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Edmonton’s Metro LRT Line picks up speed

Click to play video: 'Positive development for beleaguered Metro LRT Line'
Positive development for beleaguered Metro LRT Line
WATCH ABOVE: There's a little light at the end of the tunnel for Edmonton's scorned Metro LRT Line and with around 10,000 riders a day, any positive news is being welcomed even if it's hard to notice. Sarah Kraus reports – Jun 21, 2016

It’s been plagued by delays and problems for years, but this week the Metro LRT Line took a step forward.

Since it opened in September 2015, trains on the Metro Line have been running at a reduced speed of 25 kilometres per hour.

On Sunday, the trains got the green light to go a little faster – 35 km/h between 107 Avenue and Kingsway Avenue and 50 km/h between 111 Avenue and the crossing at 106 Street.

 

Many regular LRT riders Global News spoke with said they didn’t notice the speed increase, but said it as a step in the right direction.

“It’s great,” Steve Chua said. “It’s progress. Progress is good.”

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“It’s a really good feeling. Everyone wants the train to come right away,” said Jane De Guzman.

There are still a few speed bumps, though. Trains have to slow down to 25 km/h at level road crossings – five times along the line.

The arrival signs aren’t working and there are still long waits for LRT signals.

The city hopes to have Metro Line trains running at full speed in time for the Rogers Place opening and the start of school in the fall.

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