New TTC streetcar debuts on Spadina
Posted August 31, 2014 9:04 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The TTC’s new accessible, state-of-the-art streetcar made its debut on the 510 Spadina line Sunday morning.
Streetcar #4403 set off on its inaugural run from Spadina Station after opening ceremonies, followed immediately by streetcar #4400.
They took the normal 510 Spadina route to the Queens Quay loop.
The longer streetcars can carry 251 riders, twice as many as the older ones, and have sliding doors, air conditioning and low floors to accommodate passengers with mobility devices and strollers. They are also quieter and provide a smoother ride.
“They’re also good for the environment,” TTC CEO Andy Byford said. “They don’t produce any local emissions, so that’s an excellent selling point.”
Once the rollout is done, there will be 204 of the new vehicles on all streetcar routes.
“Progressively over the next five years we will roll these streetcars out onto all of the existing routes, completely replacing our streetcar fleet,” Byford said.
Also on Sunday, the TTC started a proof-of-payment (POP) system on Spadina, allowing the all-door boarding already in place on the 501 Queen and 508 Lake Shore routes.
Fare-vending machines and ticket validators have been installed on the new streetcars and at the eight busiest stops on the route.
People riding older streetcars will have pay at the farebox at the front of the car if they don’t have a Metropass or transfer.
Here’s the rollout schedule for the new streetcars.
- 510 Spadina: 2014
- 511 Bathurst: 2015
- 509 Harbourfront: 2015
- 505 Dundas: 2015/2016
- 508 Lake Shore: 2016/2017
- 501 Queen: 2016/2017
- 504 King: 2017
- 512 St Clair: 2017/2018
- 502 Downtowner: 2018
- 503 Kingston Rd: 2018
- 506 Carlton: 2018/2019
For more information, visit the TTC website.
