Image shows the vehicle being offloaded from a truck.
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See the first light rail vehicle arrive at Finch West Maintenance and Storage Facility

And so it begins. The first light rail vehicle has arrived at the Maintenance and Storage Facility, and we have the first images of that Toronto debut.

Now that’s a big delivery.

The Finch West Maintenance and Storage Facility (MSF) has welcomed the arrival of the first Alstom light rail vehicle (LRV) from the Alstom plant in Brampton.

It’s an important arrival, as the vehicles are the moving symbols of the new Toronto route.

Image shows the vehicle through open doors.
It took two days to get the elements of the vehicle moved. (Metrolinx photo)
Crews look over the LRV
The light rail vehicle is inspected by experts. (Metrolinx photo)
Image shows the vehicle being offloaded from a truck.
The sleek LRV is slowly moved by experts. (Metrolinx photo)

The vehicle, which arrived in two pieces on July 28 and 29, is the first of two vehicles that will be delivered to the facility this year, with the second vehicle slated for arrival in the fall.

The vehicle sits on a truck.
The vehicle aboard the transport truck. (Metrolinx photo)

The Alstom Citadis Spirit has a seated passenger capacity of 120 and maximum passenger capacity of 292. The vehicle will be fully accessible, easy entry and room for wheelchairs and strollers. Aside from peak periods, bicycles will be allowed on the light rail vehicles.

The LRV will operate in a dedicated right-of-way, meaning they will not run in regular traffic. This means transit riders get to where they need to be, quicker. Once the line is completed, service will run every five minutes during peak hours.

Two workers look under the LRV.
Experts inspect the light rail vehicle. (Metrolinx photo)

The Alstom Citadis Spirit will also service the Hurontario LRT line.

Energization of a portion of the line is expected to happen later this year. This will allow vehicles to start testing along Finch Avenue West from the MSF to west of Sentinel Road.

Image of the vehicle on rails.
The first LRV takes up its position on the tracks. (Metrolinx photo)

A reminder that while vehicles are being tested, it’s more important than ever to exercise caution along the roadways. Cross only at signalized intersections and always look both ways before crossing. Vehicles and cyclists should also exercise caution as they share the road with light rail vehicles.     

Stay up to date on all Finch West LRT project progress by following the project on Twitter and signing up for the e-newsletter.

Story by Erika D’Urbano, Metrolinx senior advisor for Rapid Transit.