A little bit of bright news for the Metro LRT Line, City Council received a report with some changes for the problem-plagued line Tuesday – but many, including Edmontonians and councillors, were clearly frustrated.
Trains on the new line will be allowed to go a little faster, but only for short stretches, and it will still be months before the line can be used as it was designed to be. More than two years after the line was originally slated to open, safety concerns remain.
“I have to say, this is frustrating, I was hoping for a little better news today,” Councillor Bev Esslinger said.
An audit has found the trains can be allowed to go faster in certain areas – but train operators must keep a look out at crossings, and there are seven on the short line between downtown and NAIT.
Currently, the trains go at about 25 kilometres per hour – half the speed called for by designers. Operators need to be able to stop the train within their line of sight.
“Intended speed for the entire line is 50 kilometres an hour, where it can go 50 kilometres an hour, what we’re identifying is that it can go that intended speed if it can still stop at the at-grade crossings,” Adam Laughlin with the City said.
The City still has to complete some speed measurements.
The line has been plagued with problems, including a software glitch.
Mayor Don Iveson called the changes incremental, and said he understands Edmontonians are frustrated.
“I know Edmontonians are frustrated, councillors are very frustrated, as am I, but we’re all committed to the same outcome, we’re just trying to get what we originally put the contract out for two years ago,” Iveson said. “We are making slow and steady improvements towards that.”
With files from Susan Amerongen
