TTC rolls out first futuristic streetcars

The new TTC streetcar is shown in this still photo from a demo video. (YouTube / TTC)

Torontonians got an opportunity to "Ride the Rocket" of the future on Sunday, as the TTC rolled out its first two high-tech streetcars on the 510 Spadina route.

The new streetcars are the first in a planned five-year replacement of the city's aging fleet. The TTC has ordered a total of 204 new streetcars at a cost of $1.19 billion, and is expected to retire all the vehicles in its existing fleet by 2019.

"This is an auspicious day. I would say it's a momentous day," TTC CEO Andy Byford told reporters at the Spadina Station Sunday morning, before one of the new streetcar’s maiden voyage. "This makes me so proud. It's a milestone for the TTC."

As the new streetcar pulled up to the station on Sunday, it was greeted by cheers from TTC commuters. "It's really exciting to be a part of transit heritage," one passenger told CTV Toronto.

Among the passengers was TTC Chair Maria Augimeri, who praised the new streetcars for some of their features. "What it does is bring us closer to the future," she said.

The new TTC streetcars have air conditioning and more passenger space than older models. They are also quieter, pollute less and have more entry/exit doors. The vehicles are about seven metres longer than the older models, and are equipped with lights that flash to alert drivers before the doors open, the transit commission says.

The new doors use a proof of payment system, meaning passengers with a transfer or a monthly pass can enter at any one of the vehicle's doors. Busy stops along Spadina Avenue will be outfitted with automated machines where passengers can buy a proof of purchase before the streetcar arrives.

Passengers will still be able to purchase tickets onboard the streetcar.

The vehicles will also be outfitted with Presto card payment systems that will be installed in November.

The new cars are also fully accessible, unlike the older models. The second streetcar compartment is equipped with a deployable ramp at the door, and also features flip-up seats similar to those found on the new TTC subway trains.

The new streetcars will be rolled out route-by-route, with the 510 Spadina route first on the list. The full replacement schedule is as follows:

2015

2015-2016

2016-2017

2018-2019

The TTC says drivers will need new training to operate the vehicles. Drivers on the new cars will be enclosed in a bulletproof glass compartment at the front of the vehicle. Drivers will sit in front of a console with multiple TV screens feeding CCTV footage from cameras located inside and outside the vehicle.

Passengers will be able to talk to the driver through an intercom system.

See the TTC's full demo video below.