They’re on the move.

Late last month, the first ever Finch West light rail transit (LRT) vehicle test run happened at the Finch West maintenance and storage facility in northwest Toronto.

This significant milestone saw the vehicle travel about 700 metres on a section of track outside the facility.

Crews conducted preliminary tests prior to the test run, including checking the brakes, doors, and power systems.

How did the test run go?

The light rail vehicle (LRV) moved between 2 km/h to 5 km/h, so teams could monitor and follow its movements from the exterior to ensure safety. Team members were tasked with watching the overhead catenary system (OCS) and rail wheel and track interfaces as the LRV was on the move.

It might not seem like a lot but is a very important first step in ramping up the vehicle testing.

Next steps include further LRV testing and coupling the vehicles together, which is how the LRVs talk to each other, how they can apply power, open doors, etc.

This is all in preparation for main line testing, scheduled to take place later this year.