Calgary Transit to perform series of CTrain inspections
Calgary Transit will be undertaking a full series of inspections in hopes of determining what caused CTrain mechanical failures two days in a row, resulting in delays for downtown commuters.
While there’s nothing at this time to indicate the two problems were connected, there are just too many coincidences that can’t be ignored, from the area and the time of day the breakdown took place to the piece of equipment that failed, said Russell Davies, Calgary Transit’s acting director.
“It seems a little bit incredulous that there is no link,” Davies said.
As a result, crews are putting together “a whole package” of inspections that examine the train tracks right up to the overhead lines, he added.
The first incident took place about 6:30 a.m. Thursday as a train bound for downtown left Bridgeland station.
Davies said transit staff reviewed video and learned a carbon strip on the train’s pantograph — a piece of equipment that connects the train to the overhead power lines — had somehow disintegrated, which then snagged wires at the City Hall Station, a crucial nexus point.
The overhead power system shut off as a safety measure. Trains on both the red and blue lines — the first line travelling between northwest and southeast Calgary, the second travelling between the northeast and the southwest — were affected.
Hundreds of commuters were left to stand in the rain while waiting for the 50 shuttle buses that were dispatched to the various affected CTrain stations.
The following morning, at about 6 a.m., a train coming into Bridgeland station experienced a pantograph failure. A preliminary investigation shows the small stabilizing arm on the roof of the vehicle had seized, disconnected and tripped the breakers, Davies said.
This time, only the blue line experienced delays as crews ran a train on a single track between Bridgeland and City Hall stations for several hours while repairs were being made.
No passengers were left stranded on the platform.
But Davies said it’s always a concern when passengers are inconvenienced.
Starting this weekend, crews will inspect all the arms on their U2 model CTrain cars, conduct a rebuild of the broken carbon pieces from the damaged pantograph, examine the tracks and the overhead lines, as well as perform a run-through with some high-speed cameras on the roof of some of the trains, in search of clues.
It’s uncommon for a pantograph to fail, but when it does power is shut off and the train stops, Davies said, adding: “That’s why this coincidental failure is something we need to focus on right now.”
Both Coun. Druh Farrell and Coun. Evan Woolley say it’s crucial for Calgary Transit to ensure the system is working well for the many passengers who rely on public transportation.
“It’s essential when we’re asking people to start taking transit, that it’s reliable and safe and comfortable, so continual improvement is our goal,” Farrell said.
“We run a really good transit system. Things pop up and they’re frustrating, for sure,” Woolley said.
“But our ability as a city to move people efficiently, effectively and consistently is obviously critical.
“Our ability to deal with (issues) effectively and get to the root of the problem and learn from mistakes and learn from glitches is critical.”
Peter Schryvers, with transit advocacy group Transit Camp YYC, said it’s concerning whenever there’s a repeated failure that is similar in location or nature, and he’s pleased officials are looking deeper into the matter.
“Calgary Transit responded well to the incidents, but it illustrates the need for emergency planning and response preparedness, especially with respect to an LRT line going down,” Schryvers said in a written response to prepared questions.
He said he hopes staff identify the cause of both problems and provides a long-term solution.
In addition, he hopes Calgary Transit comes up with a comprehensive emergency response plan for future breakdowns, that includes how to improve passenger information systems, how to handle additional passenger loads, and the deployment of staff at affected stations to direct passengers to alternative resources such as shuttle buses.
Our ability to deal with (issues) effectively and … learn from mistakes and learn from glitches is critical.