TTC’s new subway train launches
Posted July 21, 2011 11:40 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The TTC’s new “rocket” train went into service Thursday, aimed at giving commuters a roomier, more comfortable, more tech-savvy ride.
Mayor Rob Ford and TTC Chair Karen Stintz participated in the inaugural ride from Downsview station Thursday morning.
The new “rockets” will have about 10 per cent more capacity — they should hold an additional 120 riders — and will help alleviate some crowding. The TTC promises a smooth and comfortable ride.
Only one new train is currently riding the Yonge-University-Spadina line. Four more are currently being tested and will debut soon, the TTC told CityNews.
Some riders watched train after train pass by Thursday morning, waiting to be among the first passengers, according to posts on Twitter.
The cars have larger doorways and passengers will be able to easily walk from one end of the train to the other.
The poles on the trains are also coated with an anti-microbial layer and closed-circuit cameras and other emergency features have been installed for increased security.
There is also more space for wheelchairs and strollers.
The trains will eventually be running on automatic train control signal system that will allow more vehicles on the line.
They were originally slated to hit the rails in December 2010. That launch date was eventually pushed to June 2011, which came and went with no new trains.
Seventy trains will eventually be rolled out by 2013, first on the Yonge-University-Spadina line.
