Testing conducted to assess whether the city's LRT system could withstand an Ottawa winter was mostly done through laboratory simulations and didn't involve driving the vehicles outside, the city says. "The climatic testing of the Citadis Spirit LRV generally demonstrated that the vehicles can withstand Ottawa's most severe weather conditions and provide a safe and comfortable ride for customers," the summary said. "Seeing that the majority of climatic tests passed without issues and a sound rationale explains each of the deviations, the overall climate comfort and climatic conditions test were considered as passed." The vehicles failed four tests mainly due to issues related to water leaks but the city says Alstom subsequently fixed those problems. The only testing conducted outside was a series of supplemental tests conducted in OC Transpo's Belfast Yard which involved defrosting the front windshield and some temperature tests.

Source: CBC News April 07, 2020 00:53 UTC