11-07-2018, 07:11 AM
Pheidippides Wrote: Interesting that the report characterizes the specialized equipment as GrandLinq’s:
Of course it is. That is the whole issue! That’s why it’s called Free-Issued Equipment, or FIE (eff eye aiee).
With the original 182 LRV order, Metrolinx was to “fill the hole in the dash”, and we were to get and use the same system. They didn’t come up with an in-cab signaling system. So, the Region/GrandLinq scrambled to come up with an off-the-shelf solution from another vendor. They finally did that, and only recently penned an agreement with Bombardier to have them install it.... only after they realized they couldn’t do it themselves!
Bombardier has actually helped them out, and everyone is slamming them for it. It’s absolutely maddening.
Quote:“As part of the Project, GrandLinq is responsible for ensuring the finished vehicle integrates seamlessly with the built system.”
“The Region has finalized an agreement with Bombardier to install GrandLinq’s on-board equipment and to make the necessary onboard modifications to accommodate the equipment on each train.”
Perhaps they should have spent less time on the flux-capacitor and time travel capabilities of the LRVs and more time on the on-board equipment:
“An ION vehicle has been present at some upcoming community events, with further events scheduled.”
Interesting that 504 is still at 51% completion of the on-board equipment – same as in September.
My response to this in a neutral tone: Trains like these are available "turn-key". In some cases the customer(s) decide to mandate their own equipment. This can cause a delay in making the LRVs into an LRT system.