Finally, the reward is in sight! By spring, light rail trains will run along the 19-kilometre route from Fairway to Conestoga Mall every eight minutes at peak periods, every 10 to 15 minutes the rest of the day.

We've endured years of construction. Our cities have transformed, with more than $2 billion invested into condo towers, workplaces and shops. Many of us are ready to drive less, and ride more.

But what about the practical details? What will it cost to ride? How will snow be removed? How will people from the suburbs reap the benefits?

I asked around on social media for the questions that are most on our minds. Waterloo Region Coun. Tom Galloway agreed to answer those questions.

•How much is it going to cost to ride?

There will be one ticket or pass for the light rail trains and the bus system. The train will cost the same to ride as the Grand River Transit bus does. (Currently that's $3.25 for a single adult cash fare, less if you get a pass, buy tickets in bulk, or get a discount)

Machines at the Ion stations will dispense tickets. Payment will be on an honour system. Occasionally, enforcement officers will come on the train to check that you've paid.

•Drivers worry about confusion where the rails cross over a lane of traffic. And why is it so difficult to make a left turn in so many places along the route?

Sharing a road with a train means the train will have the right of way. Traffic lights, and gates in some places, will stop vehicles when the train is coming. "It will take some getting used to," Galloway said.

As for not being able to turn left on places like King Street near the Bauer Lofts, it's a necessary evil. If we want the train to move with reasonable speed, we'll have to give up the right to turn left at every intersection.

• How will snow be cleared?

On places like King Street that have been reduced to one lane, Galloway said the plans are to blow the snow into dump trucks and take it away more often than before.

On the railway tracks themselves, the trains will push the snow away in most cases. For heavier snowfalls, there is a special device that will run up and down the tracks, pushing the snow out of the way.

•Why weren't proper bike lanes built along the route?

"No part of the Ion route is part of the official cycling route," said Galloway. Part of the reason for that was the cost of expropriating land to build bike lanes.

Cyclists can follow the same streets as the rail line, but are generally encouraged to use more welcoming routes, like parallel streets with built bike lanes, or multi-use trails.

That said, cyclists are welcome on Ion trains and allowed to bring their bikes on board.

•How are emergency vehicles on King Street going to get to Grand River Hospital, now that there are curbs on either side of the tracks? Will they be stuck in traffic?

If they need to, emergency vehicles will be able to go up the curb and drive on the "rapidway" to get where they need to go, Galloway said. Train drivers will yield for them. The design of the light rail system was "vetted" by fire, ambulance and police, he added.

•What about "park and ride" lots so that people from the suburbs are included?

There will be parking lots at certain stations along the route, including the new Fairway transit terminal. There, 200 parking spaces are being built where the old Burger King and Crabby Joe's restaurants used to be.

Other stations already have parking nearby, including Conestoga Mall and University of Waterloo.

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•How will bus service change?

There will be more express routes bringing people to Ion stops from all over the Twin Cities, Galloway said. The east-west iXpress route along Ottawa Street, which is due to start in January, is one example. It will connect with the Mill Street station.

Many other stations will also become hubs, with bus terminals linking passengers to other routes.