[PRCo] New LRVs

[Mark McGuire]

 I just recieved the new "Connextions" flyer from Port Authority. It basically updates the StageII LRT line(Overbrook). The following is one of the small articles included.                                                                                                                                             "Port Authority's former Drake Trolley Line has not been in operation since Fall 1999, when the last of the Authority's 1940s-vintage PCC trolleys were retired. However, with the pending arrival of the new LRVs, the Drake Line will come to life once again- if only temporarily. Limited upgrades are being made to portions of the old trolley line so that Port Authority can test the 28 new light rail vehicles prior to the cars being placed into revenue operation on the T.                                                                         In order to test the LRVs, Port Authority will begin work soon to reinforce the stream bank that runs along side the Drake Line in order to temporarily sustain the T tracks.                                                                     For approximately one month, each vehicle will be tested for the function of key elements such as the bi-motor trucks, wheels, axle and gear units, and the friction braking equipment.                                                                 Once testing is complete on each new LRV, the vehicle will be placed into revenue service and an existing LRV will be removed for it's mid-life overhaul, refurbishing and testing."                                                                    The flyer shows a couple new photos of the progress as well as a few older photos of demolition of the old line. I have been following this closely on Port Authority's website >www.RideGold.com<. The opening of the line is not expected until the Spring of 2004. One more year to wait.                                                                                         Mark Mc