LINK Train

Infobox rail line
name = LINK Train
color = 0000AA


image_width = 250px
caption =
type = People mover
system =
status =
locale = Toronto Pearson International Airport, Toronto, Canada
start = Terminal 1
end = Viscount
stations = 3
routes = 1
ridership =
open = July 6, 2006
close =
owner = Greater Toronto Airport Authority
operator = Greater Toronto Airport Authority
character =
stock = Doppelmayr APM Cable Liner
linelength = km to mi|1.47|abbr=yes|precision=2
tracklength =
notrack =
gauge =
el =
speed =
elevation = Elevated

LINK Interterminal Shuttle|

The LINK Train is an automated people mover (APM) service installed by DCC Doppelmayr Cable Car which connects Terminals 1 and 3 and a big parking lot at Toronto Pearson International Airport in Toronto, Canada. It opened on July 6, 2006, replacing a shuttle bus service. The train runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is wheelchair accessible.

Train

The service currently uses two trains of six cars each, built by DCC Doppelmayr Cable Car GmbH, a Company of Wolfurt, Austria. They use a drive and tension system. Each train has capacity for 150 passengers with baggage (25 per car - 17 standing, 8 seated) or 2,180 passengers per hour per direction (pphpd). The 4,751 ft (1,473 m) elevated system has a travel time of three minutes one way. If ridership increases beyond the capabilities of the system, the stations have been built to accommodate seven-car trains, increasing capacity to 175 passengers per train (2,500 pphpd), the addition of a second station in Terminal 1, and also conversion from the current cable system to a self-propelled technology to provide significantly more capacity if warranted. [ [http://gtaa.com//local/files/en/Corporate/Publications/MasterPlan-2008/MP-2008-Ch7.pdf Greater Toronto Airport Authority] - Taking Flight - The Airport Master Plan - 2008-2030]

The service is free of charge.

Vehicles

* Two Doppelmayr APM Cable liner shuttle access icon|15px - 6-car setThe same cars are currently used on the Mandalay Bay Tram system between Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada and on the AirRail Link at Birmingham International Airport, Birmingham, England.

tations

* Terminal 1
* Terminal 3
* Viscount (long-term parking on Airport Road)

The two lines, running side-by-side, are 1.46 km and 1.47 km long and a maximum speed of 43.2 km/h (12m/s) is possible.

Project information

The Toronto Pearson International Airport APM System projected was started in May 2002 when the proposal was submitted. On November 15, 2002, the contract was signed and operation began in January 2006 with the public opening. [cite book|first=DCC Doppelmayr Cable Car|title=Automated People Mover (APM): Planner's guide|publisher=DCC Doppelmayr Cable Car GmbH|date=2008|pages=89]

Facts

Both systems (1 + 2) operate in shuttle mode with a total capacity of up to 2,180 pphpd. The rubber tired system runs on a smooth steel surface and propulsion is provided by the rope. The absence of onboard motors, braking systems and gearboxes eliminates excessive noise, no oil spills from the trains, and no dust from brakes. A cable-driven APM is the most environmentally responsible solution for transportation in high density applications. [cite book|first=DCC Doppelmayr Cable Car|title=References|publisher=DCC Doppelmayr Cable Car GmbH|date=2008|pages=7]

Previous shuttle bus

Prior to 2003 a shuttle bus service was operated between the terminals by contractor Penetang-Midland Coach Lines (PMCL).

;Retired bus fleet include:
*Thomas Built Buses SLF 200 series buses access icon|15px
*Ontario Bus Industries Orion I
*Bluebird Blue Bird Xcel 102 access icon|15px

See also

*AirRail Link, system installed in Birmingham
*Cable Liner, automated people movers
*DCC Doppelmayr Cable Car, manufacturer
*Mandalay Bay Tram, system installed in Las Vegas
*Airport Shuttle Mexico, airport system at Mexico International Airport

References

External links

* [http://www.dcc.at Doppelmayr Cable Car] , designer's webpage
* [http://www.doppelmayr.com Doppelmayr/Garaventa Group] , parent company of DCC
* [http://www.dcctoronto.com Operations and Maintenance of LINK Shuttle]
* [http://www.gtaa.com/en/travellers/airport_information/ground_transportatio/link_train/ GTAA LINK Train]
* [http://www.dcc.at/cells/4_1/tdt.html Airport People Mover technical data]
* [http://www.dcc.at/main.htm Airport People Mover System]