Metrolinx is introducing new safety systems and equipment on its Eglinton Crosstown light-rail transit (LRT) line that will help protect future transit riders.
Guideway Intrusion Detection System (GIDS)
Each of the Crosstown’s 15 stations will be equipped with a Guideway Intrusion Detection System (GIDS) that uses laser scanners to sense when people and objects enter the tracks. If a person is detected on the tracks, an automatic signal is sent to the train control system and the train stops without the driver’s assistance.
At the same time, the PA system triggers an announcement warning the person to clear the tracks, and the associated live CCTV footage will open on the central control room screens.
Ten GIDS scanners will be placed at every station, five on each platform-side tunnel. All five portal entrances will also have GIDS scanners to keep people out of the tunnels.
Platform warning scanner
Platform warning scanners will also be installed above the yellow tactile strips that sit on the edge of the platforms to ensure passengers maintain a safe distance from the tracks and moving trains.
If a person steps onto the tactile strips, the scanner triggers an automatic audio message that plays over the station PA system. The audio message instructs passengers to step away from the platform edge. Each station will have six platform warning scanners – three on each side.
Safety is top-of-mind at Metrolinx – and both the GIDS and platform warning scanner take major steps in ensuring that passengers are kept out of harm’s way.
