Transit delays caused by mechanical problems
Posted October 24, 2018 10:23 am.
Last Updated October 24, 2018 2:47 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
EDMONTON (CityNews) – Metro Line is once again running, but at a reduced frequency, and the Capital line is running at off-peak frequency as crews work to restore full service.
But it was a major headache for some Edmonton commuters Wednesday, as more than 40 per cent of LRT train cars were sidelined due to damage.
The unplanned service disruption came after a routine inspection uncovered mechanical issues with the trains’ pantograph arms.
The arms- mounted atop each LRT car- connect to an overhead electrical line to collect power.
Picture credit – City of Edmonton
Picture credit – Gregory McCosham, CityNews
40 of the fleet’s 97 trains were removed for fear of further damage.
The damaged cars led to significant delays for riders on both the Metro and Capital LRT lines.
The city used bus shuttles to ferry all passengers between Churchill and NAIT stations, while fewer trains ran between Century Park and Clareview.
Officials confirm while they’ve never encountered so many damaged cars at once, they will be able to repair the issue quickly.
The Metro line will be running with reduced cars, while the frequency of the Capital line may be impacted.
Full service is expected to resume on Thursday morning.
With files from Carly Robinson.
