Kitchener-Waterloo·Photos

Take a look inside Waterloo region's new LRT train

Dozens of people, including city officials and politicians, gathered at Fairway Station in Kitchener on Friday to mark the launch of LRT in the region.

ION LRT launched in Kitchener and Waterloo on Friday morning

Four LRT trains were set aside for members of the public to ride on before the service officially launched. Dozens of people attended the opening ceremony for a chance to ride on the LRT. (Carmen Ponciano/CBC)

Dozens of people, including city officials and politicians, gathered at Fairway Station in Kitchener on Friday to mark the launch of LRT in the region.

Four LRT vehicles were set aside for people and city officials to board before the service officially launched. The first of those vehicles left the platform at 11:40 a.m. 

Overall, a complete LRT ride from Fairway Station to the Conestoga Mall station takes about 45 minutes, according to ION staff.

"I've been waiting for this day," LRT vehicle driver Dianca Huber said. "I want my passengers." 

Volunteers were at all ION stations answering questions and handing out information booklets to passengers. (Carmen Ponciano/CBC)

Volunteers were at every LRT station giving out information booklets and moderating how many people were allowed to get on, as most LRT trains were busy.

Booklets contain information to help passengers plan their trips using the LRT and information to get better familiarized with the service.

People will be able to ride the LRT and Grand River Transit free until July 1. 

People were lining up to board the LRT at almost every station. (Carmen Ponciano/CBC)
Four LRT vehicles were set aside Friday morning for people to board and take a ride to Conestoga Mall before the official launch of the service. (Carmen Ponciano/CBC)