpg]]

File:SiemensU2EdmontonInterior.jpg]]

The rolling stock of the Capital Line is composed of trains of either Siemens-Duewag U2 or Siemens SD-160 cars. ETS operates 37 U2 cars, some of which have been in operation since the system opened in 1978. ETS also operates 57 SD-160 cars, of which 37 were ordered between 2005 and 2007, with the first cars entering revenue service on January 27, 2009.{{cite web |url=http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/news/10438.aspx |title=New LRT Cars Start in Regular Service |date=January 26, 2009 |publisher=City of Edmonton |access-date=April 24, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101122124056/http://edmonton.ca/city_government/news/10438.aspx |archive-date=November 22, 2010}} An additional 20 cars were purchased in 2010 and 2011 for use in the Metro Line{{cite web |url=http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/edmonton/2010/07/09/14661601.html |title=City transportation wants more LRT cars |last=Ho |first=Clara |date=July 9, 2010 |publisher=Edmonton Sun |access-date=October 30, 2013}}{{cite web |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/more-dollars-coming-for-lrt-1.992975 |title=More dollars coming for LRT |date=February 8, 2011 |publisher=CBC News |access-date=October 30, 2013}} and were delivered from March 2012 to April 2013.{{cite web |url=http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/documents/CouncilInitiativesReportJuly4-2012.pdf |title=Annual Review of 2010-2013 Council Initiatives Status Update |date=July 4, 2012 |publisher=City of Edmonton |access-date=October 30, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101164623/http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/documents/CouncilInitiativesReportJuly4-2012.pdf |archive-date=November 1, 2013 }}

The Capital Line uses five-car trains during peak hours, four-car trains on weekends, and two-car trains are used for late night service. The Metro Line operated three-car trains until the permanent NAIT/Blatchford Market station opened, as the temporary NAIT station could only accommodate three-car trains. The permanent station is 125 metres long to accommodate a five-car train. All other extensions to the Capital and Metro lines will have five-car platforms.{{cite web|title=LRT Design Guideline For ETS Edmonton Transit Service|url=http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/LRT_design_guidlines_2011.pdf|publisher=City of Edmonton|access-date=August 28, 2014|year=2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601013049/http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/LRT_design_guidlines_2011.pdf|archive-date=June 1, 2012}}

File:Valley Line Train Interior.jpg

The Valley Line uses low-floor Bombardier/Alstom Flexity Freedom vehicles.{{cite press release |title=Bombardier Wins Order to Supply Light Rail Transit System for City of Edmonton's Valley Line in Canada |url=http://www.bombardier.com/en/media/newsList/details.bt-20160212-bombardier-wins-order-to-supply-light-rail-transit-s.bombardiercom.html |date=February 12, 2016 |website=Bombardier Transportation |access-date=September 13, 2017}} The vehicles used in Edmonton are composed of seven articulated segments, and run as single trains or may be coupled together. Forty six more low-floor LRT vehicles were ordered in 2021 from Hyundai Rotem for the Valley Line, to be put in service when the West extension to Lewis Farms opens.

All LRT stations are monitored by CCTV cameras. All trains are equipped with operator alert systems which allow passengers to contact the train operator in the event of an emergency. Likewise, all stations are equipped with blue emergency help phones which connect with ETS Security. The stations are patrolled by transit peace officers.{{cite web |url=http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/ets/safety-and-security.aspx |title=Safety and Security |publisher=City of Edmonton |access-date=February 20, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325204402/http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/ets/safety-and-security.aspx |archive-date=March 25, 2014 }}

Despite the security measures, there have been several incidents on trains or at stations. In 2008, there were 328 crimes against persons reported on ETS property.{{cite web |url=http://www2.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/story.html?id=fffb2321-5b42-40aa-8fbe-201a05a5b787&p=2 |title=Woman's murder rattles LRT riders |author1=Drake, Laura |author2=Warnica, Richard |author3=Sumamo, Yonathan |date=May 23, 2010 |work=Edmonton Journal |publisher=Canada.com |access-date=February 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225082706/http://www2.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/story.html?id=fffb2321-5b42-40aa-8fbe-201a05a5b787&p=2 |archive-date=February 25, 2014 |url-status=dead }}

Some of the most serious incidents include:

• In 1988, a woman was strangled to death in a Churchill Station washroom.
• In 2010, a woman was shot and killed at Stadium Station.
• In 2012, a man was beaten to death on board the LRT between Stadium and Belvedere Station.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/man-dies-after-beating-on-edmonton-transit-train-1.1186204 |title=Man dies after beating on Edmonton transit train |date=December 31, 2012 |publisher=CBC News |access-date=February 20, 2014}}
• In 2012, a 49-year-old male was followed onto the LRT platform by two males at Churchill station, and was assaulted and thrown onto the LRT tracks.{{Cite web |date=December 3, 2012 |title=Man Thrown On LRT Tracks, Not Allowed To Escape |url=https://www.huffpost.com/archive/ca/entry/man-thrown-onto-edmonton-lrt-tracks_n_2234339 |access-date=November 7, 2023 |website=HuffPost |language=en}}
• In 2018, a man was stabbed at South Campus/Fort Edmonton Park station{{cite news |last1=Parsons |first1=Page |title='Plunged a knife a couple times': Witnesses treat stabbing victim at South Campus LRT station platform |url=https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/police-presence-at-south-campus-lrt-station |access-date=September 18, 2018 |work=Edmonton Journal |publisher=Postmedia |date=September 18, 2018}}
• In 2021, a male student was assaulted and stabbed at University Station.{{Cite web|last=Lachacz|first=Adam|date=April 25, 2021|title=Man arrested following stabbing at University LRT station|url=https://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/man-arrested-following-stabbing-at-university-lrt-station-1.5401718|access-date=April 27, 2021|website=Edmonton|language=en}}
• In April 2022, an elderly woman was assaulted and pushed onto the tracks at Health Sciences/Jubilee{{Cite web |title=Violent assault at LRT station: man pushed elderly woman onto tracks |date=April 26, 2022 |url=https://edmonton.citynews.ca/2022/04/26/elderly-woman-pushed-lrt-tracks/ |access-date=April 28, 2022 |language=en-US}}
• In June 2022 near Churchill Station, Edmonton Police Service officers fatally shot an armed suspect{{Cite web |title=Fatal officer-involved shooting under investigation near central Edmonton LRT crossing - Edmonton {{!}} Globalnews.ca |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/8709732/central-edmonton-lrt-crossing-police/ |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=Global News |language=en-US}}
• In July 2023, a man was fatally stabbed at Belvedere station.{{Cite web |title=Man killed at Belvedere station identified as 52-year-old husband, father of 7 - Edmonton {{!}} Globalnews.ca |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9828614/belvedere-lrt-station-stabbing-victim-id/ |access-date=July 26, 2023 |website=Global News |language=en-US}}
• In November 2023, a 55-year-old woman was beaten into a coma at Coliseum station by two 12-year-old girls.{{Cite web |title=Woman, 55, beaten into a coma at Coliseum LRT platform in central Edmonton - Edmonton {{!}} Globalnews.ca |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/10147450/edmonton-crime-coliseum-lrt-aggravated-assault/ |access-date=December 4, 2023 |website=Global News |language=en-US}}
• In March 2024, two men aged 35 and 30 were stabbed at Belvedere station by a 37-year-old man.{{Cite web |title=Man known to Edmonton police charged after 2 stabbed at Belvedere LRT Station - Edmonton {{!}} Globalnews.ca |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/10346321/belvedere-lrt-station-stabbings/ |access-date=March 8, 2024 |website=Global News |language=en-US}}
• In February 2025, a 13-year-old boy was fatally stabbed by multiple people at MacEwan station.{{Cite web |title=Boy fatally stabbed at MacEwan LRT station was in group that attacked 2 others: EPS - Edmonton {{!}} Globalnews.ca |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/11009872/macewan-lrt-station-homicide/ |access-date=2025-02-08 |website=Global News |language=en-US}}

{{See also|Edmonton Transit Service#Fares}}

The cash fare for passengers using ETS buses and the LRT, since February 1, 2025, is $3.75 for adults, seniors and youth. Children 12 and under ride free with fare-paying rider.{{Cite web|last=Edmonton|first=City of|date=April 27, 2021|title=Fares|url=https://www.edmonton.ca/ets/fares-passes.aspx|access-date=April 27, 2021|website=www.edmonton.ca}} Alternatively, passengers can pay a fare of $3.00 by tapping their Arc card on validators located at the entrances to proof-of-payment areas.{{Cite web |title=Fares and Passes {{!}} City of Edmonton |url=https://www.edmonton.ca/ets/fares-passes |access-date=December 26, 2023 |website=www.edmonton.ca |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=How to Use Arc |url=https://www.myarc.ca/ |access-date=December 26, 2023 |website=MyArc.ca |language=en}}

Passengers paying a cash fare at a fare machine at an LRT station are issued a paper Arc card, which is validated on the station’s validators. This ticket is valid both as proof of payment and as a transfer. Transfers allow the passenger to transfer from the LRT to a bus, from a bus to the LRT and between buses, and is valid for 90 minutes from the time it was stamped. Passengers paying a cash fare or validating a ticket on a bus obtain a transfer at the time the fare is paid. Transfers also serve as proof of payment for 90 minutes.{{cite web |url=http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/ets/fares/transfer-policy.aspx |title=Transfer Policy |year=2010 |publisher=City of Edmonton |access-date=October 20, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616152319/http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/ets/fares/transfer-policy.aspx |archive-date=June 16, 2011 }}

Passengers in an LRT proof-of-payment area must present proof of payment upon request by a transit peace officer. Proof of payment includes Arc cards and transfers. Failure to provide proof of payment can result in a $250 fine. Proof-of-payment areas include all LRT trains and LRT station platforms, except at stations where the ticket vending machines are located on the platform itself.

In 2007, ETS, the University of Alberta (U of A), and MacEwan University partnered to provide students with a universal transit pass (U-Pass), which is valid on the LRT and all ETS buses as well as on Strathcona County and St. Albert Transit Systems.{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/edmonton-university-students-say-yes-to-u-pass-1.686914 |title=Edmonton university students say yes to U-Pass |date=March 9, 2007 |publisher=CBC News |access-date=October 20, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070314185247/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/edmonton-university-students-say-yes-to-u-pass-1.686914 |archive-date=March 14, 2007}}{{cite web |url=http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/story.html?id=fa0dad03-6807-461d-a63c-3ae393acd526& |title=MacEwan students approve transit pass |author=Edmonton Journal |date=March 27, 2007 |publisher=Canada.com |access-date=October 20, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116054151/http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/story.html?id=fa0dad03-6807-461d-a63c-3ae393acd526& |archive-date=January 16, 2016 }} NAIT students voted to join the program in 2010.{{cite web |url=http://www.stalbertgazette.com/article/20100327/SAG0801/303279964/nait-students-approve-u-pass |title=NAIT students approve U-Pass |author=Jarvis, Kristina |date=March 27, 2010 |publisher=St. Albert Gazette |access-date=October 20, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723032718/http://www.stalbertgazette.com/article/20100327/SAG0801/303279964/nait-students-approve-u-pass |archive-date=July 23, 2011 |url-status=dead }} The U-Pass allows unlimited LRT and bus use. This service was temporarily suspended in fall 2020 through winter 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program now uses Arc cards.

{{Edmonton LRT future}}

The City of Edmonton prioritized completion of the Metro Line to NAIT for 2014, followed by expanding the system to the southeast and west.{{cite web |url=http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/documents/Approved_2012_Capital_Investment_Agenda.pdf |title=10-Year Capital Investment Agenda 2012-2021 |date=June 18, 2012 |work=City of Edmonton |access-date=November 20, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130904035531/http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/documents/Approved_2012_Capital_Investment_Agenda.pdf |archive-date=September 4, 2013 }} City council approved funding to begin preliminary engineering on the Valley Line from Mill Woods to Lewis Farms in June 2011.{{cite web |url=http://sirepub.edmonton.ca/sirepub/mtgviewer.aspx?meetid=570&doctype=MINUTES |title=City Council Minutes |date=June 1, 2011 |work=City of Edmonton |access-date=May 27, 2012}}

{{Reflist|group=Note}}

{{Main|Capital Line#Future|l1=Capital Line}}

Future plans call for expanding the Capital Line to Gorman in the northeast and Heritage Valley in the south.

{{Capital Line South Extension|collapse=yes}}

{{Capital Line Northeast Extension|collapse=yes}}

The Capital Line will be extended in two phases. Phase 1 is 4.5 kilometres long and will extend the line from Century Park just north of 23 Avenue at 111 Street to Ellerslie Road via an underpass under 23 Avenue, then rising above ground again before Saddleback Road. Phase 2 will extend from Ellerslie Road to Allard/Desrochers. The line extension will continue to use high-floor LRVs.

Preparation work for future tunneling and reception site shafts on 23 Avenue at the 111 Street and 109 Street intersections began in early November 2022 and is expected to take approximately 18 months.{{cite web|url=https://www.edmonton.ca/sites/default/files/public-files/Construction-Notice-Capital%20Line-South-LRT-Work-at-23Ave-at-111St-109St.pdf|title=Construction Notice - Capital Line South LRT 23 Avenue at 111 Street and 109 Street|publisher=City of Edmonton|access-date=May 11, 2023|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512012640/https://www.edmonton.ca/sites/default/files/public-files/Construction-Notice-Capital%20Line-South-LRT-Work-at-23Ave-at-111St-109St.pdf|archive-date=May 12, 2023}}

{{Main|Metro Line}}

{{Metro Line Northwest Extension|collapse=yes}}

{{Metro Line St. Albert Extension|collapse=yes}}

Beyond NAIT, the Metro Line will travel through Blatchford (the sustainable neighbourhood being developed on the grounds of the former City Centre Airport), go over the CN railway yard north of Yellowhead Trail, and continue north along 113A Street, and west along 153 Avenue. The City of St. Albert has also begun preliminary plans to extend the LRT line into their borders.{{cite web|title=St. Alberta LRT|url=http://www.stalbert.ca/uploads/files/transit/LRT%20PowerPoint.pdf|publisher=City of St. Albert|access-date=September 10, 2013|date=February 23, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130520040704/http://www.stalbert.ca/uploads/files/transit/LRT%20PowerPoint.pdf|archive-date=May 20, 2013}}

On May 19, 2010, the transportation department announced its recommendation for an extension of the Metro Line from NAIT station to St. Albert. This extension is expected to eventually serve 42,000 to 45,000 passengers daily.{{cite web |url=http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/edmonton/2010/05/19/14009141.html |title=City announces planned LRT route to St. Albert |author=Ho, Clara |date=May 19, 2010 |publisher=Edmonton Sun |access-date=October 20, 2010}}

On December 16, 2022, city council approved funding to acquire land for Phase 2 of the Metro Line Northwest Expansion{{Cite web |title=Metro Line Northwest History {{!}} City of Edmonton |url=https://www.edmonton.ca/projects_plans/transit/metro-line-northwest-public-engagement |access-date=January 20, 2024 |website=www.edmonton.ca |language=en}}

{{main|Valley Line (Edmonton)}}

The Valley Line is an under construction {{convert|27|km|abbr=on}}, low-floor urban line running southeast to west from {{stl|Edmonton LRT|Mill Woods}} to {{stl|Edmonton LRT|Lewis Farms}}, crossing through downtown. The line is being constructed in phases, with phase 1 being the {{convert|13.1|km|abbr=on}}, 12-station portion between {{stl|Edmonton LRT|Mill Woods}} and {{stl|Edmonton LRT|102 Street}} (downtown) allowing passengers to connect with the Capital Line and Metro Line at {{stl|Edmonton LRT|Churchill}}. Construction started in 2016 and the line opened on November 4, 2023.{{cite news |title=Edmonton's Valley Line Southeast LRT opened on Nov. 4. |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/edmonton-s-valley-line-southeast-lrt-to-open-1.7006127 |access-date=October 24, 2023 |work=CBC |date=October 24, 2023}} Phase 2 of the Valley Line will extend the Valley Line westward from Downtown to Lewis Farms. The extension is 14 kilometres long and will add 14 new stops and 2 new stations.

A planned expansion to Lewis Farms, with the West Edmonton Mall en route, is under construction as part of the {{Convert|27|km|adj=on}} Valley Line.

The option approved by Council in 2010 was to have the west LRT extension run from downtown, along 104 Avenue and Stony Plain Road before diverting south on 156 Street towards Meadowlark Health & Shopping Centre, then along an 87 Avenue alignment to West Edmonton Mall and beyond. Proponents of this route cited opportunities for transit-oriented development.{{cite web |url=https://edmontonjournal.com/news/Edmonton+unveils+west+south+plans/1959656/story.html |title=Edmonton unveils west and south LRT plans |author=Kent, Gordon |date=September 3, 2009 |access-date=December 2, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091107125654/http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Edmonton+unveils+west+south+plans/1959656/story.html |archive-date=November 7, 2009 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/news/city-proposes-southeast-and-we.aspx |title=City Proposes Southeast and West LRT Routes |date=September 3, 2009 |access-date=December 2, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616140331/http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/news/city-proposes-southeast-and-we.aspx |archive-date=June 16, 2011 }}

On November 1, 2018, the Government of Alberta announced a contribution of $1.04 billion towards the second phase of the Valley Line, extending it west to Lewis Farms with an estimated completion date of 2027–28.{{Cite news|url=https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/province-commits-1-04-billion-to-edmontons-west-valley-line-lrt-expansion|title=Alberta commits $1.04 billion to Edmonton's west Valley Line LRT expansion|last=Clancy|first=Clare|date=November 1, 2018|work=Edmonton Journal|access-date=November 2, 2018}}

The Valley LRT to Mill Woods generated opponents, particularly on the location of the route. The Edmonton Chinese community opposed the city's plan to lay the tracks on 102 Avenue as it is directly in front of a Chinese elderly care facility. Despite demands to relocate the route to 102a Avenue, the city council voted for the original proposal.{{cite web |url=http://ca.news.yahoo.com/edmonton-approves-chinatown-route-lrt-174129976.html |title=Edmonton approves Chinatown route for LRT |date=February 15, 2012 |publisher=Cbcnews.ca |access-date=February 15, 2012}} Another group opposed the route saying that the new LRT bridge crossing the North Saskatchewan River would have a negative impact on the river valley and the removal of the existing footbridge during construction (replaced by a pedestrian space on the Tawatinâ Bridge) would temporarily displace an existing river crossing. The city stated that the impact is minimal, no other alternative routes were suitable, and proceeded with construction.{{cite news |url=http://globalnews.ca/news/1353086/city-prepares-for-major-changes-to-popular-river-valley-trails-footbridge/ |title=City prepares for major changes to popular River Valley trails, footbridge |last=Ramsay |first=Caley |date=May 25, 2014 |website=Global News |access-date=May 11, 2016}}{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/group-wants-river-valley-protected-against-lrt-development-1.3549521 |title=Group wants river valley protected against LRT development |last=Hampshire |first=Gareth |date=April 22, 2016 |website=CBC News |access-date=May 11, 2016}}

Concerns in 2008 and 2009 over community impacts{{cite web |url=http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/local/story.html?id=f787cf49-bce1-40bd-9ae2-ad66c5fc4c7d&k=78617&p=1 |title=West LRT opposition heats up |date=April 12, 2008 |publisher=Edmonton Journal |access-date=April 24, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090710043114/http://www2.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/local/story.html?id=f787cf49-bce1-40bd-9ae2-ad66c5fc4c7d&k=78617&p=1 |archive-date=July 10, 2009 }} along the proposed west leg of the Valley Line{{cite web |url=http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/story.html?id=d42cb27b-d052-42e6-bacd-44588d931638 |title=Mandel slams city staff over LRT route |date=April 30, 2008 |publisher=Edmonton Journal |access-date=April 24, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090710043119/http://www2.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/story.html?id=d42cb27b-d052-42e6-bacd-44588d931638 |archive-date=July 10, 2009 }} and north leg of the Metro Line{{cite web |url=http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/story.html?id=51554acd-d6e3-4e81-b56d-b76d1da0067f |title=Residents fume over LRT's 'path of destruction' |date=May 15, 2008 |publisher=Edmonton Journal |access-date=April 24, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511184205/http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/story.html?id=51554acd-d6e3-4e81-b56d-b76d1da0067f |archive-date=May 11, 2011 }} led to a larger debate over the vision guiding the various expansion plans, and the criteria used to select the routes.{{cite web |url=http://www.seemagazine.com/article/news/comment/no-no-no-lrt-needs-go-here/ |title=No, No, No: The LRT Needs To Go Here! |author=Jordan Schroder |date=June 26, 2008 |publisher=See Magazine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110526004807/http://www.seemagazine.com/article/news/comment/no-no-no-lrt-needs-go-here/ |archive-date=May 26, 2011 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/features/yourturn/story.html?id=2d69fdff-8719-471a-8428-d760ac2ef065 |title=Sparks fly as councillors delay LRT hearing |date=May 6, 2009 |publisher=Edmonton Journal |access-date=April 24, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090710044838/http://www2.canada.com/edmontonjournal/features/yourturn/story.html?id=2d69fdff-8719-471a-8428-d760ac2ef065 |archive-date=July 10, 2009 }}

The adoption of a new signalling system (see below) for the Metro Line pushed back the start date from April 2014 to September 2015, when the line finally began operation at a frequency of 15 minutes, rather than 5. Trains only ran at a maximum of {{convert|25|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} between the Churchill and NAIT stations, creating passenger delays and traffic congestion.{{cite news |url=http://www.metronews.ca/news/edmonton/2015/12/15/edmonton-s-metro-line-still-a-troubled-machine.html |title=Edmonton's Metro Line LRT still a troubled machine: Report |last=Querengesser |first=Tim |date=December 15, 2015 |website=Metro News Edmonton |access-date=May 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313110721/http://www.metronews.ca/news/edmonton/2015/12/15/edmonton-s-metro-line-still-a-troubled-machine.html |archive-date=March 13, 2018}} An independent safety auditor cleared trains to run at their full {{convert|50|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} as of February 19, 2017.{{cite news |url=http://www.edmontonsun.com/2017/02/19/step-on-it-metro-line-finally-starts-operating-at-full-speed |title=Step on it: Metro Line finally starts operating at full speed |last=Theobald |first=Claire |date=February 19, 2017 |website=Edmonton Sun |access-date=February 24, 2017}}

|-

|{{color box|#{{rcr|Edmonton LRT|Capital}}}} Capital || style="text-align:left;" | {{stl|Edmonton LRT|Government Centre}} extension{{efn|name=South|Southern extension}} || {{dts|September 1989}} || {{convert|0.8|km|mi|1|abbr=on}} || {{nts|}} || {{nts|1}} || C${{nts|67.1}} || style="text-align:left;" |

|-

|{{color box|#{{rcr|Edmonton LRT|Capital}}}} Capital || style="text-align:left;" | {{stl|Edmonton LRT|University}} extension{{efn|name=South}}
(single track from south portal) || {{dts|August 23, 1992}} || {{convert|1.6|km|mi|1|abbr=on}} || {{nts|}} || {{nts|1}} || C${{nts|79.1}} || style="text-align:left;" | Dudley B. Menzies Bridge

|-

|{{color box|#{{rcr|Edmonton LRT|Capital}}}} Capital || style="text-align:left;" | {{stl|Edmonton LRT|University}} extension
(second track from south portal) || {{dts|May 14, 1994}} || || {{nts|}} || {{nts|}} || {{nts|}} || style="text-align:left;" |

|-

|{{color box|#{{rcr|Edmonton LRT|Capital}}}} Capital || style="text-align:left;" | {{stl|Edmonton LRT|Belvedere}} upgrade || {{dts|September 23, 1998}} || || {{nts|}} || {{nts|}} || C${{nts|6.3}} ||style="text-align:left;" | Covered five-car platform
Grade-separated pedestrian overpass

|-

|{{color box|#{{rcr|Edmonton LRT|Capital}}}} Capital || style="text-align:left;" | {{stl|Edmonton LRT|Clareview}} upgrade ||| {{dts|March 4, 2001}} || || {{nts|}} || {{nts|}} || C${{nts|11.5}} || style="text-align:left;" | Covered five-car platform
Pedestrian underpass
Transit centre on either side
Park 'n ride increased to approximately 1,500 stalls

|-

|{{color box|#{{rcr|Edmonton LRT|Capital}}}} Capital || style="text-align:left;" | Health Sciences extension{{efn|name=South}} || {{dts|January 4, 2006}} || {{convert|0.6|km|mi|1|abbr=on}} || {{nts}} || {{nts|1}} || C${{nts|100}} || style="text-align:left;" |

|-

|{{color box|#{{rcr|Edmonton LRT|Capital}}}} Capital || style="text-align:left;" | South Campus extension{{efn|name=South}} || {{dts|April 25, 2009}} || {{convert|2.2|km|mi|abbr=on}}|| {{nts|37}} || {{nts|2}}{{efn|Health Sciences to South Campus via McKernan}} || rowspan=2| C${{nts|690}} || style="text-align:left;" | transit centre
pedestrian underpass
busway bridge{{cite web |url=http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/SLRTFactSheet.pdf |title=South LRT Fact Sheet |year=2010 |publisher=City of Edmonton |access-date=October 10, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924021926/http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/SLRTFactSheet.pdf |archive-date=September 24, 2015 }}

|-

|{{color box|#{{rcr|Edmonton LRT|Capital}}}} Capital || style="text-align:left;" | {{stl|Edmonton LRT|Century Park}} extension{{efn|name=South}} || {{dts|April 24, 2010}} || {{convert|5.4|km|mi|abbr=on}}|| {{nts}} || {{nts|2}}{{efn|South Campus to Century Park via Southgate}} || style="text-align:left;" | two transit centres
two overhead pedways
one park 'n ride

|-

|{{color box|#{{rcr|Edmonton LRT|Metro}}}} Metro || style="text-align:left;" | NAIT branch ||{{dts|September 6, 2015}} || {{convert|3.3|km|mi|abbr=on}} || {{nts|20}} || {{nts|3}}{{efn|Churchill to NAIT via MacEwan and Kingsway/Royal Alex}} || C${{nts|665}} || style="text-align:left;" | overhead pedway at MacEwan
one transit centre
pedestrian overpass with elevator at Health Sciences

|-

|{{color box|#{{rcr|Edmonton LRT|Valley}}}} Valley || style="text-align:left;" | Valley Line Southeast
({{stl|Edmonton LRT|102 Street}} to {{stl|Edmonton LRT|Mill Woods}})||{{dts|November 4, 2023}} || {{convert|13.1|km|mi|abbr=on}} || {{nts|26}} || {{nts|11}}{{efn|102 Street to Mill Woods via Churchill}} || C${{nts|1800}} || style="text-align:left;" | Tawatinâ Bridge
Gerry Wright Operations and Maintenance Facility
two transit centres
one park 'n ride

|-

|{{color box|#{{rcr|Edmonton LRT|Metro}}}} Metro || style="text-align:left;" | Metro Line Northwest – Phase 1 ||{{dts|January 20, 2024}} || {{convert|1.6|km|mi|abbr=on}} || {{nts|}} || {{nts|2}}{{efn|NAIT to Blatchford Gate via NAIT/Blatchford Market}} || C${{nts|291}} || style="text-align:left;" | New Permanent NAIT/Blatchford Market Station
shared use paths

|-

| colspan=8 style="text-align:left;font-size:85%;" | Notes
{{notelist|25em}}

|}

On April 26, 1981, ETS opened a northeastern-bound extension of {{Cvt|2.2|km}} on the CN right-of-way to Clareview Station. In June 1983, the light rail tunnel downtown was extended by {{Cvt|0.8|km}} to Bay and Corona stations. The D.L. MacDonald Yard, between Belvedere and Clareview, opened in December 1983 to store and service the vehicles. The line was extended in September 1989 by {{Cvt|0.8|km}} to Grandin station (now Government Centre station, close to the Alberta Legislature). On August 23, 1992, the next extension opened from Grandin to University Station, partially via the Dudley B. Menzies Bridge, crossing the North Saskatchewan River with a lower level for pedestrians and cyclists, and partially via a tunnel into the station. Major upgrades to the Belvedere and Clareview stations were made in 1998 and 2001 respectively.{{cite book | title=Edmonton's Light Rail Transit – The First 25 Years | publisher=Edmonton Transit Service | author=Colin Hatcher | year=2003}}

On January 1, 2006, the line was extended {{Cvt|0.6|km}} south through the University Campus to Health Sciences Station, which is located at street level. On April 25, 2009, McKernan/Belgravia and South Campus stations were opened as part of the south LRT expansion, with Southgate and Century Park opening on April 24, 2010. The first of the new Siemens SD-160 light rail vehicle train cars for the new extension were shipped by rail from Florin, California, on April 24, 2008, arriving in Edmonton on May 9, 2008 (37 vehicles in total).{{cite web |url=http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/ets/lrt_projects/lrt-vehicle-arrival-and-unveiling-video.aspx |title=LRT Vehicle Arrival and Unveiling |date=May 2008 |publisher=City of Edmonton |access-date=April 24, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616181755/http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/ets/lrt_projects/lrt-vehicle-arrival-and-unveiling-video.aspx |archive-date=June 16, 2011}}

The LRT expansion was developed entirely at surface level with several underpasses after 2006, one at Belgravia Road and the other under 111 Street south of 61 Avenue. A short busway has been constructed from the South Campus station{{cite web |url=http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/ets/lrt_projects/south-lrt-extension.aspx |title=South LRT Extension |year=2009 |publisher=City of Edmonton |access-date=April 26, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616181749/http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/ets/lrt_projects/south-lrt-extension.aspx |archive-date=June 16, 2011}} roughly parallel to Belgravia Road in conjunction with the South LRT expansion.

On April 27, 2007, the city began detailed planning of a new LRT line that would run north from Churchill Station, to the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), and eventually beyond to north-end neighbourhoods with a terminal station south of St. Albert.

File:KingswayLRTStation.JPG construction in August 2013]]

The Metro line branches off the Capital Line at Churchill Station, runs west along 105 Avenue to the MacEwan University City Centre Campus, then north along 105 Street, Kingsway (Avenue), and 106 Street, to Kingsway Mall and NAIT.

In April 2008, Edmonton City Council approved $45 million in funding to build a tunnel under the Epcor Tower site immediately, while it was still under construction, with the aim of saving $140 million more than would have been required to dig under the tower once it was completed. This step was taken even though the rest of the project had not yet been approved, because of the time constraint posed by the construction of the new tower.{{cite web |url=http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/story.html?id=6588a90e-2224-48e4-a66e-1f52432c5528&k=75048 |title=LRT line likely to go under Epcor |date=April 9, 2008 |publisher=Edmonton Journal |access-date=April 12, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081005093022/http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/story.html?id=6588a90e-2224-48e4-a66e-1f52432c5528&k=75048 |archive-date=October 5, 2008 }} Construction on the tunnel began in August 2009 and was completed by approximately September 2010.{{cite web |url=http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/Summer_2010_North_LRT_Newsletter.pdf |title=Summer 2010 North LRT Newsletter |year=2010 |access-date=December 2, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616152015/http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/Summer_2010_North_LRT_Newsletter.pdf |archive-date=June 16, 2011 }}

On July 2, 2009, the federal and provincial governments approved the reallocation of funding from the proposed Gorman Station extension to the Metro line as the city felt that NAIT was a higher priority.{{cite web |url=http://alberta.ca/home/NewsFrame.cfm?ReleaseID=/acn/200807/23960039FB54D-CC21-7234-31C3E853089A1E6C.html |title=Alberta surges ahead with climate change action plan |date=July 8, 2008 |publisher=Government of Alberta |access-date=April 24, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716155756/http://alberta.ca/home/NewsFrame.cfm?ReleaseID=%2Facn%2F200807%2F23960039FB54D-CC21-7234-31C3E853089A1E6C.html |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |url-status=dead }}

The expansion added three stations to the system; MacEwan station at MacEwan University, Kingsway/Royal Alex station near Kingsway Mall and the Royal Alexandra Hospital, and NAIT station at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. MacEwan Station is located just east of the downtown MacEwan University campus, and west of the proposed downtown hockey arena, at 104 Street and 105 Avenue. The Kingsway/Royal Alex Station is located on the north side of Kingsway, to the south of the hospital. As part of the plan, the Kingsway Transit Centre was relocated to the southeast corner of 111 Avenue and 106 Street, to provide service to both Kingsway Mall and the LRT station.{{cite web|url=http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/ets/lrt_projects/north-lrt-stations.aspx |title=North LRT Stations |year=2010 |publisher=City of Edmonton |access-date=October 20, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616151650/http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/ets/lrt_projects/north-lrt-stations.aspx |archive-date=June 16, 2011 }} The temporary NAIT station was located north of Princess Elizabeth Avenue, on the south side of NAIT's swimming pool and hockey arena.{{cite web |url=http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/22243_NLRT-news-Fall09_Final.pdf |title=North LRT Making Tracks Fall 2009 |date=October 2009 |publisher=City of Edmonton |access-date=December 23, 2009}}{{dead link|date=November 2012}}{{cite web |url=http://www.leduc-county.com/PDF/Leduc2060/RecommendedGrowth.pdf |title=Section Five |author=Leduc County Growth Study |date=October 2008 |work=Recommended Growth Strategy |publisher=Leduc County |access-date=January 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713195208/http://www.leduc-county.com/PDF/Leduc2060/RecommendedGrowth.pdf |archive-date=July 13, 2011}}{{cite web |url=http://www.seemagazine.com/article/best-of-edmonton-2009-results/best-edmonton-winners/lrt0521/ |title=Lovin' The LRT |author=Mackenzie Sinclair |date=May 21, 2009 |publisher=See Magazine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110526005136/http://www.seemagazine.com/article/best-of-edmonton-2009-results/best-edmonton-winners/lrt0521/ |archive-date=May 26, 2011}}

The Metro Line was completed at a cost $90 million under its estimated $755 million budget, with a total project cost of $665 million.{{cite news|last1=Tumilty|first1=Ryan|title=NAIT LRT Line comes in $90 million under budget, money could be moved to south east|url=http://metronews.ca/news/edmonton/1000332/nait-lrt-line-comes-in-90-million-under-budget-money-could-be-moved-to-south-east/|access-date=April 23, 2015|work=Metro News|date=April 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150503212801/http://metronews.ca/news/edmonton/1000332/nait-lrt-line-comes-in-90-million-under-budget-money-could-be-moved-to-south-east/|archive-date=May 3, 2015}}

In December 2023, Phase 1 of the Metro Line Northwest Expansion was completed, including two new stations: Blatchford Gate station in the northern area of Blatchford, and NAIT/Blatchford Market Station located roughly 300 meters from the temporary station. On January 20, 2024, service commenced to the NAIT/Blatchford Market, and the temporary NAIT station was permanently closed.{{cite news |last1=Siemens |first1=Nicole |title=New NAIT LRT station ahead of schedule, opening of other Blatchford stop remains unclear |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/10229520/nait-blatchford-metro-line-expansion/ |access-date=January 20, 2024 |work=Global News |publisher=Corus Entertainment |date=January 16, 2024}} Blatchford Gate station is currently not open for passenger service as it does not currently meet city transit service standards. Construction on the extension began in Summer 2020, and was completed on budget and ahead of schedule, as the extension was originally anticipated to be completed in 2025.{{Cite web |title=New NAIT LRT station ahead of schedule, opening of other Blatchford stop remains unclear - Edmonton {{!}} Globalnews.ca |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/10229520/nait-blatchford-metro-line-expansion/ |access-date=January 20, 2024 |website=Global News |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Fortner |first=Cole |date=January 17, 2024 |title=New NAIT/Blatchford Market LRT station to open ahead of schedule |url=https://edmonton.citynews.ca/2024/01/16/new-nait-blatchford-market-lrt-station-to-open-ahead-of-schedule/ |access-date=January 20, 2024 |website=CityNews Edmonton}}

File:Davies Station.jpg in October 2020]]

In December 2009, the city council approved a new low-floor train route that would leave a new ground-level station at Churchill Square on 102 Avenue between 100 and 99 Streets before stopping in The Quarters redevelopment on 102 Avenue between 97 Street and 96 Street. From here the route enters a tunnel and travels beneath 95 Street descending into the river valley to cross the North Saskatchewan River on the new Tawatinâ Bridge,{{cite web|title=Southeast LRT (Valley Line) Names Approved |url=http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/urban_planning_and_design/naming-committee-process.aspx |publisher=City of Edmonton Naming Committee |access-date=November 14, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114021032/http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/urban_planning_and_design/naming-committee-process.aspx |archive-date=November 14, 2013 }} east of Louise McKinney Park. The route then proceeds to climb the hill adjacent to Connors Road then proceeds east along 95 Avenue and southbound at 85 Street. The route will travel southbound along 85 Street crossing the traffic circle and shifting to 83 Street, continuing south and east towards Wagner Road. Finally the line will proceed south along 75/66 Street until it reaches Mill Woods Town Centre. Within this line the proposed stations are: Quarters, Muttart, Strathearn, Holyrood, Bonnie Doon, Avonmore, Davies (to include a bus terminal and park & ride),{{cite web |url=http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/RoadsTraffic/Approved-Concept-Plan-Amendment.pdf |title=Southeast to West LRT - Approved Concept Plan Amendment |publisher=City of Edmonton |access-date=November 19, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130904015501/http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/RoadsTraffic/Approved-Concept-Plan-Amendment.pdf |archive-date=September 4, 2013 }} Millbourne/Woodvale, Grey Nuns, and Mill Woods Town Centre. The maintenance and storage of vehicles for the line will be at the new Gerry Wright Operations and Maintenance Facility, at Whitemud Drive and 75 Street.{{cite web|title=Operations and Maintenance Facility|url=http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/RoadsTraffic/Operations_Maintenance_Facility.pdf|publisher=City of Edmonton|access-date=August 28, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326002038/http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/RoadsTraffic/Operations_Maintenance_Facility.pdf|archive-date=March 26, 2014}}

On February 15, 2012, city council approved the Downtown LRT concept plan. The Downtown LRT Project became part of the Southeast to West LRT project.{{cite web |url=http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/ets/lrt_projects/southeast-to-west-lrt-mill-woods-to-lewis-farms.aspx |title=Southeast to West LRT: Mill Woods to Lewis Farms |publisher=City of Edmonton |access-date=May 27, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508213803/http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/ets/lrt_projects/southeast-to-west-lrt-mill-woods-to-lewis-farms.aspx |archive-date=May 8, 2012 }} The city hoped to have money in place by the end of 2013 for the $1.8-billion LRT line from downtown to Mill Woods to start construction in 2016. City council committed $800 million, the federal government invested $250 million, and $235 million would come from the provincial government, leaving a $515 million funding gap delaying the project.{{cite web|last=Dykstra|first=Matt|title=Federal government projects a $3.7 billion budget surplus which could help Edmonton LRT line|url=http://www.edmontonsun.com/2013/11/12/federal-government-projects-a-37-billion-budget-surplus-which-could-help-edmonton-lrt-line|publisher=Edmonton Sun|access-date=November 14, 2013|date=November 13, 2013}} On March 11, 2014, it was announced that the project would be completely funded{{cite web|last=Tumilty|first=Ryan|title=Southeast LRT funding includes $200 million interest-free provincial loan|url=http://metronews.ca/news/edmonton/968297/new-funding-for-southeast-lrt-line-announced-by-province/|publisher=Metro News|access-date=March 12, 2014|date=March 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123093413/http://metronews.ca/news/edmonton/968297/new-funding-for-southeast-lrt-line-announced-by-province/|archive-date=January 23, 2015}}{{cite web|last=Kent|first=Gordon|title=Southeast LRT on track after province promises to fill $600 million funding gap (with video)|url=https://edmontonjournal.com/Southeast+track+after+province+promises+fill+million+funding+with+video/9604838/story.html|publisher=Edmonton Journal|access-date=March 12, 2014|date=March 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140418041619/http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Southeast+track+after+province+promises+fill+million+funding+with+video/9604838/story.html|archive-date=April 18, 2014|url-status=dead}} with an additional $150 million from the federal government and $365 million from the provincial government.{{cite web|last=Simons|first=Paula|title=Cash for Valley Line is fine, but transit funding must be consistent|url=https://edmontonjournal.com/Simons+Cash+Valley+Line+fine+transit+funding+must+consistent/9879523/story.html|publisher=Edmonton Journal|access-date=May 27, 2014|date=May 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140620144833/http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Simons+Cash+Valley+Line+fine+transit+funding+must+consistent/9879523/story.html|archive-date=June 20, 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last=Dykstra|first=Matthew|title=Edmonton gets a final piece of funding for southeast portio of Valley LRT line|url=http://www.edmontonsun.com/2014/05/26/edmonton-gets-final-piece-of-funding-for-valley-lrt-line-18-bilion-from-feds|publisher=Edmonton Sun|access-date=May 27, 2014|date=May 26, 2014}}

The Metro Line and the Capital Line use fixed block signalling. The new Metro Line was originally built to use only CBTC,{{cite web|url=http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/PDF/MetroLineDelayFAQ_05042015.docx.pdf |title=Metro Line: Delay FAQ |date=May 4, 2015 |publisher=City of Edmonton |quote=The City is replacing this traditional fixed block system with a modern CBTC (moving block) system |access-date=June 27, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630104005/http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/PDF/MetroLineDelayFAQ_05042015.docx.pdf |archive-date=June 30, 2015 }} but was converted to the fixed block system after the City fired Thales,{{Cite web|date=April 15, 2019|title=Edmonton fires Thales over faulty LRT signal system - constructconnect.com|url=https://canada.constructconnect.com/joc/news/government/2019/04/edmonton-fires-thales-faulty-lrt-signal-system|access-date=October 5, 2021|website=Journal Of Commerce|language=en-US}} the contractor originally chosen to install the CBTC system. The Metro Line's fixed block system was provided by Alstom.{{Cite web|title=New signalling system to be installed on Metro Line LRT, seven months after terminating Thales contract|url=https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/woeful-metro-line-to-receive-new-signalling-system-seven-months-after-termination-of-thales|access-date=October 5, 2021|website=edmontonjournal|language=en-CA}}{{Cite web|last=Edmonton|first=City of|date=November 7, 2019|title=Metro Line Update: new signalling system taking shape|url=https://transforming.edmonton.ca/metro-line-update-new-signalling-system-taking-shape/|access-date=October 5, 2021|website=Transforming Edmonton|language=en-US}} The fixed-block system became active in March 2021, allowing trains to run at full speed along the metro line track for the first time since the line opened.{{Cite web|title=Edmonton's Metro Line LRT no longer running on Thales signalling system|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7670577/edmonton-metro-lrt-alstom-signalling-system/|access-date=December 23, 2021|website=GlobalNews|language=en}} The city claims that frequencies in the downtown core will reach 2.5 minutes with the fixed-block system, but the current schedule is for 5-minute headways.{{Cite web|title=Fall ETS adjustments: LRT welcomes bikes at all times and four other changes|url=https://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/fall-ets-adjustments-lrt-welcomes-bikes-at-all-times-and-four-other-changes-1.5553987|access-date=December 23, 2021|website=CTVnewsEdmonton|date=August 19, 2021 }}

The signalling system divides the track into sections called blocks protected by signals that maintain at least one empty fixed block between trains. The CBTC system was supposed to use computer control to maintain a fixed distance of empty space (a moving block) between trains. This would have allowed trains to operate closer together, which increases the frequency of trains arriving at stations and increases an LRT system's overall capacity for ridership.

The CBTC uses computers on trains that report into a central controller to pinpoint the exact location of each train and constantly adjust the speed, spacing and routing of trains to keep trains safe and on schedule. It safely tightens up the spacing between trains so that Metro Line and Capital Line trains can share the same tracks between Health Sciences/Jubilee station and Churchill station. Edmonton Transit runs peak-time trains every 5 minutes through downtown, but this frequency could have been increased to every 2.5 minutes when the Metro Line originally intended to be operational. This goal was abandoned by the city after August 2021, having restored 5 minute frequency on the Capital Line. The Metro Line continues to operate on a 15-minute frequency.{{Cite web|title=Back on track: Five-minute train frequency to be fully restored on Edmonton's Capital Line LRT after seven-year signalling issue|url=https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/bike-ban-on-lrt-trains-ends-aug-30|access-date=October 5, 2021|website=edmontonjournal|language=en-CA}}

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{{Commons category}}

{{Attached KML|display=title,inline}}

• A technological history of municipally owned public transportation in Edmonton Volume Two
• [https://www.edmonton.ca/edmonton-transit-system-ets Edmonton Transit Service] (Official website)
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20160325221157/http://www.edmonton.ca/ets/transit_projects/future-lrt-projects.aspx Edmonton Transit Service–Future LRT]
• {{YouTube|eCAhsaybtmk|ETS Street Team: On the Job - ETS Motorman}} - Published by the City of Edmonton; illustrates motorman procedures

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