To introduce a new member of Toronto’s transit family, the revamped Bombardier subway train, here’s a short list of wha’s to come.
Train Capacity
The first thing you notice when you walk onto this new train is that they’ve done away with separate cars – this new one is just one long car. Also, seating has been moved around to make for more floor-space. Miller said that this will immediately increase each train’s capacity by about 10 per cent and that will eventually rise to about 30 per cent once Automatic Train Control is fully implemented. This open concept train is also meant to help with the issue of overcrowding, since passengers will be able to move freely and easily to a less busy space.
Passenger Safety
Bombardier’s Project Director for the Toronto Rocket Project, John Blackburn, boasted new call boxes throughout the train where passengers can not only call, but communicate with operators if they are in need of any assistance.
Accessibility
For more space in the cars, the numerous metal poles throughout the train were eliminated, and a more convenient priority seating area.
Easy Navigation
New system maps have been added to the trains. These will light up according to which subway line you’re currently on. The station that you are at will be lit in a different colour than the others, while the upcoming stop will be indicated by a blinking light.
The new train also feature LED screens which will display upcoming stops as well as any delays or other updates that passengers would want to know about. Some 234 of these new trains are said to be implemented throughout the entire subway system over the next three years. The first usable ones are set to hit the city in early 2011.
