Edmonton taps TransEd Partners to oversee Valley Line light-rail project

The city of Edmonton, Alberta, has selected the TransEd Partners consortium to design, build, operate, maintain and finance the first stage of the $1.8 billion (in Canadian dollars) Valley Line light-rail transit project.

TransEd Partners was chosen after an 18-month procurement process that involved comprehensive proposals from three international teams, Edmonton city officials said in a press release.

The city evaluated the teams on their experience in the design and construction of light-rail systems, as well as operation, maintenance and finance, Edmonton officials said.

TransEd Partners comprises Bombardier, Fengate Capital Management, Bechtel and Ellis-Don. These firms are experienced in delivering large, complex public-private partnership infrastructure projects, city officials said.

The city's public-private arrangement for the line transfers significant risks for budget, schedule or performance delays, and ongoing maintenance and operations to the private sector.

"We feel confident that TransEd Partners shares Edmonton’s vision for its future, and is the right partner to bring this vision to life," said Acting City Manager Linda Cochrane. "The procurement process on this project has been very robust and the final deal is one that offers strong value for taxpayers."

Detailed work is now required to finalize the contract. This process is slated to wrap up by February 2016, with construction beginning shortly afterwards.

The roughly 8.7-mile line will run from the Mill Woods residential area in southeastern Edmonton to the city's downtown.
Map of Edmonton's light-rail routes, including the Valley Line
Source: The City of Edmonton