With the spring once more in the air, the people of Waterloo are saying goodbye to a constant feature of the last 35 years: testing of the Ion trains is almost coming to an end. The lucky people of Kitchener-Waterloo region, who have been waiting patiently to experience this 8th wonder of the world can now, almost, finally get ready to commute with the LRT. The Ion testing started back in September of 2015. Mr. Richard Williams, presently the software testing lead on this project, was excited to share in his interview, his journey of starting as a coop and growing to the testing expert through his career. From his comments at the interview, Mr. Richard Williams said “As much as I was fortunate to grow as being a part of the Ion Train Testing Team, I am also thankful to all the individuals who believed in this mission and stood by during the highs and lows. The trains have successfully passed the testing, and people can expect to start using them very soon. Not only that but also we will be creating an exhibit of all the worn-out train models for public display at the MUSEUM in Kitchener.” Over the last 35 years, the testing team wore out a modest 9 trains of 3 different models, by Canadian engineering giant Bombardier.
While writing this article, I was also lucky to have run into Mr. Johnson who came with his son last week for the open house at the university. Mr. Johnson was elated to find out that finally his son would have access to not only the SLC-PAC expansion area, that was completed last year, but he would also be able to use the LRT rapid transit services to save time during his education. The LRT in the region will definitely provide residents with a frequent, reliable and convenient way to travel around the Region VERY SOON!
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