On-track light rail testing finally gets underway
Ion train inching along tracks attracts plenty of curious people
WATERLOO — Ion has left the building.
A light rail vehicle finally emerged from the Waterloo maintenance facility on Tuesday morning for testing on the tracks.
The train was being pushed slowly enough for its escort of about 20 people clad in reflective vests to walk alongside, checking clearances along the route.
For Kitchener’s Kevin Tessner, the first glimpse was “extremely exciting.”
He’s been driving by the facility on his way to work every morning for the past couple of weeks just to see if a train was out of the shed.
“Today, I got lucky,” he said.
Testing was scheduled to begin in midOctober, but a few days later the region said it was postponed because paperwork from Bombardier hadn’t been delivered to GrandLinq, the consortium hired to build and operate the light rail system.
Then last week the region announced testing was slated to start in the next two weeks, but was reluctant to give an exact date in case there was another delay.
Tessner waited on Columbia Street as the Ion inched along the tracks toward the University of Waterloo campus. Two police cruisers were parked on each side, in case the safety arms and lights weren’t triggered.
The arms did come down across the street and sidewalk, stopping a few students in their path.
“It’s not a big benchmark day, but we do have No. 2 out on the track,” said Waterloo Region Coun. Tom Galloway.
The purpose of the initial testing is to check out the track system and make sure there’s enough clearance between the vehicle and infrastructure, such as the poles and station platforms.
The crew was also checking the panograph — the arm that goes from the train to the wires to conduct electricity.
“They’re testing to make sure the overhead wiring system was installed properly,” Galloway said.
Testing continues on Wednesday along the track running from Erb and Caroline streets to Conestoga Mall. After that’s complete, then the train will move under its own power.
“We expect that in the next week or so,” Galloway said.
Ponnu Ponnambalam happened to be walking by the Columbia Street crossing on his way to work when he noticed the police cars and a person videotaping the Ion’s approach.
“By chance, I was here,” Ponnambalam said.
The UW professor stuck around since he had 10 minutes to spare and, he added, “I like trains anyway.”
He’s hopeful the light rail system will reduce the region’s carbon footprint and boost the community’s density.
Tessner plans to take the Ion to get to work in Waterloo, even if it takes a bit longer.
“I can’t wait to ride it. I think it’s the right thing for the region.”