TTC unveils new articulated buses
Posted October 3, 2013 2:38 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO – The TTC unveiled its new articulated buses Thursday, which will begin to roll out on Bathurst Street in December.
The articulated — or bendy bus — has an accordion-like flexible middle, three doors and is 60-feet long versus the 40-foot bus.
“I don’t really get excited about buses but that is one beautiful piece of equipment,” said TTC CEO Andy Byford.
He says the buses can carry 77 riders — a 45 per cent increase over the 40-foot bus.
“I think customers will really notice the difference,” he said.
Mike Franklin, a TTC driving instructor, says the new vehicle drives smooth.
“I think it’s a great bus,” he said.
“We call it the Cadillac. It actually rides very smooth.”
The TTC tried bendy buses in 2003, but they broke down.
Byford says the new Quebec-made buses are far superior and stainless steel.
The TTC ordered 153 of the articulated buses at a cost of $143.7-million.
The first bus will begin service in December on the 7 Bathurst route. The buses will roll out to other high demand routes next year and all of them will be in service by January 2015.
The buses will be introduced on the following routes next year:
- 29 Dufferin – first bus January 2014
- 36 Finch West – Spring 2014
- 63 Ossington – Summer 2014
- 6 Bay – first bus Summer 2014
- 85 Sheppard East – Fall 2014
- 53 Steeles Express – Fall 2014
— With files from CityNews.ca
