The City of Edmonton has taken a step toward terminating its $55-million contract with Thales, the signalling contractor for the problem-plagued Metro Line LRT.
The city’s decision comes a day after Thales failed to meet its latest deadline of April 30 to fix problems with the software.
“Rushing to a conclusion that is termination does not put us in the best position,” Adam Laughlin, deputy city manager of integrated infrastructure services, told reporters Tuesday.
In a news release, the city said it has issued Thales a notice of default.
“This begins the resolution under the contract, which may end in termination,” the news release said.
“Council has given us clear direction that continuing to wait for Thales to deliver on contractual obligations is not acceptable,” Laughlin said in the same release. “This is a legal step toward an optimal resolution which could still be months away.”
City council endorsed the course of action after receiving an update in private. Councillors have also endorsed the administration investigating “alternative operations” on the Metro Line, the city said.
In December, councillors passed a motion demanding Thales rectify the lingering problems after a report showed there had been 50 incidents of signalling malfunctions or mishaps on the Metro Line since it opened in 2015.
Part of the motion included asking Thales to come up with a backup plan to provide an alternative to the signalling system.
In five cases, crossing gates went up or down at the wrong time. In two other instances, two trains ended up on the same track, headed toward each other, at the NAIT station.
Councillors had to ask administration for that data after media learned about the mishaps in November.
Despite the malfunctions, the city insisted the train was safe to ride, with conductors calling ahead to the command centre to ensure the track is clear.
Coun. Mike Nickel challenges Edmonton city staff on their idea of safety, after five major situations and 44 mishaps on the Metro Line. (CBC)
Councillors and city staff had several meetings behind closed doors about what to do if Thales didn’t come through, including ending the contract or possible legal action.
The city has already withheld a $17-million payment to the company until the problems are fixed.