The Toronto Transit Commission unveiled its new line of subway trains on Thursday, celebrating a new design meant to be both safer and more reliable.
The new line of trains – dubbed the Toronto Rocket – is expected to roll out in a few weeks.
The cars have more room, can accommodate up to 10 per cent more riders, are more accessible to people with disabilities and will be outfitted with surveillance cameras.
One of the key features is open gateways that allow passengers to walk from car to car. Transit officials believe this will help to reduce overcrowding.
TTC spokesman Brad Ross said that as ridership along the subway system continues to increase, so does the importance of the new design.
"The Yonge-University Spadina line is at capacity right now, so this will be a much greater experience and a much more comfortable riding experience for the public," Ross said.
The trains are also packed with new technology, including guides that allow riders to see and hear the next stop. There will also be an intercom to allow riders to communicate directly with security personnel if there is a problem.
The new rockets have even been sprayed with an antimicrobial treatment to reduce the number of germs on board.
Seventy trains are being delivered to the city between now and November 2013 at a shared cost of more than $700 million. Three levels of government are picking up the tab.
The trains were supposed to start running last year, but the roll-out experienced manufacturing delays an
The public is invited to tour the new train this Sunday, May 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Davisville Station.
TTC Chair Karen Stintz will be on hand to tour the train at 11 a.m.
