TORONTO -- The start of Ontario's long combination vehicles (LCV) project kicked-off off exactly as proponents had hoped it would: Uneventful.

The much-publicized launch of the pilot project is now underway on select routes, mainly between Kingston and Montreal and a few in and around he GTA. Expanded operations are expected from Toronto to Windsor and Fort Erie in the coming weeks. 

So far, it appears the tandem 53-ft tractor-trailer units have not raised much objection from other road users. 

Get Your LCV On: Twin 53 footers on Ont
roadways. (image courtesy of TT reader, Dale White).

Only "active" Ontario Trucking Association or Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PMTC) carrier members are invited to take part in the pilot. A maximum of 50 carriers are selected (by lottery).

According to the PMTC, the startup of the project took longer than originally expected because of delays obtaining the required approvals from some of the municipalities involved.

Weight limitations and inaccessibility of certain routes or equipment requirements limits LCVs only to certain fleets. But in cases "where all the pieces of the puzzle come together," there are significant efficiencies available, says PMTC. 

The group also points out that any concerns over safety have been addressed through the stringent pre-planning and operating conditions by government and stakeholders.

The program brings Ontario in line with Alberta, B.C., Nova Scotia, and Quebec all of which have allowed LCVs, with various restrictions.