TOPIC: ION LRT
Green light from province means Cambridge LRT could run by 2032
The Region of Waterloo announced Monday the province has given a green light to its Stage 2 ION LRT transit project assessment. That means the region is now free to seek provincial and federal funding for the project and construction could begin as soon as 2028.
Cyclist charged after collision with LRT in Kitchener
A cyclist has been charged with careless driving after a collision with the LRT earlier this month in Kitchener.
LRT fare evaders will soon face penalties, region says
Grand River Transit says it will soon start to penalize commuters and transit riders who don't pay their fares on the ION LRT. Officials urge riders to tap on and keep proof of payment.
Two LRT collisions Monday morning, one resulting in charges
A Waterloo woman has been charged after police say she was hit by an LRT while attempting to do a U-turn.
Nearly 300K rode LRT in first 11 days, region says
Nearly 300,000 passengers took the ION LRT during the first 11 days of service while it was free, the Region of Waterloo reports.
More than 73K rides taken ION LRT in opening weekend, region says
There were more than 73,000 trips on the ION LRT on opening weekend, the Region of Waterloo says.
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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.
Father and son from NYC first in line to ride ION as service launches
Gary Grahl and his son, Andrew, travelled from New York City for the opening day of the ION LRT. At 8 a.m., they were first and second in line to ride the first train later Friday morning.
ION LRT system ready to roll as service officially launches Friday
The ION light rail transit service will begin Friday morning after a ceremonial first run. The ION will be free for people to ride until Canada Day.
Fourth vehicle crashes into LRT train, with less than a week until launch day
The Waterloo Regional Police Service says charges are pending after yet another vehicle crashed into an LRT train on Monday.
Van crashes into LRT vehicle, again: Police
Waterloo Regional Police Service are investigating after a van collided with a light rail vehicle in Kitchener Thursday afternoon.
Charles Street Terminal closing, 800 bus stops to change June 24
Grand River Transit is recommending users spend time over the next week and a half familiarizing themselves with the changes being made to more than 800 bus stops across Waterloo region, as the system realigns with the start of ION light rail.
$30K in damage to LRT vehicle after collision with van
Friday's collision between a van and an LRT vehicle caused approximately $30,000 in damage. The driver of the van is facing two charges, one of them being failing to stop for a red light.
Region offers chance to win golden tickets for first ride on ION LRT
Three people could win a golden ticket and be among the first people to ride the ION LRT when it starts on June 21.
Mark your calendars! LRT officially launches June 21, region says
LRT will officially launch on June 21, said regional council Wednesday night. An opening ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m on June 21 at the ION Fairway Station.
LRT update expected Wednesday night, regional councillor says
Regional Coun. Tom Galloway tweeted that an update on the LRT is expected Wednesday night.
Transit riders face long lines to add tickets to new EasyGo fare cards
There were long lineups at the Charles Street bus terminal in Kitchener on Monday as people got their Grand River Transit monthly pass or added paper tickets to their EasyGo pass. Monday was the last day people could add the paper tickets to their card, although paper tickets are still accepted on the bus.
Grand River Transit to test replacement shuttle service for LRT
New replacement shuttle service signs have gone up around Waterloo region, and the shuttle will be tested in the coming weeks. The shuttles will be offered if there's ever a disruption in the Ion LRT service.
Region to build transit hub in stages, construction set to begin in 2020
The Region of Waterloo plans to start construction of a transit hub at the corner of King and Victoria Streets in Kitchener in 2020 with the first phase focusing on transit infrastructure.
It's spring! Region has 93 days to get LRT into service to meet own deadline
The region has said the LRT would be operational in spring 2019. But now staff say there's 'considerable work that needs to be done' before ION can be launched. One of the major problems is a software glitch that stops the vehicles and requires them to be rebooted, which takes several minutes.
Cambridge LRT route up for public consultation Wednesday
Regional staff will host a public consultation on the latest plan for an LRT route to Cambridge Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Preston Memorial Auditorium.
Transit trip planner coming in March while LRT start remains unclear
The region will launch an online transit trip planner and will open a customer service kiosk at the Frederick Street station ahead of the LRT's launch date.
UW researchers look at LRT impact on those who live near it
Researchers at the University of Waterloo are working on a study to look at the impact the LRT has on communities it runs through. They want to do interviews with people before the LRT starts running and are looking for volunteers.
LRT inspires historical documentary about Region of Waterloo transit
The Region of Waterloo has created a feature-length documentary about the LRT. A trailer for the film has been released.
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Final LRT cars for Ion system set for delivery from Kingston
The last two LRT cars for Waterloo Region's Ion light rail project have been loaded for delivery at the Bombardier assembly plant in Kingston.