EDMONTON, Feb. 2, 2018 /CNW/ - Investing in public transit infrastructure is crucial to economic growth, reducing air pollution and creating inclusive communities where everyone has access to public services and job opportunities.
Today, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, along with Brian Mason, Alberta Minister of Transportation, and Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson had the opportunity to preview the light rail vehicles (LRVs) that will run along the future Valley Line Southeast LRT.
The City of Edmonton's P3 partner, TransEd Partners, is providing 26 new LRVs to service the future Valley Line Southeast, which is scheduled to be completed in 2020. The vehicles, which are being built in Canada by Bombardier Transportation, can accommodate up to 275 passengers, with two-by-two seating separated by spacious aisles. They feature low floors and an entirely step-free interior, ensuring accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility and contributing to a smoother, more comfortable ride.
Once in service, the new LRVs will provide exceptional rider experience and contribute to a premium, sustainable transit service for communities ranging from Edmonton's southeast all the way to its downtown core.
Quotes
"The Government of Canada is proud to support public transportation projects—like the development of the Valley Line Southeast—that support middle-class job creation and promote economic growth. Getting people where they need to go safely, efficiently and comfortably is fundamental to improving community connections and I'm very pleased to see how this new light rail line will benefit transit users in Edmonton."
The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"The Government of Alberta is proud to have contributed $600 million to the Southeast Valley Line and roughly $2.8-billion to the LRT systems in both Edmonton and Calgary. That funding supports an affordable, accessible and environmentally sustainable transportation option for Albertans and connects residents to essential services, education and jobs."
Brian Mason, Alberta Minister of Transportation
"As we get closer to a million people, Transit Oriented Development has become a critical means to build up more dense, vibrant core neighbourhoods in Edmonton. The Valley Line LRT's new urban-style approach directly encourages this kind of smart growth, and we're delighted to see the redevelopment of Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre as yet another project on the future line that shares our vision."
His Worship Don Iveson, Mayor of Edmonton
Quick facts
- The purchase of the LRVs is part of the larger Edmonton LRT Valley Line Stage One project. This project also includes approximately 13 km of light rail transit line from the City of Edmonton's southeast to downtown Edmonton, as well as 12 stops, three bridges, two tunnels, two new transit stations, and one new park and ride. A new operations and maintenance facility will also be constructed.
- The governments of Canada is contributing up to $400 million to this project, with approximately $250 million coming from P3 Canada and $150 million from the New Building Canada Fund. The Government of Alberta is providing $600 million and the City of Edmonton is providing $958 million.
- The Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
- $28.7 billion of this funding will support public transit projects, including $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
Associated links
Government of Canada's $180-billion+ Investing in Canada plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/about-invest-apropos-eng.html
*New* – Investing in Canada plan project map: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/gmap-gcarte/index-eng.html
Federal infrastructure investments in Alberta: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/ab-eng.html
Smart Cities Challenge: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/cities-villes-eng.html
Valley Line Southeast project information: https://www.edmonton.ca/projects_plans/transit/valley-line-southeast.aspx
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web: Infrastructure Canada
SOURCE Infrastructure Canada
Brook Simpson, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, 613-219-0149, [email protected]; John Archer, Press Secretary, Alberta Transportation, 587-985-4252, [email protected]; Quinn Nicholson, Valley Line SE Communications Lead, LRT Delivery, City of Edmonton, 780.200.3153, [email protected]; Infrastructure Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]
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