Forty per cent of the LRT trains in the Edmonton city fleet are out of service after a routine inspection uncovered mechanical problems with the trains’ pantograph arms.
The issues were discovered during routine inspections Tuesday, Edmonton Transit Service spokesperson Rowan Anderson told CBC Wednesday.
On 40 of the LRT train cars, inspectors found damaged pantograph arms. Pantograph arms, which are mounted on top of each LRT train, reach up to the electrical line to collect power through contact with an overhead line.
“Right now 40 LRT trains are not useable, that’s approximately 40 per cent of their fleet,” Anderson said.
Early morning transit commuters faced significant delays Wednesday morning. The city’s two LRT lines, the Metro and Capital Line, are affected.
The Metro Line from Churchill station to NAIT is shut down and buses are being used to move passengers, Anderson said.
Fewer trains are running on the Capital Line and extra buses have been brought in to supplement the service between Southgate and University stations.
Epcor crews were out all night inspecting the electrical lines but are unsure of how the arms became damaged, Anderson said.
“They thought there may be one spot on the line causing the damage but they haven’t found anything yet,” he said.
Eddie Robar, branch manager for ETS will provide more information on the service disruption at a news conference at 9:45 a.m.
There are delays on the LRT this AM. Bus replacement service between Churchill and NAIT on Metro Line. Extra buses to supplement Capital Line trains between Southgate and University stations. Look for red bus replacement signs at street level. <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/yegtransit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#yegtransit</a>
—@takeETSalert
Look for red “LRT Replacement” signs on bus stop signs to find LRT replacement service. Buses will also say LRT Replacement Service, followed by the final destination. Here are the signs exact locations including maps: <a href=”https://t.co/CDEsmC2Zw8″>https://t.co/CDEsmC2Zw8</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/yegtransit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#yegtransit</a>
—@takeETSalert