What the region needs to get done before LRT launches in June

With the LRTlaunch on the horizon, Waterloo region still has a few items to check off the to-do listto ensuretrains run smoothly on June 21.

Regional Coun. Tom Galloway toldThe Morning Editionthe first order of business involves"burning-in" the LRT vehicles. That meansmaking sure the vehicles have a certain amountof mileage before they are put into service.

Another important step is to practice runningthe LRT as a full system, which will happen days before the official launch.

"All the trains out there, running on a schedule as if there were people on them and that's the last part the testing process," Galloway said.

Vehicles meet standard

In 2018, staff experienced a few hiccupswhile testing the vehicles on the tracks.

Sometimes during testing, the vehicles wouldexperience a glitch and the software used to run them neededto be rebooted, which took several minutes.

Gallowaysaid 10 of the vehicles have passed the preliminary "acceptance" process, which means they met all the technical standards.

He said vehicles have to have final acceptance for the region to have full ownership. Three vehicles have reached final acceptance so far.

"The difference between preliminary and final is just the burn-in period," he said.

Gallowayaddsthe main infrastructure for the LRT in K-W is done, but maintenancewill continue.

The region still needs to fix some issues with a few of the railway gatearmsat some crossings. He said the arms don't come up as quickly as they should.

Phase 2 in Cambridge

Galloway said Cambridge council approved the route for phase two of the project, except for a portion in the Preston area.

He said staff will consult with the Cambridge community about the final design of the LRT route.

Once the route has been approved by council, theenvironmental assessment for the project would need approvalfrom theMinistryof Environment and Climate Change.

"Once the minister approvesthe environmental assessment, then we have formally a project that we can apply for funding," he said.

Bombardier penalties

Gallowayaddsthe region intends to deductthe liquidated damages from the overall cost of the LRT vehicles.

He said it won't cover the whole cost of the vehicles or the costs that were added due to the delays, and anticipates it could take several years to resolve.

"We have put them on notice through a tolling agreement that we will be looking for further damages," Galloway said, adding the region may have to litigate the issue with Bombardier.