Metro LRT line could be delayed again, NAIT students frustrated

Students at NAITfind 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 its 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 youve seen the frustration," Mandryk said. "Theyre trying to do everything as quickly as possible.

He said software that communicates with the LRT's signal systemis 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 testingprocess was supposed to be completed by the end of the year. But Mandryk said it is taking longer than expected and won't be doneuntil 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 signallingsystem 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 Februarydeadline, it would be tight.

Students reasonably upset at delay

The possibility of another delay has students wanting to revisitthe price they pay for transit, according toHasibBaig, president ofNAITsstudent association

Ive had conversations with a few students who have wanted us to do something about it, he said.

Baigsaid that students voted to approve a mandatory fee for a student transit pass, or U-Pass, largely on the belief that theLRTline 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 didnt agree. Now, with the possibility of an even longer wait, Baigsaid they might suggest the idea again.

The extra testing time is a frustration for city council too.Coun.AmarjeetSohi, a strong supporter of theLRTextension, said he is disappointed, but that the testing cant be rushed.

Theres many other people who were expecting theLRTto be running now, he said. But we need to make sure it is safe.

Sohisaid that the delays wouldnt cost Edmonton extra money, as the contractor is obligated to cover any cost overruns. The city also doesnt payThales Group until the testing is done.

He said the city must re-evaluate to make sure the same situation doesnt happen as theLRTsystem 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.