Some bonus exterior shots, also from last summer:
And here's the answers from the Q&A:
1. What kind of information boards can we expect to see on the LRVs and at the stops? Will they be simple matrix boards (like on the Capital and Metro Line trains), or LCD display screens? What kind of information will they display? Will any of them be interactive?
LCD technology screens will be used in trains. Information displayed will include “next stop” as well as other messages. Displays on the LRVs will not be interactive. On platforms, LED matrixstyle information boards giving information on next train arrival will be present along with LRT network maps, similar to what are currently at Metro Line and Capital Line stations. There is space reserved on the stop platforms for two (one at each end) digital information displays. ETS is still developing these displays, but the intent is to provide both interactive trip planning and other passenger information. Details can be provided once the prototype completes testing.
2. Are any of the new LRT system maps that include the Valley Line available to show yet?
To prevent any confusion about the available transit options, an updated LRT system map with the Valley Line, Metro Line, and Capital Line LRT routes is not available. An updated system map will be released closer to opening day.
3. Would it be possible to get a video tour of the outside and inside of the LRVs, including the display boards?
LRV video tours (inside and out) are being planned for this year. TransEd is also considering creating a video tour of a stop to prepare future passengers for opening day. Until those are created, we’ve compiled some photos that highlight the interior and exterior of the trains. These photos show the different seating areas including the designated wheelchair spots and spaces for bicycles.
For passengers with mobility aids like wheelchairs who may want additional time to exit the train at their stop, there is a button near the designated wheelchair space that will keep the door open a little bit longer at the stop.
Inside of the trains, the digital “next stop” displays still need to be programmed. They’re conveniently installed along the ceiling of the train near the central doors making them easy to see from both ends of the train. Once they’re programmed, we will be happy to share them with the public.
4. Would it be possible to get some video (as well as photos) of the maintenance facility, including the repair bays? Is it possible to get a photo from under a train in a repair bay?
There are a few elements of the OMF that are still being completed, once it is fully complete, we can provide some photos of the interior. The facility was built to hold the 26 LRVs ordered for the project and includes a dedicated wash bay, maintenance bays and storage bays along with the operations control centre.
We cannot share photographs or video of the trains from below or above. Train-related systems that are not generally visible to the public are systems proprietary to Alstom (formerly Bombardier Transportation).
5. Could we get a shot of the outdoor train yards? Any chance we could get one looking down from the rooftop of the building?
Definitely! We have some fantastic drone shots of the Operations and Maintenance Facility (OMF) that were taken in summer 2020. Included in the photos that we’ve provided are overhead views of the facility with entrances to the bays.
6. Would it be possible to get photos and/or video of the operations centre? What kind of equipment and displays are employed to operate and monitor the system?
With work still taking place at the OMF and specifically in the operations control centre so we can’t share photos of it yet. We appreciate the excitement to see how the Valley Line Southeast operates from the inside and will share more information about the operations control centre when it’s ready to be unveiled.
7. Can you talk a bit more about and/or get some photos or video of the catenary lifting mechanism where it crosses the Whitemud offramp, and how it works? How will operators know when a high-clearance vehicle needs to pass under?
High load transporters are required to obtain a permit from the City prior to transporting their load. Part of that permitting process requires Transporters to coordinate high load crossing of the tracks with TransEd. The crossings will only occur at night when trains are not running. This ensures that passenger service isn’t interrupted by an oversize load moving underneath the OCS cables.
For normal operation of the Valley Line Southeast, the OCS cables are six metres above the ground, this is lower than the nine-meter height that is typical for powerlines along the high-load corridor. At the high load corridor crossing at Whitemud Drive, the Valley Line Southeast OCS cables will be lifted up to 14 metres above the ground ensuring that current high loads and any future super-high loads can move through the corridor.
When a high-load transport is scheduled, TransEd’s crews will operate the lifting mechanism— which crews nicknamed the X-wing for its resemblance to the Rebel Alliance starfighter—after passenger service ends for the day. Once the load safely passes underneath, the crew will lower the OCS cables back into place. They will then ensure that the OCS is fully functional prior to morning service commencement. The entire process takes about three hours.
The lifting system requires further testing and commissioning. Once the system is operational, we may be able to provide video of the lifting system in operation.
8. How many LRVs total will the OMF be able to accommodate? Is there room to expand the facility in the future?
The Gerry Wright OMF has been designed and built to store and maintain all 26 of the LRVs required for Valley Line Southeast.
The City considered the need to expand the Gerry Wright OMF when selecting the location. Additional storage and maintenance space will be built on the site as part of the Valley Line West project.
An additional light maintenance and vehicle storage facility is being constructed in the Lewis Farms area as part of the Valley Line West LRT project.
9. What's the expected lifespan of the LRVs?
The anticipated working life for the Valley Line Southeast LRVs is 30 years.
10. Will revenue service trains be able to stop outside the facility for OMF staff to be able to use the line?
No, at this time there is not a plan to include a stop for staff working at the Operations and Maintenance Facility. Facility staff who use the train will be able to do so just as any other passenger would. They will have to board the train at the designated stops.
11. How many staff would be working at the facility at a time? On a daily basis?
Approximately 112 staff across various shift times will work in the facility each day. TransEd will adhere to all AHS COVID-19 guidelines to ensure staff who work at the facility are safe.
12. Has COVID changed anything about how the facility will be staffed and operated? Will any of the staff be able to handle operations remotely?
TransEd is prepared to operate the Valley Line Southeast LRT effectively and safely while ensuring health guidelines are followed to keep the public and staff safe. As an essential service provider, TransEd will replicate similar precautions and adjustments to working conditions as ETS has to ensure that all AHS health guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are maintained within the facility.
13. What kind of staff amenities will be available at the OMF? Photos?
Some of the amenities provided to staff are similar to many other office buildings: staff offices, kitchen, washrooms, and locker rooms.
At this time, we cannot provide photos as the building is still under active construction, but photos will be made available to the public as soon as we are ready to show the completed interior of the building.
14. When can we hope to see trains being tested north of the OMF? Will there be notices provided so us nerds can watch and photograph?
Very soon. Trains will continue testing on tracks south of the OMF in the coming few weeks. We’ll publicize these tests in advance.
TransEd will continue to remind the public that even before the trains begin testing on the tracks, the overhead catenary system wires will be live at all times. We ask people to keep all high reaching devices such as drones and remote-controlled planes away from the energized overhead wires. Coming into contact with live overhead wires can lead to serious injury, death or damage; be aware of your surroundings.
During the testing period you will begin to see moving trains, continue to follow the rules of the road and use caution when crossing the LRT tracks. If you are walking near the tracks watch for pedestrian signals and flaggers who will help you cross safely at designated crossings.
15. Do we have a better idea yet when revenue service will begin?
We expect to open to the public this year - we cannot wait to let you experience everything that our teams have been working on. A date will be announced as soon as it is confirmed.
