MONTREAL — Light rail equipment for Montreal’s Réseau Express Métropolitain system shows manufacturing flaws that could put passengers at risk, the Montreal Gazette reported, citing a French-language report by Radio-Canada.
The report says the first group of light rail vehicles delivered to Quebec from construction in India shows wiring, assembly, and finishing exhibiting “a breach of principles” and failing to conform to best practices. The problems were detailed in a letter from the head of the affiliate of the Quebec pension agency funding the project to the carbuilders — a consortium of Alstom and SCN-Lavalin. The letter from Jean-Marc Arbaud, head of CDPQ-Infra, was accompanied by photos showing exposed and damaged wiring, a poorly fitted door, and welding issues with handrails for passengers. It also expressed concerns about the general quality of construction work on the cars at the Sri City plant in India.
A spokesman for the Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec affiliate, CDPQ-Infra, told Radio-Quebec the agency wanted the issues corrected but is confident they would be addressed.
Yeah, this strikes me as something they should’ve anticipated. Or at least noticed on inspection BEFORE the trains left the factory?
Like fresh foods, furniture, etc. Always pays to buy and shop local. You are more likely to get highest quality and you can observe and monitor the quality control issues.