Bombardier might delay opening of Toronto's new LRT

Toronto doesn't have all of its new streetcars yet, and now it looks like we might be facing more delivery delays from Bombardier, this time surrounding our city's incoming light rail transit (LRT) lines.

Based on an anonymous source, the Toronto Star reports that Metrolinx sent a notice of default to the Quebec-based manufacturing company, alleging a breach of contract in its deal to supply light rail vehicles (LRVs) to Toronto's two LRT projects.

Toronto is supposed to get two new LRT lines by 2021: the Eglinton Crosstown and the Finch LRT. Back in 2010, Metrolinx ordered $770-million worth of light rail vehicles (LRV) from Bombardier, which was supposed to deliver one LRV for testing purposes by 2014. This LRV has yet to make an appearance in Toronto.

A Metrolinx spokesperson told the Star that the projects are about 21 months behind schedule, while a Bombardier rep said that his company would be sending over the pilot LRV next month.