First morning 'stellar' for Metro LRT, says transportation manager - Action News
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First morning 'stellar' for Metro LRT, says transportation manager

All eyes were on the Metro LRT line this morning as trains were carrying passengers on a normal workday for the first time.

Metro Line experiences only one glitch on its first morning of rush hour traffic

First real test for Metro LRT as classes begin

9 years ago
Duration 0:44
The line may have opened over the weekend, but today is the first real test of the train. CBC's Trevor Wilson Transportation Manager Dorian Wandzura and student Megan Ewasuk about the opening.

City officials are calling thefirst day ofweekday rush hour service for theMetro LRT line "stellar,"with only one major glitch reported.

A train was delayed at NAIT after its communication system went down.The train was removed from serviceand a replacement was brought in.

"Every second counts," said transportation manager Dorian Wandzura.

"We're working with our control staff to make those second by second adjustments. But overall, it's gone really really well."

Traffic delays weren't as bad as expected. The city initially projected drivers could wait as long as 16 minutes at some intersections.CBC reporter Lydia Neufeldsaid eastboundtraffic onPrincess Elizabeth Avenue at 106th Street waited for about two traffic light cycles, or approximately eight minutes.

Transportation manager Dorian Wandzura told reporters Tuesday that traffic ran smoothly Tuesday, despite the city's early warning about delays along the Metro Line route. (CBC)
Wandzura said there were fewer cars lined up at intersections along the route on Tuesday morning than there were on Sunday and Monday.

"I think that people have adjusted," he said.

Trains on the Metro Line are stoppingfor five minutes atMacEwanStation.Wandzurasaid that is being done on purpose.

"That's really to make sure that the train can get back into the right place on the Capital Line and make sure we keep our train spacing and keep service where we need it to be," he said.

He said the city will continue to make adjustments to the speed and frequency of trains to improve the traffic flow in the area.

NAITpresident GlennFelthamwas riding the trains Tuesday morning and talking with students. Hesaid he is looking forward to when the system is fully operational.

"This really is a great thing for many of our students and for our staff," he said.

The new line officially opened Sunday after months of delays and controversy.

The trains are running at a 15-minute frequency. The original plan called for service every 10 minutes, but trains can run no faster than 25 km/hr until ongoing problems with the signalling system are resolved.

Last week, city officials revealed that drivers could expect delays up to 16 minutes on Princess Elizabeth Avenue at 106thStreet because of the Metro Line crossing.

With files from Laura Osman