Raise the Hammer

Regional council signs $92 million LRT vehicle deal with Bombardier

Cambridge Times
Waterloo Region has taken the next step in the development of its planned Light Rail Transit (LRT) system.

On Wednesday, regional council approved a $92-million agreement with Metrolinx and Bombardier for the purchase of 14 light rail vehicles (LRV) to implement Stage 1 of ION, the Region of Waterloo’s rapid transit service.

“The purchase of light rail vehicles for ION is a significant milestone,” said Jim Wideman, regional councillor and chair of the Planning and Works Committee, in a news release.

“The vehicles symbolize the considerable progress being made to bring this new service to residents in Waterloo Region.”

Council voted 11-1 in favour of the purchase, with Waterloo Mayor Brenda Halloran casting the opposing vote, saying now is not the time to be spending the money.

Mayors Doug Craig of Cambridge and North Dumfries’ Rob Deutschmann previously declared that they are unable to vote on the project due to conflicts of interests.

In June 2012, regional council directed staff to launch the negotiations with Metrolinx for participation in the Metrolinx-led procurement of LRVs from Bombardier. Joint procurement and collaboration between agencies is a common practice when making small vehicle orders.

The low-floor LRV fleet will be fully accessible and the first of its kind in North America. The vehicle has doors on both sides, 56 fixed seats and can carry more than 200 people.

Production of the ION LRVs will begin next year with the first vehicle delivered to Waterloo Region in summer 2016. The final vehicle will arrive in December 2016.

This Saturday, the public is being invited to see one of the LRVs at regional headquarters, 150 Frederick St. in Kitchener, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

http://www.cambridgetimes.ca/news-story/3886086-regional-council-signs-92-million-lrt-vehicle-deal-with-bombardier/