The TTC’s shiny new rockets launched today at Downsview station. The long overdue subway cars, which were supposed to start running in December, don’t just look awesome. They boast a whack of new features that have us giddy for the commute home. Here are six of our favourite features.
1. Time between trains will be cut by up to 90 seconds. That’s right, a whole 90 seconds. Because that will apparently will make all the difference when crammed on the platform with hundreds of sweaty commuters during rush hour.
2. Open gangways. Finally, there’s enough space to re-enact the ‘Santa Fe‘ dance number from Rent on the subway.
3. There’s still room for retro. For those of you stuck in the past, don’t worry. The 90s era T-series cars will be shifted onto the Bloor-Danforth line, which is clearly the black sheep of the TTC family. The fashionable red seat fabric will live on, for now.
4. They can carry ten percent more riders, mostly standing. Who needs to sit? Now, 10 per cent more people will be forced to grope total strangers in order to try and keep balance. Spread the love.
5. High-tech displays point out which doors are opening. Subway cars are notoriously labyrinthine. Getting out just got a whole lot easier.
6. There’s only one new train in operation. Four more are apparently being tested for use, but for now, getting to see the new rocket will feel like winning the lottery. That should add some much-needed colour to this otherwise bland (and did we mention hot?) day.
For the record, we are totally irrationally excited about the new subway cars
