‘It’s a cause for concern’: Drivers still crashing into ION trains

Some safety reminders are being issued after not one, not two, but three crashes involving ION trains this week.

They all happened in less than a 30-hour period Monday morning into Tuesday afternoon. At least one of them resulted in charges for a driver for making an unsafe turn.

“When there’s collisions that include vehicles and our ION light rail vehicles, it’s a cause for concern,” said Neil Malcolm, acting director of transit services for the Region of Waterloo.

Malcolm was asked whether the recent string of LRT-involved collisions is uncommon: “Yeah, I’d say it’s not been normal, that’s for sure.”

He pointed out that ION trains have been rolling through K-W for more than five years now, so any “grace period” has certainly passed for locals.

“Over time as people become used to it, you hope to see less collisions and more awareness — people know that the train is there now, it’s been a number of years,” explained Malcolm.

He noted that some drivers may be from out of town and are less familiar with the ION route.

However, that’s why paying attention to those illuminated “Train” signs and big rail arms is important, given they indicate the LRT is about to go by.

“Pay attention to signals, look for trains, listen for trains, and really just know that they’re there. If you’re driving adjacent to a rail line the ION operates on, recognize that it’s there and pay really close attention when you turn by checking your blindspot and make sure you’re not turning in front of a train that’s in motion.”

While the LRT is quiet, it’s predictable and should be easy to spot.

“Whenever there’s a collision involving a train or a Grand River Transit bus, we do a full investigation to make sure we understand what happened and make sure we’re operating safely,” said Malcolm. “Of course with the ION, it’s on its own right-of-way, it’s moving on rails — so you know where it is and you know where it’s going.”

It isn’t just drivers who need to keep an eye and ear out for the LRT, as pedestrians and cyclists are also urged to abide signs and signals, and never walk or bike under a lowered rail arm.

When there is a collision that results in an ION service disruption, Malcolm said replacement shuttle buses are mobilized as soon as possible and any impacts are posted to the GRT service alerts page.