LRT users get early look at high-tech Valley Line LRT car on display at Bonnie Doon Mall

The LRT cars that will run on the Valley Line will have low floors, top-of-the-line heating and cooling, and electronic displays that provide travel information.

The cars, built by Bombardier in Montreal, have two-by-two seating separated by spacious aisles.

Edmonton transit users are getting a chance to see what the cars look like at Bonnie Doon Mall, where a mock-up is on display until Tuesday.

'See what the future will look like'

7 years ago

Duration 0:52

Edmonton city officials set up one of Bombardier's new low-floor LRT cars at the Bonnie Doon shopping centre, giving citizens a chance to see what would be used on the Valley Line.

Mayor Don Ivesonsaid the mock-up will give the public a chance to see what the future of transportation will look like.

The mayor said he and his council colleagues are often asked why the city is spending so much money and disrupting so many lives to expand LRT service all across the city.

"The reason we are doing this is because traffic congestion is only going to get worse, unless we give people alternatives."

Judy Garnier, wholives on Whyte Avenue, said the new transit line will make getting through the city easier, especially with her young daughter.

"It's so much easier than getting the little one in the car seat," Garniersaid. "It'll be fantastic for her and the next generation to be able to [travel more easily]."

Garnier said she's particularly looking forward to the cars having low floors for easier access. But most of all, she thinks the easier access to the southeast will be beneficial for the city.

"It'll be super-fantastic to be able to get across the city," she said.

Twenty-six of the cars will be purchased for theline, which is scheduled to be completed in 2020.

Afully accessible mock-up of the newBombardierLRV will be on display in the east parking lot of Bonnie Doon Mall until Tuesday. The display will be open during the following hours:

• Friday, 1 p.m. 7 p.m.
• Saturday,9 a.m. 5 p.m.
• Sunday,12 p.m. 5 p.m.
• Monday,12:30 p.m. 7 p.m.
• Tuesday,12:30 p.m. 7 p.m.