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O-Train operators to get more training on emergency-brake system

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Operators on the O-Train Trillium Line can expect more training after trains twice failed to stop at signals in 2015, prompting a federal investigation.

Transport Canada flagged the instances and asked for the city to explain the frequencies of emergency brake applications, which take place automatically if a stop signal is passed.

There was no damage and no one was hurt in the instances on Nov. 18 and Dec. 24.

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In a letter sent to Transport Canada Friday, OC Transpo rail director Michael Morgan explained how the Trillum Line’s signal protection system worked as designed. The “fail-safe system” will not only stop a train that is going past a stop signal, but will stop one f it approaches signals at speeds outside the operating range, Morgan says.

The city is looking at the system’s tendency to impose a speed restriction on a train even when the train has a permissive signal. It’s causing most of the emergency brake scenarios, the city says.

“In these instances, the restriction is overly protective as the train is safe to proceed at normal track speeds according to the signals.”

A refresher session for operators was completed last August “to promote a deeper understanding of the train protection system,” Morgan writes.

More training is happening this month.

As well, “The system is tested on each train every day and has never failed a test,” Morgan writes.

The city spent $60 million on upgrading the eight-kilometre Trillium Line. The upgrade, which included new trains and an improved signal system, launched in March 2015.

jon.willing@sunmedia.ca

twitter.com/JonathanWilling

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