After many months of testing the subway-riding public finally got a chance to hitch a ride on an ultra-modern Toronto Rocket train yesterday.

A Toronto Rocket subway train pulls into St. George Station, image by Craig White.

The trains feature many enhancements designed to make passengers’ lives easier. Open gangways between cars allow people to walk from one end of the train to the other and antibacterial handholds make taking the TTC a little more sanitary.

Interior of a Toronto Rocket subway train, image by Craig White.

Interior of a Toronto Rocket subway train, image by Craig White.

Electronic signs show passengers where they are on an interactive map, which station is next and which side will open. Say goodbye to the embarrassment of standing at the wrong door!

Electronic subway map on a Toronto Rocket subway train, image by Craig White.

Electronic sign on a Toronto Rocket subway train, image by Craig White.

The Toronto Rockets will also play a crucial role in increasing capacity on the overcrowded Yonge-University-Spadina line. There’s 10 per cent more elbow room because they only have cabs at the ends of the train. The trains also feature automatic train control that will allow the TTC to run them closer together once it has completed upgrades to the line’s signal system.

A Toronto Rocket subway train in Bloor Station, image by Marcus Mitanis.

While all 70 trains on order will run on the Yonge-University-Spadina line, Bloor-Danforth riders will also have something to celebrate. The additional trains will allow the TTC to scrap the aging H-series trains on Bloor-Danforth, the oldest of which are the only trains that lack air conditioning. It's fitting that the first Toronto Rocket entered service on the hottest day of the year.