Metro LRT line could be delayed again, NAIT students frustrated

Students at NAIT find themselves frustrated, but not surprised, after hearing that the promised LRT line to connect their campus with the rest of Edmonton could be delayed yet again.

“I would just say, the sooner, the better,” said Mayankeeta Verma, as she walked by a fence blocking off a crossing near the future NAIT station on Tuesday. 

“A lot of students were waiting for it … it’s a mix of being mad and angry. And some are like ‘whatever. What happens, happens.’”

The LRT line, which would provide service to NAIT, has been delayed twice this year: it was to open in early 2014, but was pushed back to later in the year.  Another delay a couple months ago had the city postponing the opening until at least February 2015.

Now the line faces the possibility of more delays, according Wayne Mandryk, manager of LRT design and construction.

“I think you’ve seen the frustration," Mandryk said. "They’re trying to do everything as quickly as possible.”

He said software that communicates with the LRT's signal system is still being tested. After Thales Group, the company that provides the software, has deemed it safe, the city will be able to open the line in four to six weeks.

The testing process was supposed to be completed by the end of the year. But Mandryk said it is taking longer than expected and won't be done until the new year. 

“Our main concern is, obviously, that we have a system that is safe," he said. "But we also want a system that is reliable."

The new signalling system must be integrated with the software for the existing LRT line, which was supplied by a different company. Mandrk said that adds an additional wrinkle to the process. 

He said while it is still possible to make the February deadline, it would be tight. 

Students ‘reasonably upset’ at delay

The possibility of another delay has students wanting to revisit the price they pay for transit, according to Hasib Baig, president of NAIT’s student association

“I’ve had conversations with a few students who have wanted us to do something about it,” he said.

Baig said that students voted to approve a mandatory fee for a student transit pass, or U-Pass, largely on the belief that the LRT line would be open in 2014. He said while they currently have access to a replacement bus service until the line is open, it is still a frustration.

“Students are reasonably upset about it, since it has been delayed over and over a few times.”

Two months ago, the students’ association fought to have a $7 price-increase in the U-Pass, expected in September, waived because of the delays. Council didn’t agree. Now, with the possibility of an even longer wait, Baig said they might suggest the idea again.

The extra testing time is a frustration for city council too. Coun. Amarjeet Sohi, a strong supporter of the LRT extension, said he is disappointed, but that the testing can’t be rushed.

“There’s many other people who were expecting the LRT to be running now,” he said. “But we need to make sure it is safe.”

Sohi said that the delays wouldn’t cost Edmonton extra money, as the contractor is obligated to cover any cost overruns. The city also doesn’t pay Thales Group until the testing is done.

He said the city must re-evaluate to make sure the same situation doesn’t happen as the LRT system expands across Edmonton. But for now, the focus is on finishing the Metro line.

“At this time, our focus is to work with the contractor, get the line open, have the service in operation and then deal with the other situations.”