THUNDER BAY – The people of Toronto are about to get a look at their new, Thunder Bay built streetcars. A mock-up comprising the first three modules of the five-module streetcar will be on display at the Toronto Transit Commission’s Hillcrest complex from Saturday, November 12 to Tuesday, November 15, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. The streetcar contract came to Thunder Bay after a long bidding process and efforts by former Mayor Lynn Peterson, MPPs Bill Mauro, Michael Gravelle, and Thunder Bay city councillors as well as the public.
The Bombardier built streetcars are being built in Thunder Bay. In June 2009, the TTC awarded a contract to Bombardier for the delivery of new streetcars. Prior to the awarding of the contract, the public was consulted about the design of the new streetcar that will replace the existing 30-year-old fleet. In 2010, the public was further consulted about the vehicle design and style. This is an opportunity to get a first-hand look at this new, modern vehicle that will begin operation in late 2013.
The new streetcars are 100 per cent low-floor and fully accessible, air conditioned for greater customer comfort, and will carry almost twice as many people as the TTC’s current streetcar fleet. The new streetcars will address increased ridership, allow for all-door boarding, and have increased reliability.