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The TTC's new articulated Toronto Rocket subway trains were unveiled at Downsview station on Thursday morning while Spadina line service was maintained across the platform. On hand for the unveiling were Toronto Mayor David Miller, Ontario Minister of Transportation Kathleen Wynne, federal Minister of Labour Lisa Raitt, TTC Chair Adam Giambrone, and Raymond Bachaunt, Bombardier President of Transportation North America.
The nose of the train is the first to feature a streamlined profile on the subway system. With only two driver's cabs on the train now, at front and back, the compartment extends from one side to the other. While the driver will naturally stay in the front of the train, the guard will move to the back.
Once Automatic Train Control has been completed, drivers will not be needed to control the train, but may become the door operators from this position, taking over for the guard.
The front features a rather underwhelming and low-res LED message board that announces the train's destination.
Really? Is this all they can manage? Lucky for us Toronto's tiny and simple system means that few people ever need bother checking this sign.
Inside the train there are several innovations, at least for Toronto. Behind the official party you'll see another low-res LED changeable message sign on the ceiling. It will most often be used to indicate the next station and on which side the doors will open.
Doors are framed by clear partitions that open up the visual space through train. Poles feature portions coated will anti-microbial paint.
Maps above the doors will indicate which station the train is at, and remaining stations before the terminal.
Spots near the doors outside the driver's cab sport bum rests.
Wheelchair tie-down spots feature quick raise-and-lower seats. Each train features 12 spots like this.
Space between cars was formerly wasted: articulations now mean people will be able to walk freely the length of the train for more even loading, and for more loading in total. The TTC expects to be able to move 10% more people on the line with the new trains, and possibly 30% more once Automatic Train Control is introduced.
The continuous open space in the trains looks very, very long. The following views look through the length of four cars. http://urbantoronto.ca/picoftheday/images/TorRocketP1190511.jpg
The exterior of the trains is much smoother than the existing fleet, dispensing with the thousands of rivets in place of more aerodynamic welds.
While it is difficult to see the welds in this photo taken without flash, the following photo with flash highlights the welds.
The first Toronto Rockets will be in service early in 2011.
