msb@dciem.UUCP (Mark Brader) (11/07/86)
> Toronto still has an extensive collection of PCC streetcars, supplemented by > a few recently-acquired cars. Not so extensive any more. I don't have exact numbers but I'd guess that the "recently-acquired cars" -- the CLRV cars -- amount to 80-90% of the cars in regular service. There seem to be distinctly more PCC's during rush hours, indicating that the cars are not being run as much as the CLRV's. Possibly because the CLRV's are noisier, the PCC's that do run outside rush hours tend to be concentrated on certain routes, notably the 506 (formerly Carlton). However, the TTC recently did an experimental rebuild job on one PCC car. It got a lot of new working parts, the new paint scheme (now general on most TTC road vehicles except PCC's), and -- sigh -- the new harder seats. Speaking of Toronto transit, the linear-induction-motor Scarborough RT line is unusual enough that visiting rail/transit fans shouldn't miss it. It's the same system as the SkyTrain in Vancouver (i.e. their new transit line, not one of the temporary systems that was used in Expo 86). It's also the first piece of standard gauge track on the TTC... the streetcars and subways are all 4 feet 10 7/8 inches... Mark Brader, Toronto Glossary of acronyms: PCC - Presidents Conference Committee -- 1930's streetcar design CLRV - Canadian Light Rail Vehicle -- 1970's streetcar design TTC - Toronto Transit Commission RT - Rapid Transit -- as in, "We have to call it something shorter than Intermediate Capacity Transit System!"