TTC’s 17th new streetcar now in service after tug of war with Bombardier
Posted April 11, 2016 1:53 pm.
Last Updated April 11, 2016 2:11 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The TTC’s seventeenth shiny new streetcar is now in service, but rather than a beacon of modernity, for many it’s a streaking red reminder of a strained business relationship that could cost taxpayers millions.
The city ordered a total of 204 new low floor streetcars from Bombardier at a cost of more than $1 billion, but the roll-out has been plagued by delays.
In a staff report, TTC officials said $34 million was needed to upgrade 30 streetcars due to the “continued delays in new low floor streetcar delivery.”
Anger directed at beleaguered Bombardier has been palpable. TTC CEO Andy Byford called them the “villains” of the bungled arrangement, and last July TTC chair Josh Colle lost his cool, saying he was sick of Bombardier’s excuses for its costly tardiness. “I don’t want any more excuses,” a seething Colle said. “I just want our damn streetcars.”
In October, city council voted unanimously to sue Bombardier for $50 million for its failure to deliver the streetcars on time.
“They have consistently let Toronto and the TTC and its customers down and so we’re looking at every possible option to hold them to account,” an angry Byford said after the council vote.
Under pressure, Bombardier has vowed to expedite manufacturing, delivering four new streetcars a month starting in April.
At that pace, the city should have 54 new streetcars by the end of 2016, with hopes that all 204 can be in service by the end of 2019.
Despite ample frustration, the new streetcars are a vast improvement.
They are all equipped with PRESTO card readers, as well as fare and transfer machines.
“The new streetcars are fully accessible for customers using mobility devices, and are more comfortable to ride, featuring a higher passenger capacity and air conditioning,” the TTC said in release. “All TTC streetcar routes are POP, allowing customers with a transfer or valid TTC pass to board at any door.”
You can ride one of the 17 new streetcars on the 510 Spadina and 509 Harbourfront routes.
