ETS to become long-term operator for Valley Line LRT

News Release

ETS to become long-term operator for Valley Line LRT


The City of Edmonton has selected Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) as the long-term operator of the Valley Line LRT, including the Valley Line Southeast, which is currently operated by TransEd Partners.

After careful analysis of the service requirements of Edmonton’s expanding LRT system, the City will bring Valley Line operations in-house. This transition will give the City improved flexibility in service delivery and provide greater long-term value for Edmontonians. The City and TransEd will immediately begin a one- to two-year process to transition Valley Line Southeast operations to ETS. With Valley Line West construction scheduled for completion in 2028, this approach provides adequate time to transfer Valley Line Southeast operations to ETS while supporting the integration of the new infrastructure currently under construction.

“This decision is the outcome of a complex and diligent business case analysis to determine the most effective and financially responsible operating model for the entire 27-kilometre Valley Line. This is a business decision in the interests of taxpayers and transit riders—not a reflection on TransEd who has been a strong, collaborative partner throughout,” said Eddie Robar, Edmonton City Manager. “ETS is well-positioned to adopt the Valley Line operations, and I’m confident we will do an excellent job supporting the commissioning of Valley Line West.”

“I want to assure staff of both TransEd and ETS that we are taking a very thoughtful approach to this transition. We value the skilled workers who operate and maintain LRT service in our network,” said Carrie Hotton-MacDonald, Branch Manager, ETS. “At this time, there will be no changes to the operations or maintenance of the Valley Line Southeast LRT.”

In 2016, TransEd was selected through a competitive procurement process to design, build, operate and maintain the Valley Line Southeast. The line opened to passenger service on November 4, 2023. Target construction completion for the Valley Line West is anticipated in 2028, followed by an extensive testing and commissioning phase before the line can open to the public.

City Manager Eddie Robar, along with members of Administration, will be available to answer questions from the media today at 12:15 p.m. in the first-floor media room at City Hall.