Walking and Light Rail Transit

The Region of Waterloo designed the Ion Light Rail Transit (LRT) system to operate within very walkable areas of our city centres. The Ion street-level stations provide easy access for people who move with difficulty, including those who are mobility impaired, our aging population, and people with strollers. We love that the Ion contributes to a walkable and connected community!

There are a few school routes that cross the Ion lines where at-grade crossings include safe walking infrastructure. Whether your route crosses Ion tracks or not, it is a good idea to “train your brain” so you know what to do when you walk near the service.

1. Learn the road signs with your children.
2. Review safety tips.
3. Look, Listen, Live brochure.
4. Review these materials regularly with your children and practice walking these areas together until you’re comfortable that they understand rail safety.

Note that while light rail transit systems can reach 70 km/h, Ion trains actually operate as low as 20-25 km/h in areas with high pedestrian traffic. Ion vehicles are given transit signal priority at intersections, so you should always look for signals and use the following safety measures:

• Look both ways and only cross at crosswalks
• Look up from cellphones and remove headphones while crossing a track
• Listen and look for trains because LRT vehicles are quiet and may not be heard over other traffic
• Follow the pedestrian signals when crossing Ion tracks at crosswalks
• Always wait for the railway crossing signals to stop flashing and the barrier to be completely up before crossing
• Never go underneath or around a railway gate
• Never stand on light rail tracks

Did you know?

The Region of Waterloo Ion network is named after the atom, because the atom is “always in motion.”