WATERLOO — Ion train 512 made its official public debut Friday emblazoned with all its decals — the first in the light rail fleet to be fully dressed for service.

The train stopped at several stations in Kitchener and Waterloo for a "service education day" to give people a feel for how Grand River Transit service will be changing, in particular when passengers begin riding Ion.

"With the launch of Ion comes a new GRT," said Kevan Marshall, Waterloo Region's transit planner.

Friday's event was a chance to get a close look at an Ion train with all its decals and signage, both inside and out.

"Our big priority today is to introduce people to what the train will look like when it's finished," Marshall said.

Along with the Ion, GRT and Region of Waterloo stickers outside, several labels on the doors give riders additional information.

The centre door is the best spot for people with mobility devices, strollers and bikes to board because priority seating and extra space is nearby. Inside, those spaces are marked by blue lines on the floor.

Riders can plan their route using maps at the station and inside the train that include bus connections along the Ion line. Once it's running, Ion will replace bus route 200 and be marked 301.

"This is just one part of the new GRT," Marshall said. "It is one system, one fare."

People could test out the fare machine at the station, including loading money onto their EasyGO electronic fare card that has replaced paper tickets.

Kitchener senior Elaine Wiebe stopped for a look while walking by the Allen station in Waterloo. While she doesn't plan on riding Ion because she prefers to get places on foot after a serious car crash years ago, Wiebe appreciates the "big endeavour" for the region.

"I think it's great, even if I never ride it," she said.

While she's out on her long daily walk, Wiebe likes watching the train go by. And now, she added, "I can say I've been on it."

Kirk Blake-Dickson and his Waterloo neighbour Tony Krimmer are also regular walkers and keen Ion watchers while out treading the pavement. The retired men are looking forward to riding Ion and leaving their cars at home, even with Blake-Dickson driving a plug-in electric car.

Friday was the first time they stepped on a train, too, and both where impressed.

"It's really open, comfortable and I think it's inviting," Krimmer said.

"And I think (it) really looks sharp," Blake-Dickson added.

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Another education day will be held Saturday, May 11 at these Ion stations and times: Conestoga, 10 to 11:30 a.m.; Laurier-Waterloo Park, noon to 1:30 p.m.; Victoria Park, 2 to 3:10 p.m.; Kitchener Market, 3:30 to 5 p.m.

jweidner@therecord.com

Twitter: @WeidnerRecord