Our new streetcar

The TTC has started its public consultation process regarding new streetcars and light-rail vehicles for its fleet. The current fleet - those on the left in this photo - is nearing the end of its anticipated lifetime. Plus, there is the hoped-for Transit City plan, which would result in the vast expansion of high (or higher) speed rapid transit throughout the city of Toronto. We may possibly be looking at two different types of vehicles - more traditional-style streetcars for the downtown fleet, and euro-style light-rail for the new suburban right-of-way routes. I'm kind of excited about this, as it is the first time in years I can recall a genuine interest on the part of the province and the city to properly invest in intelligent expansion of transit here. (And no, the Sheppard subway does not count - basically that was the result of a tickle fight between Mike Harris and Mel_Lastman that continues to suck money.)

This is where you and I come in. We get a say, of sorts, in what sort of vehicles the TTC gets. First of all - if this interests you - you should read up on the history and pros and cons, at both Steve Munro's website, as well as on Spacing. For a handy guide to other systems around the world that use light rail and streetcars, check out The Toronto LRT Information Page and its blog. Then, have a look at the site the TTC has set up to gauge public demand and interest: mynewstreetcar.ca. There are virtual tour slide shows to see, plus a survey to fill out, of what you would like to see in new transit vehicles, and what does not work that we have now.

Personally, I have a short list of my own requirements:

• vehicles should be low-floor to allow for full access to wheelchairs and strollers
• ideally the same vehicles used for downtown routes and other right-of-way or tunnel routes uptown to allow for interchangeability
• air-conditioning a must
• placement of maps and route information on board
• seats a little further apart - my 6'5" legs get bent out of shape in the ones we have now
• wider aisles required anyway for wheelchairs, but extend that area for more standing access

Aesthetically, I would like to see something that reflects the heritage of the older vehicles, like the PCC car on the right in the above photo - most of the others that the TTC is looking at are uber-modern, European looking things. This coming Thursday from 12 to 8 pm, at Yonge/Dundas Square downtown, the TTC is holding an information session including, among other things, a short version of the cars used in Minneapolis to see in person. I'm going to try and make it after work to have a peek, and have a say.