The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is retiring its articulated light rail vehicles on 2 September 2019. Following more than 30 years in service, the TTC will replace them with accessible, low-floor vehicles. To mark the occasion, the TTC has invited members of the media and public to participate in the streetcars’ last trips.
Toronto Streetcar History
When the TTC first introduced the articulated light rail vehicles in 1988 they increased capacity on the city’s busiest routes at a time of increasing passenger numbers.
The Government of Ontario set up the Ontario Transportation Development Corporation in 1973. It launched a global investigation into the technology and designs for streetcars. The corporation was also working on developing the Canadian Light Rail Vehicle along with a longer, articulated version. In 1981 then it manufactured a prototype.
Next, the streetcar underwent six months of testing in 1982–83 and the Toronto Transit Commission said it would buy 52 units the following year. The first of the streetcars in this order entered service on 19 January 1988. The TTC received the final unit in 1989.
Streetcar Retirement Celebration
The TTC will offer free rides on 2 September on the last two ALRVs.
Car 4204 will leave the Russell Carhouse at 2pm and car 4207 will be part of the Labour Day Parade on Queen Street. The two streetcars will make return trips until 5pm.
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