Toronto light rail opening has been further delayed following Metrolinx’s announcement that performance issues will push beyond the required 30-day test period leading to the start of passenger service. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Toronto light rail line opening delayed again after setbacks
Source, photo: wikipedia

Technical complications slow Toronto light rail line construction

Metrolinx CEO Michael Lindsay explained how reliability problems of the light rail vehicles consist of problems of HVAC, communication, and brakes. Therefore, the 30-day test period will not start until these problems have been fixed. Testing will not start until performance is stabilized.

Don’t miss…Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Marks Rail Safety Month With Awareness Drive

Bombardier, owned by Alstom, provided the 76 vehicles for the route, of which the first were delivered over six years ago. Nonetheless, continuous technical fine-tuning of the system demonstrates the challenges involved in getting the system operational on a daily basis. Officials pointed out that resolving issues now prevents future disruption.

Construction delays hamper Toronto light rail line opening

Construction began in 2011, and the project is currently five years behind schedule from its original 2020 deadline. Legally contentious matters, pandemic-related delays, and technical snags have persistently hindered progress. Meanwhile, Premier of Ontario Doug Ford rejected calls for a public inquiry but requested a detailed report.

When it is fully constructed, the Eglinton Crosstown line will stretch for 11.8 miles (19 kilometers) and contain 25 stations, of which approximately half will be underground. The line will also connect with two subway lines and GO Transit routes, reducing travel times by up to 60%.

Source: www.trains.com

When is the Toronto opening of the light rail line?

The delay is due to performance problems of the light rail vehicles, including brakes, HVAC, and communication systems. Metrolinx also requires a 30-day test operation prior to the start of passenger service.

When will Toronto’s Light Rail Line open?

Metrolinx didn’t provide a new official start date. Officials vow testing will commence “within weeks” after technical issues have been fixed, but the overall rollout will span additional months.

What benefits will the Toronto light rail line provide when it’s finished?

The project will reduce trips by up to 60%, enhance linkages with subway and commuter rail services, and provide everyday reliability for thousands of passengers daily across Toronto’s busiest transit corridor.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Don’t miss…Wabtec Corporation Partners with the Pittsburgh Steelers

Find the latest news of the railway industry in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and the rest of the world on our page on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, read Railway Supply magazine online.

Place your ads on webportal and in Railway Supply magazine. Detailed information is in Railway Supply media kit