11-18-2023, 09:39 AM
The Ion has now been in operation for over 1000 revenue days; it has been sidelined for parts of "at least" three days according to that CTV report. Overall, a pretty good operating track record. That being said, we know that the LRVs can be fitted with ice scrapers when bad weather is expected. What I don't know is, in cases where the ice isn't present, does the scraper add any kind of wear to the catenary itself? How do tram lines in places like Finland manage? Or is the case there that weather is generally drier (eg mainly snow and not freezing rain) and therefore a different operating condition?
If freezing rain, as opposed to snow, is the problem, then someone may have to dig into the operating agreement to figure out who pays for increased operating costs due to climate change. My bet is that it would be the Region that pays.
In October and November, many motorists put on snow tires for winter driving and leave them on until March. If we only put them on ahead of each storm, it would slow us down too. But, the winter tires would be in much better shape because they were only used for a handful of days.
If freezing rain, as opposed to snow, is the problem, then someone may have to dig into the operating agreement to figure out who pays for increased operating costs due to climate change. My bet is that it would be the Region that pays.
In October and November, many motorists put on snow tires for winter driving and leave them on until March. If we only put them on ahead of each storm, it would slow us down too. But, the winter tires would be in much better shape because they were only used for a handful of days.