Toronto — New Cars in Service

September 2014

APTA's Passenger Transport reported that the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) celebrated the inaugural run of its new low floor streetcar on the 510 Spadina Line on Aug. 31.

The new streetcars from Bombardier—the first new streetcar vehicles to enter service at the agency in 30 years—are the fourth generation in TTC history. Longtime operator Eddie Braga, who has now driven all four generations, drove the inaugural vehicle into Spadina Station.

“The TTC is proud to bring to fruition years of hard work that has brought the newest generation of streetcar to the people of Toronto,” said Chief Executive Officer Andy Byford. “It’s accessible, it’s modern, it’s air-conditioned, and it’s the streetcar of the future for our ever-increasing ridership.”

Ultimately, the agency will operate 204 of the new streetcars on all 11 routes. The vehicles are fully accessible, have increased capacity compared with earlier generations, and provide easy-to-reach stop request buttons throughout. Warning lights and chimes let passengers know when the doors are opening and closing.

Funding for the new streetcars came from the city of Toronto and governments of Ontario and Canada.