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But Ferguson said the $30-million backup plan through a system already being used on the Capital Line should be able to reach that goal and get both lines running back on track. The lines have been operating with reduced train capacity since 2015 as the Thales signalling system was plagued by delays and mechanical issues, prompting the city to terminate the $55-million plan.

With tighter train spacing in the tunnel, Ferguson said the Capital Line will be able to return to five-minute frequency and Metro Line trains will continue to run every 15 minutes.

France-based company Alstom has been brought on board to install the fixed-block system, which controls trains based on sections of the track.

“This system will offer a reliable service without needing manual interventions like slower speeds, which is currently necessary with the incomplete Thales signalling system,” the city said in a post Thursday morning. “The city has found a way to tighten up train spacing using this tested technology so Metro Line trains can share the same tracks with Capital Line trains downtown.”

The impending construction between Churchill and NAIT stations may cause changes to bus and LRT schedules in the affected areas.

“This is a major step towards replacing the incomplete Thales signalling system we’ve been using since the Metro Line opened in 2015,” said Ferguson in the post. “The Metro Line will continue to operate safely while this work is completed and then tested.”