Transit Briefs: Edmonton Capital Line South LRT; DART
Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
The Edmonton (Alberta) Capital Line South Extension project will add 2.8 miles (4.5 kilometers) of double-track from Century Park to Ellerslie Road, plus two stations at Twin Brooks and Ellerslie.
Priority funding consideration is being made for the Edmonton Capital Line South LRT extension project’s first phase, according to Infrastructure Canada. In addition, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) in Texas has launched a pilot program providing qualified riders with half-price fares.
The Edmonton Capital Line South Extension in Alberta will add 2.8 miles (4.5 kilometers) of double-track from Century Park to Ellerslie Road, plus two stations at Twin Brooks and Ellerslie. The project will also include an operations, maintenance and storage facility; 24 light rail vehicles; an underpass at the 23 Avenue crossing; a new bridge across Anthony Henday Drive; and expansion and integration with the Heritage Valley Park and Ride Facility. The preliminary project design is complete.
Infrastructure Canada reported on July 27 that the government of Canada is investing up to $314.70 million (C$394.24 million) on the project, “subject to the necessary federal due diligence and approvals process.” The government of Alberta, which has approved the project’s business case, and the city of Edmonton will provide the remaining funding. The project is part of Edmonton’s plan to expand LRT service to all city sectors by 2040.
“Investing in public transit is at the heart of a clean and inclusive recovery,” said Catherine McKenna, Canadian Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “That’s why the government of Canada is investing almost $400 million for the Edmonton Capital Line South Extension–Phase 1 LRT Project from Century Park to Ellerslie Road, to reduce commute times and help Edmonton residents, including workers, students, seniors, and families, get around in cleaner and more affordable ways. Through this investment we’re helping take more cars off the road and reduce emissions, create good jobs, and build more inclusive communities.”
All new and current DART riders using any one of nine support assistance programs (see list below) will receive a 50% discount on the regular price of a DART pass when they use the DART Discount GoPass® Tap Card. The agency said it introduced the discount “to ensure riders who qualify have access to jobs, health care and educational opportunities, reducing social and economic inequalities by making mobility financially feasible to more people.”
The nine support assistance programs are:
• CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program)
• TANF (Texas Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
• CEAP (Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program)• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
• Housing Choice Vouchers
• DHA Housing Solutions for North Texas Program
• Medicaid
• Medicare
• Texas WIC (Texas Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children)
Discount Tap Cards can be used on DART light rail and bus services, as well as on Trinity Railway Express (TRE) between EBJ Union Station and CentrePort/DFW Station.
