Hyundai Rotem Secures USD 220M Contract for 32 Edmonton LRVs

Hyundai Rotem has secured a USD 220 million contract for the design and production of 32 high-floor light rail vehicles (LRVs) for the city of Edmonton, Canada. The agreement mandates the replacement of the city’s aging fleet of Siemens U2 vehicles, which have been in service for over 45 years. Production of the new rolling stock is scheduled to begin later this year.

A discrepancy exists regarding the delivery timeline. The primary data source indicates deliveries will occur between 2029 and 2030. Conversely, verification data reports a delivery window between 2026 and 2028. The contract scope covers both the design and manufacturing phases of the project.

The new vehicles will be configured in three-section articulated units capable of reaching a maximum speed of 80 km/h. Technical specifications are adapted for Edmonton’s climate, with systems designed to operate in temperatures as low as –40°C and withstand heavy snowfall. The design incorporates lightweight materials for energy efficiency and a forward-facing collision warning system to improve operational safety around pedestrians and other vehicles.

Exterior design elements will maintain the visual identity of the existing Edmonton Transit Service fleet while incorporating modern color contrasts and updated lighting. The interior layout will feature passenger information systems and is engineered to provide accessible entry and space for passengers with reduced mobility.

The new high-floor LRVs are designated for service on two lines. They will operate on the initial 1.6 km of the Northwest Line (Phase I), which is set to become operational in 2024. The vehicles will also be deployed on the Capital South Line extension (Phase I), currently under construction with an expected operational start in 2029. The Capital Line provides a primary north-south transit corridor connecting the city center with suburban areas.

This procurement makes Hyundai Rotem the supplier for all light rail lines in Edmonton. The company was previously awarded a contract in 2021 to deliver 46 low-floor LRVs for the separate Valley West line, with those units undergoing staged delivery since August of the previous year.