Light rail trains on the move

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Hampton Roads Transit prepared train controllers to operate light rail vehicles by using a section of test track behind Norfolk State University on Wednesday Night.

According to a statement from HRT, the process of commissioning light rail vehicles generally takes place in two broad parts.

The first is static testing in which the vehicles are examined electronically while standing still. The second is dynamic testing in which the vehicles are run at increasingly higher speeds to evaluate mechanical systems.

In order for HRT's controllers to be ready for dynamic testing, they must have training in vehicle operation.

"I look forward to see our operators get out here and know exactly what they're supposed to do and keep everybody safe, and then I will have done my job," said Manager of Training Esther Pippins, who has 26 years of transportation experience.

A class of 25 operators will have three weeks in the classroom, followed by four weeks in the field.

"In the event that something happens, we may have to reach over and put the train in a brake position," said Pippins.

Over the next month or two, light rail vehicles will be traveling all the way to Newton Road. It's part of 1,000 mile burn-in limit, which means that 1,000 miles will be put on each vehicle before HRT accepts them.