An LRT train travelling during winter

Edmonton's light rail transit (LRT) system is an above and underground train that runs from Clareview in the northeast to Century Park in the south. There are 18 stations along the route, including one at Commonwealth Stadium and another at Rogers Place (MacEwan). Several LRT stations in the downtown core connect to Edmonton's convenient pedway system.

Proof of Payment

Signs throughout the LRT system alert passengers to Proof of Payment Areas.

A blue sign indicating a Proof of Payment area

You must be in possession of a valid fare product within a proof of payment area. Valid forms of payment include:

  • A validated ticket purchased at a fare vending machine in one of the stations. Easy-to-follow directions are posted on the fronts of these machines
    A fare vending machine
  • A validated ETS ticket from a previously purchased strip of tickets. You must validate your tickets at one of the bright orange ticket validators found near the entrance to the proof of payment areas.
    A ticket validating machine
  • Insert the ticket arrow-end first
    Insert the ticket arrow-end first

Random checks for proof of payment will be made, so be sure to have yours handy. There's a $250 fine for fare evasion.

Waiting for the LRT

The door open button on an LRT train

For your safety, please wait for the LRT by standing behind the safety strip, preferably at least two metres from the edge of the platform. Listen for approaching train announcements including track number. When your train approaches, wait until it has come to a full stop before you step to the edge of the platform. You can open the train doors by pushing a lit button found beside them. Allow other passengers to exit the train before you attempt boarding.

How LRT Doors Work

  1. LRT trains can not depart from a station if any of the doors are open.
  2. As the doors are about to close an audible series of gongs can be heard, warning that the doors are about to close and the train is about to depart.
  3. All of the doors on the LRT have sensors that detect when someone or something is blocking the door. These sensors hold the door open when there is a blockage. If the door is jammed while closing, the doors will reopen and then try to close again automatically.
  4. The 'old' model cars (U2) have two bi-fold doors that fold in when opened and the 'new' model cars (SD160) have two sliding doors.
  5. The LRT Operator, or driver, controls when the doors can be opened by the passenger pushbutton, but the closing of the doors is controlled automatically. Once the door sensors are clear the doors will close four (4) seconds later.
  6. All LRT cars have an accessible door. This door is located in one of the center positions on the LRT car and has a blue stripe along the top and a wheelchair symbol on the door.
  7. Each accessible door has a ramp that lowers automatically when the accessible button is pressed to minimize the gap between the platform and the LRT car. This ramp has sensors to ensure that it stops at the proper level.
  8. LRT doors have the added safety feature of a red "emergency handle" or “RED” Push Button (above each door). Should something get stuck in the doors the "emergency handle or Button" can be used to contact the LRT Operator, or driver of the affected train.
  9. All LRT cars have a yellow emergency strip above the windows. When pressed, it puts passengers in the car in direct contact with the LRT Operator (driver). There is also a red emergency button near the accessible doors for those who cannot reach the yellow strip.
  10. Please do not hold the LRT train doors open except in case of emergency. Holding a door open on the LRT train may make a train run behind schedule resulting in missed connections and transfers. The next train can be delayed as well. Please be considerate of your fellow passengers and don't block the doors.

On the LRT

Find a seat, or, if the train is crowded, hold on to one of the poles. LRT vehicles accelerate rapidly and quietly, and can knock you off balance, so take care. If you're standing in front of the doors, stay back as they open inward. You'll hear a bell just before the train starts moving. This bell also warns passengers on the platform to stand clear of the edge.

Portable Listening devices (such as CD players, iPods, and MP3 players) are allowed on the LRT at the driver's discretion. If your music disturbs another passenger, you will be asked to turn it down or off.

An LRT station map above each train door will tell you which station you are approaching. A recording will announce each station as the LRT approaches. As with boarding, you must open the train doors by pressing an adjacent lit button. As you exit, look for signs above the platform for direction. Remember to hold on to your LRT proof of payment if you're planning to use the bus, as it can be used to transfer to a bus.

Getting Help

Customer information and assistance phones are in all LRT stations, as well as blue emergency help phones.

An emergency help phone found on LRT platforms

Transit Peace Officers patrol the stations and travel the system, and are there for your protection and security. Please feel free to ask for help if you encounter a problem.

A pair of Transit peace officers who can be found on the system or called for using the emergency phone found on LRT platforms

To learn more about our safety procedures please visit Safety and Security.