Welding problems impact new TTC streetcars (RailwayAge)

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) recently suffered another setback in the delivery of its much-delayed 204-unit Flexity Outlook LRV order. Carbuilder Bombardier Transportation has advised the TTC that 67 of the LRVs have frames that were improperly welded at the company’s Sahagun, Mexico plant. A Bombardier spokesperson stressed that the welding deficiencies do not represent a safety issue (most of the cars involved are presently in service), but could become issues later in the cars’ expected 30-year life spans.

The problem is reportedly a lack of fusion on certain of the welds on the car’s frame, especially in the vicinity of the truck structures and articulation portals.

Bombardier has agreed to have the 67 LRVs sent to its Welding Centre at its La Pocatiere, Quebec plant, for remedial work. The process will require 19 weeks per car: four for shipment, 12 for the actual work, and three more to carry out commissioning testing for service. The company will absorb all of the costs involved in this work.

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