ETS takes over Valley Line Southeast operations
Edmonton Transit Service will replace TransEd as operator of the Valley Line Southeast, a shift city officials say puts taxpayers first.
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Edmonton is ending its partnership with TransEd and bringing Valley Line Southeast operations in-house. The Edmonton Transit Service will take over management of the 27-kilometre line, which TransEd was contracted to operate until 2050.
City Manager Eddie Robar said the decision came after a careful financial analysis. "This is a business decision in the interests of taxpayers and transit riders," Robar said, adding that ETS is well-positioned to handle operations and support the commissioning of Valley Line West.
TransEd, a public-private partnership consortium, had managed both the design and construction of the line. The company also faced penalties when trains ran late, a mechanism meant to encourage on-time performance. The shift to public operation signals the city's confidence that ETS can manage the expanding LRT network without a private partner.
The change comes as Edmonton continues building out its rapid transit system across the city.