More than 200 of our subway cars are more than 30 years old. It's past time we replaced them. The TTC is buying 234 new subway cars to make 39 trains. The first trains will start in passenger service in 2011. The new trains will run on the Yonge-University-Spadina lineSo What do this new cars look like, well lets start from the exterior
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. Multi-purpose / Easier Access / Wheel-Chair Area
There will be 12 wheelchair/mobility device areas per train (two per car) - twice as many as current subway cars. These multi-purpose areas will also be useful for people with strollers, bicycles, large luggage items, etc.
3. 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.
4. Active Route Map
In addition to the features of the current subway route map, the active route map uses LED technology to highlight: Present location of the train Direction that the train is travelling Location of interchange station The active route map also indicates on which side of the train the doors will open: Opposite side This side
5. 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. Riders can move along the full length of the train through the gangway (connecting passage). This offers improved movement and passenger safety.
6. Passenger Alarm Intercom System
In an emergency, riders 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.
7. 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 a
8. 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.
9. Interior Colour Scheme
The four colour schemes under consideration are shown above.
