ION - Waterloo Region's Light Rail Transit

[Spokes]

Just saw 513 at Block Line.

[Canard]

And I saw 502 on my way home, up Charles! They were doing some kind of very specific operator switch, from one vehicle to another. A VIP boarded 510 at the OMSF. I always wonder who all these VIP's are they're transporting around all the time.

[jason897]

[trainspotter139]

And I saw 502 on my way home, up Charles!  They were doing some kind of very specific operator switch, from one vehicle to another.  A VIP boarded 510 at the OMSF.  I always wonder who all these VIP's are they're transporting around all the time.

I think the VIPs may be officials from the Region/Bombardier/Keolis.

EDIT: The operator switches are done mostly to manage shift changes to ensure no operator exceeds the maximum hours allowed under Transport Canada Regulations

[Spokes]

And I saw 502 on my way home, up Charles!  They were doing some kind of very specific operator switch, from one vehicle to another.  A VIP boarded 510 at the OMSF.  I always wonder who all these VIP's are they're transporting around all the time.

Very Important Sandbags?

502, 505, 510, 513 out this evening. All but 502 loaded with sandbags

I noticed them in 513!  Simulating a full load of people?

[Canard]

I wonder why we're back to sandbags, I thought we were done with that months ago.

[trainspotter139]

I wonder why we're back to sandbags, I thought we were done with that months ago.

simulated burn-in perhaps? or more Bombardier qualification testing because they have no where else they can do it that has the kinds of track geometry (grades, curves, etc.) they need to test on? (They certainly can't do any of it in Toronto for Crosstown)

[robdrimmie]

I might just start calling all politicians Very Important Sandbag from now on

[Spokes]

Nicer than what some people call them!

[trainspotter139]

Preparations seem to be underway to bring 2 coupled trains out to play. 505+508 and 510+513

[jeffster]

Coming home last night (just after midnight) I saw the LRT heading towards downtown on Ottawa Street. Lots of sand bags inside.

This thing looks pretty slick at night, especially after the freezing rain that we had.

[jwilliamson]

Are the LRVs only capable of forming trains with 2 units, or could 3 or more be coupled together if needed?

[Canard]

Here, 2 is the most we’ll ever see.

Eglinton Crosstown will run consists of 3 LRV’s together.

Bombardier’s specs say they can couple up to 4, but it’s just marketing. They may not have any intentions of ever doing this anywhere. Everything is custom and suppliers will do whatever a customer asks for.

[timc]

Also, our station platforms aren't long enough for three LRVs.

Speaking of which, when does ordering begin for the next cohort of vehicles? According to the project agreement, 2-car train operations are supposed to begin in 2025.

[Spokes]

Here, 2 is the most we’ll ever see.

Eglinton Crosstown will run consists of 3 LRV’s together.

Bombardier’s specs say they can couple up to 4, but it’s just marketing. They may not have any intentions of ever doing this anywhere. Everything is custom and suppliers will do whatever a customer asks for.

So does that mean they CANT actually handle 4, or just that no one would?