12-17-2015, 12:07 PM
(12-17-2015, 11:22 AM)SammyOES Wrote: I assumed testing could begin before construction was finished. I'm sure they don't need the whole line done to do a lot of the early testing.Yes, but they do need vehicles first, so no testing until they arrive. At the rate construction is going, we'll have good sections of track ready by the time they get here.
There will be a couple months of testing of the vehicles themselves, mostly restricted to the maintenance yard. Getting the mechanics used to the machine, doing test drives around the loop, etc.
Then they'll start taking it on trips across the system. They'll test clearances, platform alignment, pantograph connection, traffic light signals. This will all be done with the expectation that some things will need to be fixed, which could take additional weeks.
Then they start training their drivers in earnest, now that the full run of the track is certified.
Finally, they'll eventually ramp up to "Full Service" pre-launch. An extended dress rehearsal, as it were. Making sure that with trains every 10 minutes, they're not getting into constant accidents, that they can do timely turnarounds at the ends, shift changes are quick, etc.
And then there are all the things that aren't the trains. Making sure that the platforms are finished, with all the fine touches done. Installing the new fare machines at stations. Switching the rest of GRT over to electronic fare payment to be compatible.
And if they're done all that early?
They can beat their target of "Late 2017", and get accolades.