First fully equipped Ion train on its way to Waterloo Region
WATERLOO REGION — The first fully equipped Ion train will soon arrive in Waterloo Region.
“This is the first train that has the special local equipment in it,” said regional Coun. Tom Galloway. “It certainly is another milestone.”
The train was shipped from Bombardier’s Kingston plant on Monday and is expected to arrive late this week or early next week.
Before a train can go into service, specialized on-board equipment needs to be installed that allows it to communicate with the equipment alongside the track and the control centre. That includes radios, antennas and systems to control gates, crossings and traffic signals.
Some trains are having the equipment installed in Waterloo, some in Kingston.
All 14 Ion trains are fully assembled.
Eight vehicles are currently in the region, with three getting on-board equipment installed, a process that’s expected to be completed in late September or early October. Another five vehicles are being used for testing and training, and installation of specialized equipment will start after the first three.
Five vehicles are in Kingston, where modifications including equipment installation are being done.
Installing the on-board equipment is the next key step to starting the service. Following that, extensive testing needs to be completed by GrandLinq to make sure the entire system works properly.
Galloway said the service is still on track to launch in December. However, there’s “no wiggle room for any major or significant delays.”
Training of the Ion drivers is also underway.
Currently, 10 drivers are being trained, with two or three trains out every day for operator training along the 19-kilometre track.
“Much of what people are seeing now is driver training,” Galloway said.
The public can get a close look at the Ion this fall as trains will be out at several community events, including Oktoberfest and the Christkindl Market. Those events will not affect any testing or training that could impact the service launch, according to an update provided to regional council on Wednesday night.