LRT east extension pre-trial running set for early October, but passenger opening date still unclear
Eight trains are already operating on the extension without passengers. OC Transpo must complete a 21-day trial running phase before opening to the public.
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The long-awaited LRT east extension to Orléans is progressing toward a major milestone: pre-trial running is forecast to begin in early October, OC Transpo officials said Thursday.
However, the transit authority still has not set a date for passenger service to begin. That can only happen after the system completes a 21-day trial running phase with trains operating the entire length of Line 2 from Tunney's Pasture to Trim Station in Orléans.
Eight trains are already travelling on the east extension without passengers, "exercising the system" between the east-end stations including Blair, Montreal, Jeanne d'Arc, Convent Glen, Place d'Orléans, and Trim. "Running these trains is part of exercising the system and allows for any final challenges to be identified and issues to be addressed ahead of time, in order to build system reliability for customers," OC Transpo staff said.
Richard Holder, director of the rail construction program, told the transit committee Thursday that the focus has "shifted increasingly towards final readiness activities as we prepare for pre-trial running and trial running." This includes closing out deficiencies, validating operational processes, and ensuring staff and systems are ready. OC Transpo is also conducting readiness exercises for rail diversion scenarios, including immobilized trains and single-track operation.
The extension was delayed after inspectors discovered extensive damage to cartridge-bearing assemblies on Line 1 train cars' wheel hubs in January. Train cars exceeding 100,000 kilometres were pulled from service and fitted with new bearings and a "smart bug" monitoring system. OC Transpo associate general manager Troy Charter said 50 train cars now have conditioning monitoring systems installed and further refinements are underway to detect any future spalling.
The facts
How long must the trial running phase last before the extension opens to passengers?
The trial running phase must last 21 days, during which trains operate the entire length of Line 2 from Tunney's Pasture to Trim Station in Orléans.
How many trains are currently operating on the east extension?
Eight trains are already travelling on the east extension without passengers, exercising the system between stations including Blair, Montreal, Jeanne d'Arc, Convent Glen, Place d'Orléans, and Trim.
What damage led to the LRT extension delay?
Inspectors discovered extensive damage to cartridge-bearing assemblies on Line 1 train cars' wheel hubs, causing train cars exceeding 100,000 kilometres to be pulled from service and fitted with new bearings and a monitoring system.
