The Montreal Transit Corp. (STM) on Aug. 25 announced the start of a new phase of the plan to train Azur qualification tests. These tests will be two trains Azur respectively received in April 2014 and July 2015. These trains will mainly day on the network, the orange and blue lines, and tests will be carried out without customers outside peak hours Over the coming months.
The first stage of testing will aim to validate the overall performance of Azur in its true context of operation (in tunnels and in the presence of other trains MR-63 and MR-73), while continuing night testing. Thereafter, the fully landscaped Azur currently conduct a march white, that is to say by simulation mode of operation, and, just prior to customer service. The last step will be commissioning customer on the Orange Line, which is expected by the end of 2015, if all the required tests are completed successfully.
"After performing the required tests at suppliers and carried out the tests Azur train on the track in La Pocatière and night in the STM network, qualification testing continues, this time mainly day.These tests are essential to complete the qualification process to achieve the level of performance required by the Company. There is still some way to go and tests to be carried out but we are on track, "said Philippe Schnobb, chairman of the Board of the STM.
"It is with great enthusiasm that I today attend the very first day of testing of the new landscaped train. This new stage, which will allow Montrealers begin to see the Azur gradually as the tests are done, will certainly help to increase their pride. Indeed, new cars findings include Quebec's expertise in electric transportation and contribute to position Montreal as a world leader in electric transportation, and this in a year in which we are committed to making public transport a priority, "said Denis Coderre, mayor of Montreal.
"The early days of tests represents a significant step in the advancement of a project that aims not only to replace the metro cars in operation since 1966, but also to deal with a growth in ridership.The Quebec government is proud to contribute to 75 percent of the purchase of subway cars, which will improve the efficiency of public transit a priority in the metropolitan region, "said Minister of Transport and Minister responsible for the Montreal region Robert Poeti.
"It is important to remember that this is a specific and unavoidable test program, we must adhere strictly as is the case with any shipping company that acquires new rolling stock. In this context, it is possible that the Azur trial period may be interference with the service and this is why the majority of the day of testing will be performed outside of peak hours and without customers.Furthermore, a dedicated team of employees will board the train at all times, "concluded Schnobb.
Recall that the Bombardier-Alstom Consortium says still be able to meet the deadline established in 2018 for the delivery of 468 new subway cars Azur.
