Caption: In September 1996, VIA Rail had launched the testing of two IC3 Flexliner demonstrator sets on some of their routes throughout Ontario. These new units were designed and built by ADtranz, which was a new company spin-off created from ABB and Daimler-Benz. These two trainsets entered revenue service on September 29, as it was concurrent with the release of the new VIA Rail system timetable that touted the trains as a “commuter service.” However, just as quickly as they began service they were removed on September 30 as they were found to not be reliably activating track circuitry due to their light weight. Eventually, after 7 weeks of further testing and modifications they were deemed fit to return to service where they operated on assignments from Toronto to Ottawa, Stratford, London and Niagara Falls in various schedule rotations. One set would operate until March 1997 and the other stopped running in early May. In the end, the tests were reportedly not successful and VIA Rail felt the technology would not “fit their needs.”
Here, VIA Rail officials had rolled-out the blue carpets for an official unveiling at the Kitchener station during a weekday afternoon. This trainset was on display for several hours before heading west to Stratford later in the evening on the Guelph Subdivision.