Another milestone in Edmonton's Valley Line LRT project has been reached this month, with the first of 26 vehicles now delivered to the city.

Valley Line LRV #1001, photo by Dave Sutherland

The low-floor vehicle, one of the Flexity Freedom models produced by Bombardier at their Kingston facility, was delivered to Edmonton via CN Rail in late June, and is currently on display at Bonnie Doon Mall.

Flexity Freedom decked out in ETS livery, photo by Dave Sutherland

Each LRV operates as a single connected unit, where passengers can move freely inside the entire length of the vehicle. There are 82 seats in each, 22 of which are priority seating, for a total capacity of about 275 passengers per LRV both seated and standing. 

Vehicle interior, photo by Dave Sutherland

The blue colour scheme should be familiar to any current ETS riders, however the new addition of green to the scheme, according to a spokesperson, helps those with visual impairments navigate the train.

Green priority seating, photo by Dave Sutherland

Bombardier has come under fire recently for production delays on orders of LRV's to other cities, including Toronto - for which there have been several recalls due to manufacturing defects - however the company has doubled-down on their commitment to providing Edmonton's remaining vehicles on time and on budget.

Operator cab and controls, photo by Dave Sutherland

Vehicle #1001 is currently on display on the east side of Bonnie Doon Mall, in the parking lot adjacent to 83 Street, where the public can take a walk through the vehicle until 6:00 pm Wednesday, August 1.

LRV on display at Bonnie Doon, photo by Dave Sutherland

The urban Valley Line LRT is expected to start operation between downtown and Mill Woods Town Centre in late 2020, while planning for a west extension to West Edmonton Mall and beyond is underway.

What do you think of the new cars? Leave your comments below, or visit our forum thread, where you can follow the construction progress of the Valley Line.