Engineering Reliability for a Growing Transit System
How GDI Ainsworth retrofitted the Edmonton LRT system in real time, reducing downtime and preparing for future expansion
Project Details
Location
Edmonton, Canada
Number of Buildings
18 stations and 30+ associated buildings
System Implemented
Customized Delta Controls ORCAweb platform for system-wide user access management, monitoring, and instant-response issue resolution
Project Goal
Retrofit the LRT controls system while active, ensuring scalability for future expansion and minimizing downtime for thousands of daily commuters
Impact at a Glance
Successfully retrofitted the entire active LRT controls system without major shutdowns or service disruptions
Decreased system glitches and downtime through continuous monitoring and instant issue resolution
Delivered a scalable, cost-effective platform capable of supporting future network expansion for growing commuter demand
Enabled operators to respond faster and more effectively to system issues through the customized ORCAweb interface
Challenge
The City of Edmonton required a controls system upgrade that could support future transit expansion—but the retrofit had to be completed while the light rail system remained fully operational. The LRT manages over 100 different user types, each with unique access levels, and any system glitch could cause major service impacts. GDI Ainsworth needed to implement a modern, scalable controls platform with zero tolerance for downtime.
Methodology
Conducted a comprehensive assessment of the existing controls architecture to ensure compatibility with long-term expansion plans
Customized the Delta Controls ORCAweb platform to accommodate over 100 user types, each requiring tailored access permissions
Developed a phased retrofit strategy to avoid shutdowns of the active LRT system
Implemented real-time monitoring and rapid-response protocols to address system issues instantly
Provided continuous operator support to ensure smooth adoption of the new interface
Solution
Custom configuration of the ORCAweb platform for scalable, multi-user access
Tailored access-level design for more than 100 unique operational user types
Integration of real-time monitoring tools to detect and address glitches immediately
Implementation of an instant-response workflow to prevent service interruptions
Retrofit execution across all active LRT stations and buildings without major shutdowns
Optimization of operator interfaces to enhance usability and speed of issue resolution
The Ripple Effect
The upgraded controls system supports Edmonton’s long-term transit expansion strategy, which reduces downtime for daily commuters
The city now has an improved reliable, scalable, future-ready controls platform adaptable to growing ridership
