ION - Waterloo Region's Light Rail Transit

[welltoldtales]

Do we have confirmation this will be at Blockline tonight? I think I would like to go check it out.

[Canard]

From my understanding of how all this shunting around works, is that it's very dynamic and just kind of happens as it happens. There isn't a set schedule of "this car gets shunted here at this time", unfortunately. So, it should be in Galt in the next few hours... but from there, it could be up by the VIA station as early as late afternoon, or it could be tomorrow, or the day after.

I'll be heading over to the Galt yard in a bit to see if it's made it there yet (I work in the area).

EDIT: No sign of it yet in the Galt yard as of 13h45, unless it's already gone through.

[JJTL]

Ben Spurr a transportation reporter for the Toronto Star is on site at Bombardier, in Millhaven. He has been tweeting out quite a few pictures and notes, some with ION vehicles.

https://twitter.com/BenSpurr

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Waterloo ION LRV number 2 <a href="https://t.co/hmiMEJH1pg">pic.twitter.com/hmiMEJH1pg</a></p>&mdash; Ben Spurr (@BenSpurr) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenSpurr/status/834425423035371521">February 22, 2017</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="lv" dir="ltr">LRV in pieces. <a href="https://t.co/GXHonktOpR">pic.twitter.com/GXHonktOpR</a></p>&mdash; Ben Spurr (@BenSpurr) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenSpurr/status/834430330119520256">February 22, 2017</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cockpit of the Crosstown pilot vehicle <a href="https://t.co/yrJeD8ILoh">pic.twitter.com/yrJeD8ILoh</a></p>&mdash; Ben Spurr (@BenSpurr) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenSpurr/status/834435978890706944">February 22, 2017</a></blockquote>

[Viewfromthe42]

There was also a pair of tweets suggesting that the vehicles (Crosstown and/or ION) could not yet be powered up, and that the software required to run them had not yet been developed.

[timc]

... and that the software required to run them had not yet been developed.

I find that very hard to believe. I mean, the software may not be completed yet, particularly if it still has to go through user-acceptance testing. But what does "not yet developed" even mean?

Edit: I found the tweet: https://twitter.com/BenSpurr/status/834449492300689408

It says the software is "still in development". Which could mean a whole lot of things.

[trainspotter139]

There was also a pair of tweets suggesting that the vehicles (Crosstown and/or ION) could not yet be powered up, and that the software required to run them had not yet been developed.

It's rather difficult for them to develop software for the LRV when they don't know or don't have access to the Train Control and Signal Control systems that will be used for the vehicles. That part really has to be done on site with the first vehicle. If Metrolinx selected the exact same Train Control and Signal Control systems that ION selected Metrolinx could have requested the vehicle be shipped here and integrated with the systems so they could see the vehicle truly operational. But they won't even consider that.

[welltoldtales]

This link makes it pretty clear that Bombardier disputes that. Has moved under it's own power and ready to run.

https://twitter.com/BenSpurr/status/834453371000070144

[JJTL]

Pantograph rising up, and completed roof assembly.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It lives!!! <a href="https://t.co/77JBMmLQWT">pic.twitter.com/77JBMmLQWT</a></p>&mdash; Ben Spurr (@BenSpurr) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenSpurr/status/834433866999988225">February 22, 2017</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Completed roof assembly for Waterloo LRV. Now takes 12 days to complete, B says it will ramp up to 5 days <a href="https://t.co/K6j8oZZtIp">pic.twitter.com/K6j8oZZtIp</a></p>&mdash; Ben Spurr (@BenSpurr) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenSpurr/status/834428221756207106">February 22, 2017</a></blockquote>

[KevinL]

On-the-ground updates: Canopy structure going up at Kitchener City Hall, tarps are off and forms being removed at Frederick. Perfect weather for it.

[trainspotter139]

This link makes it pretty clear that Bombardier disputes that. Has moved under it's own power and ready to run.

https://twitter.com/BenSpurr/status/834453371000070144

Bombardier can override the computer manually to test the motors before shipping but the onboard computer needs software to integrate it with the customer selected train control and signalling systems. The onboard computer will lock out control otherwise because it will think there is something wrong.

[Coke6pk]

@ timc

Should I infer that you also think my doing so is unwarranted? Do you support Loblaws' legal action?

I'm at a loss to understand what is wrong with what I wrote.

I'm not sure what the responses mean, but everyone has the right to boycott businesses should they disbelieve in their values/actions.  One person won't change a corporation, but many together will.  Just look south of the border to the "Businesses supporting Trump" boycotts.  Corporations have taken notice, and have cut ties with Trump brands.

If Loblaws wins, my taxpayers money will go off to HQ in Brampton, and pad some executive's pocketbook.  I have the right to pressure them in dropping the lawsuit by not patronizing them.  The fact that we won't get the increase in revenue when LRT is completed is why I take issue with this.  (Wait for the end product, and if things never improve, maybe you have a valid argument.)

I'll guarantee that very few people in this forum would pick Jay Fencing as their first choice for a project...

Coke

[Elmira Guy]

@ Coke6pk

That was exactly my point. That's why I didn't understand the condescension in the first reply to my initial post about writing Loblaws and no longer patronising their stores.

I have read a number of posts here over the years that I did not agree with but I did not feel it proper to respond with smugness or denigration. I have every right not to visit a business if I feel their values or goals are in sufficient contrast to my own. I don't understand why a couple of people here find my position so ridiculous as to warrant their non-constructive criticism.

[JJTL]

The Eagle has landed in the Region! (Galt)

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It has arrived in Waterloo Region. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IonTracker?src=hash">#IonTracker</a>. Galt, Cambridge. <a href="https://twitter.com/570NEWS">@570News</a> <a href="https://t.co/ughYxd2XqJ">pic.twitter.com/ughYxd2XqJ</a></p>&mdash; Lisa Drew (@lisadrewradio) <a href="https://twitter.com/lisadrewradio/status/834503891618258950">February 22, 2017</a></blockquote>

[trainspotter139]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Another shot of our first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ION?src=hash">#ION</a>. Parked in Galt, Cambridge for now. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IonTracker?src=hash">#IonTracker</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/570NEWS">@570News</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rideIONrt">@rideIONrt</a> <a href="https://t.co/HQZeILQHMl">pic.twitter.com/HQZeILQHMl</a></p>&mdash; Lisa Drew (@lisadrewradio) <a href="https://twitter.com/lisadrewradio/status/834509780525932545">February 22, 2017</a></blockquote>

[welltoldtales]

How long do we expect it to stay in Galt? I am thinking about making the trip to see it with my kids. So don't want it running away on me!