New Light Rail Vehicles
New LRT vehicles sleek, modern, and loaded with conveniences!
The first SD-160 Light Rail Transit (LRT) vehicles began carrying passengers on January 27, 2009.
The SD-160 is a sleek, modern vehicle with many improvements and conveniences, including:
- Vehicles are powered by an AC traction motor, rather than the DC traction motors of the existing fleet, which reduces maintenance costs.
- As the brakes are applied, the vehicles passively regenerate power back into the city's electrical lines, instead of wasting it away in the form of heat – good news for the environment.
- Modern technology make the vehicles' systems more energy efficient.
- Cars are air-conditioned for passenger comfort.
- Doors slide out slightly and then to each side for a roomier entrance and exit.
- Driver's cab has been redesigned to make it more ergonomic and functional.
- Interior message signs inside each train allow passengers to see the upcoming stop.
- Electronic destination signs in the front, rear and side windows make it easier for passengers to see which train is coming. This will be especially important as new lines are built and passengers may need to transfer trains.
- Each vehicle features an onboard closed circuit TV security camera system, which is equipped with both video and audio, for increased passenger safety.
- Vehicles have a redesigned interior and a streamlined exterior.
- Each car is mobility aid accessible (one door on each side is equipped with a self-levelling ramp).
- Each vehicle seats 60 and about 100 standing passengers will fill each train comfortably.
A total of 37 new SD-160 cars, costing $3.8 million will provide service on the South LRT Extension to Century Park and increase capacity on the existing Clareview to Health Sciences line. The cars are undergoing extensive certification testing to ensure they meet operating requirements and specifications.
More new cars will be scheduled into service as they complete their certification tests. The 37 existing U2 LRT vehicles in Edmonton Transit's fleet have been carrying passengers safely for more than 30 years. New LRT vehicles were last purchased in 1983.
The old U2 LRT vehicles will be retrofitted over the next 5 years, including changes to the exterior, interior, electrical panels and controls and key mechanical components.
Funding for the vehicles is provided by the:
- Government of Canada's Gas Tax Fund;
- Government of Alberta's Municipal Infrastructure Program and City Transportation funds; and
- City of Edmonton, through local taxes and borrowing (the federal gas tax fund is used to help repay the borrowing).
Additional Information:
News Release: Sleek, modern and ready for riders
Backgrounder: Edmonton's Newest Light Rail Vehicle
Fact Sheet: South LRT Extension
Siemens SD160 Specifications
For more information:
LRT Projects General Inquiries
| Telephone | 780-496-4874 |
|---|---|
| LRTProjects@edmonton.ca |
