The original proposal for an automated people mover system at Pearson Airport was submitted in May 2002.[citation needed] Six months later, on November 15, 2002, a $55-million contract was signed with DCC Doppelmayr Cable Car GmbH of Wolfurt, Austria, followed by four years of construction, and the system opened to the public on July 6, 2006. The new service initially operating alongside its predecessor, the LINK shuttle bus system.
Married set formed of cars 1.1 + 1.2 + 1.3 + 1.4 + 1.5 + 1.6 + 1.7
Married set formed of cars 2.1 + 2.2 + 2.3 + 2.4 + 2.5 + 2.6 + 2.7
The two trains, plus a small work car, cost a total of CA$56 million when delivered.[2] They were refurbished in 2013, and received a new paint scheme, new seats, and a seventh car (they were originally delivered and used as six-car trains).[6]
Stations and operation
The two fully elevated lines, running side-by-side, are 1.46 kilometres (0.91 mi) long, reach a maximum speed of 43.2 kilometres per hour (26.8 mph).[citation needed], and have a travel time of three minutes one way. They serve a total of three stations:
LINK lines around Terminal 1 station, before construction of the Union Pearson Express.The interior of the Terminal 3 LINK Train station.
The 1,473 metres (4,833 ft) elevated system
Both lines operate independently in shuttle mode with a total capacity of up to 2,180 pphpd.[2] The trains run on rubber tires on a smooth steel surface and all propulsion is provided by the rope. The absence of onboard motors, braking systems and gearboxes eliminates excessive noise, oil spills from the trains, and dust from brakes.[3] Doppelmayr asserts that a cable-driven APM is the most environmentally responsible solution for transportation in high density applications.[7]
Specifications
Length
1,473 metres (4,833 ft)
Configuration
Dual track shuttle with two trains operating independently
The interior of an unrefubished LINK Train car showing the original seats.
Disruptions
On March 30, 2009, the LINK Train was put out of service for extensive maintenance due to engineering design flaws. During this time, service was replaced by an inter-terminal shuttle bus contracted to Penetang-Midland Coach Lines.[citation needed] Normal service resumed in July 2009.[3]
On March 16, 2013, the LINK Train was shut down for approximately eight months during construction of the Union Pearson Express. The trains were refurbished during this time and received a seventh car, new seats, and a new paint scheme.[8]
As originally proposed, the Eglinton Crosstown LRT was to connect Pearson Airport with Scarborough by 2018 as part of the Transit City plan.[9][10] However, when the four Transit City lines were found to be $2.4 billion over their funding envelope in January 2010, parts of the network were deferred, including the western section of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT.[citation needed] A future extension could eventually reach the airport, completing the line as envisioned.
^ abcdThe 1.5 km line connects Terminals 1 and 3 (there is no longer a Terminal 2) and the Viscount Reduced Rate parking lot and garage.
Irwin Rapoport (July 6, 2006). "Airport opens automated people mover: New train system connects three terminals, parking area". Toronto: Daily Commercial News. Archived from the original on February 12, 2013. It's a 1.5-kilometre train with three stations gliding along an elevated guideway connecting Terminals 1, 3 and a reduced rate parking area serving both passengers and employees of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA).((cite news)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^ abcd
Tess Kalinowski (May 21, 2012). "Pearson's cable-propelled transit LINK is TTC rider's dream". Toronto: Toronto Star. Archived from the original on February 12, 2013. Propelled on a continuous loop of 36mm hydraulic cable, the LINK system is actually two driverless trains that operate side by side on an elevated guideway, shuttling back and forth on a 1.5-km, three-stop route in about four minutes.((cite news)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^McGran, Kevin (June 19, 2006). "Testing, testing, bump; Volunteers try out airport monorail". Toronto Star. p. B05.
^The Canadian Architect, Volume 49. Southam Business Publications. 2004. p. 13. Retrieved February 12, 2013. Scheduled to begin operations in 2006, the GTAA's new Automated People Mover (APM) will have the ability to carry as many as 2.150 people each way every hour in the first phase of operations.
^Automated People Mover (APM): Planner's guide. DCC Doppelmayr Cable Car GmbH. 2008. p. 89. ((cite book)): |first= missing |last= (help)
^References. DCC Doppelmayr Cable Car GmbH. 2008. p. 7. ((cite book)): |first= missing |last= (help)
