More on the new TTC subway train (ttc.ca)
The TTC is getting ready to unveil its mockup for the next generation of subway trains (starting June 6). Leaflets about it can now be found in TTC vehicles, and ttc.ca has a section devoted to the new train...
www.toronto.ca/ttc/new_subway_train/new_train_introduction.htm
Excerpts from ttc.ca
TTC New Subway Train Background Information
* Over 200 subway cars are almost 20 years old and need to be replaced.
* The TTC is planning to buy 234 new subway cars, to make 39 trains.
* The first of these trains will start in passenger service in 2009.
* All 234 cars will be delivered before the end of 2011.
* These trains will run on the Yonge-University-Spadina line.
Overview and Key Features
1. Exterior Blue Light
* Blue lights, on the train exterior, will show the entrance to the multi-purpose areas inside the train.
* The lights show the best doors for wheelchair entry. Anyone with other mobility devices,
strollers, bicycles, or large luggage items will also find these points useful.
* There are 12 “blue lights†(two per car) on each side of the train.
2. Colour Contrasted Anti-microbial Stanchions
* Stainless steel floor to ceiling vertical poles (stanchions) will have coloured anti-microbial
covers for better sanitation.
* The use of colour contrasted areas on the stanchions will also make them easier to locate
by visually impaired passengers.
3. Multi-purpose / Easier Access / Wheel-Chair Area
* There will be 12 wheelchair/mobility device areas per train (two per car) - twice as many
than current subway cars.
* These multi-purpose areas will also be useful for people with strollers, bicycles, large luggage items, etc.
4. Electronic Information Display System
* An electronic display, in the centre of the ceiling, will show the name of the next station
and on which side of the train the doors will be opening.
* The next station will also be announced over the Public Address System.
5. Active Route Map
* In addition to the features of the current subway route map,
the active route map uses LED technology to highlight:
o Present location of the train
o Direction that the train is travelling
o Location of interchange station
6. Full Length Open Train (Connecting passage allows car to car access)
* The new subway train is a full open train compared to the current train comprised of six cars.
Note: In the mock-up, the mirrors at each end simulate the full length of the open car.
* Riders can move along the full length of the train through the gangway (connecting passage).
* This offers improved movement and passenger safety.
7. Passenger Alarm Intercom System
* In an emergency, customers can activate, speak with, and be seen by a member of the
train crew through this intercom camera system.
* There are 36 intercom contact points on each train; four per car at alternate doorways
and two per car in each Multi-purpose area.
8. Emergency Evacuation Ramp
* The openness through the full length of the train will make evacuation easier in case of an emergency.
* Built-in ramps at each end of the train will make evacuation quicker and easier.
9. Safety Information Monitor
* Three LCD video screens on each car will supply information such as how to use the intercoms,
the yellow passenger assistance alarm strips, and the safe entry and exit of subway cars.
* These screens will be located overhead, above the door and window line.
10. Way-finding Coloured Floor Guide
* At the entrance ways, and throughout the length of the train, the floor will have textured and
coloured sections to assist visually impaired passengers.
11. Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
* A number of ceiling mounted closed circuit television security cameras will be positioned
throughout the train to record activity on the train.
* The tapes from these recordings may be supplied to Toronto Police Service to assist in the
investigation of criminal activity on the transit system.
12. Interior Colour Scheme
* The above are four colour schemes under consideration.