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| numberbuilt =
| numberbuilt =
| refurbishment =
| refurbishment =
| replaced = [[H-series (Toronto subway car)|H4, H5, H6]] (phase out occurring simultaneously as new trains enter service)
| replaced = [[H-series (Toronto subway car)|H4, H5, H6]] (phase out occurring as new trains enter service)
| formation = 6-car permanently mated articulated sets
| formation = 6-car permanently mated articulated sets
| fleetnumbers = 5381-6076 <ref name=TTCweb1>{{cite web|url= http://www3.ttc.ca/About_the_TTC/Projects_and_initiatives/New_Subway_Train/index.jsp |title=New Subway Train - The Toronto Rocket|author=Toronto Transit Commission|date=May 2011}}</ref>
| fleetnumbers = 5381-6076 <ref name=TTCweb1>{{cite web|url= http://www3.ttc.ca/About_the_TTC/Projects_and_initiatives/New_Subway_Train/index.jsp |title=New Subway Train - The Toronto Rocket|author=Toronto Transit Commission|date=May 2011}}</ref>
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| numberconstruction = 70 six-car trains ordered<ref name="service summary">{{cite web |url= http://www3.ttc.ca/PDF/Transit_Planning/Service_Summary_2009_10_18.pdf |title=TTC Service Summary|author=Toronto Transit Commission |date=September 18, 2009}}</ref><ref name="Tbnews">http://www.tbnewswatch.com/news/Default.aspx?cid=91274</ref> <br>58 trains yet to be delivered
| numberconstruction = 70 six-car trains ordered<ref name="service summary">{{cite web |url= http://www3.ttc.ca/PDF/Transit_Planning/Service_Summary_2009_10_18.pdf |title=TTC Service Summary|author=Toronto Transit Commission |date=September 18, 2009}}</ref><ref name="Tbnews">http://www.tbnewswatch.com/news/Default.aspx?cid=91274</ref> <br>58 trains yet to be delivered
| numberbuilt = 12 trains (5381-5496)
| numberbuilt = 12 trains (5381-5496)
| numberservice = Up to 9 trains in revenue service as of December 2011 (estimated)<!-- PLEASE ENSURE TO UPDATE THIS FIELD AS EACH NEW TRAIN ENTERS REVENUE SERVICE -->
| numberservice = up to 9 trains in revenue service as of December 2011 (estimated)<!-- PLEASE ENSURE TO UPDATE THIS FIELD AS EACH NEW TRAIN ENTERS REVENUE SERVICE -->
| numberscrapped =
| numberscrapped =
| carbody = stainless steel<ref> http://www.bombardier.com/en/transportation/products-services/rail-vehicles/metros/toronto--canada?docID=0901260d8000f949# </ref>
| carbody = stainless steel<ref> http://www.bombardier.com/en/transportation/products-services/rail-vehicles/metros/toronto--canada?docID=0901260d8000f949# </ref>
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The '''Toronto Rocket''', also known as the '''TR-series''', is the newest model of [[rapid transit]] [[train]]s used on the [[Toronto subway and RT|Toronto subway system]]. The name "Toronto Rocket" was chosen through a contest open to the public, prior to which the train was designated under the production name as '''T35A08'''.<ref>[http://transit.toronto.on.ca/subway/5511.shtml The Toronto Rocket Cars (T35A08)]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Toronto-Transit-Commission-616475.html|title="Toronto Rocket" A Train with a new Name|date=Oct 13, 2006|accessdate=Oct. 2009}}</ref> The new trains are the first and currently the only rapid transit trains in North America to feature a "six-car fixed" permanently-mated subway train with full open articulated gangways, a feature similar to that used on the [[Articulated Light Rail Vehicle]] streetcar fleet. They are owned and operated by the [[Toronto Transit Commission]] (TTC). The trains are built by [[Bombardier Transportation]] in [[Thunder Bay]], [[Ontario]], [[Canada]], with design based on the [[T-series (Toronto subway car)|T-series]] trains and Bombardier's [[Movia]] trains. The first train set (5411-5416) entered revenue service on July 21, 2011,<ref>[http://www.torontosun.com/2011/07/19/new-rocket-trains-ready-to-roll Finally! New Rocket Trains Ready To Roll]</ref>
The '''Toronto Rocket''', also known as the '''TR-series''', is the newest model of [[rapid transit]] [[train]]s used on the [[Toronto subway and RT|Toronto subway system]]. The name "Toronto Rocket" was chosen through a contest open to the public, prior to which the train was designated under the production name as '''T35A08'''.<ref>[http://transit.toronto.on.ca/subway/5511.shtml The Toronto Rocket Cars (T35A08)]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Toronto-Transit-Commission-616475.html|title="Toronto Rocket" A Train with a new Name|date=Oct 13, 2006|accessdate=Oct. 2009}}</ref> The new trains are the first and currently the only rapid transit trains in North America to feature a "six-car fixed" permanently-mated subway train with full open articulated gangways, a feature similar to that used on the [[Articulated Light Rail Vehicle]] streetcar fleet. They are owned and operated by the [[Toronto Transit Commission]] (TTC). The trains are built by [[Bombardier Transportation]] in [[Thunder Bay]], [[Ontario]], [[Canada]], with design based on the [[T-series (Toronto subway car)|T-series]] trains and Bombardier's [[Movia]] trains. The first train set (5411-5416) entered revenue service on July 21, 2011,<ref>[http://www.torontosun.com/2011/07/19/new-rocket-trains-ready-to-roll Finally! New Rocket Trains Ready To Roll]</ref>


The new trains operate exclusively on the [[Yonge–University–Spadina line|Yonge–University–Spadina]] (Y-U-S) line and are slated to decommission the [[H-series (Toronto subway car)|H-series]] (H4, H5, H6) subway cars, the oldest model of trains used on the system since the 1970's. To offset the cost of the new subway trains, the TTC will sell the later lines of the H-series (H5, H6) trains to [[Eko Rail]] in [[Lagos]], [[Nigeria]].<ref>[http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/640945 New life awaits old subway cars]</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.thestar.com/news/transportation/article/1049970--ttc-subway-cars-bound-for-nigeria | location=Toronto | work=The Star | first=Tess | last=Kalinowski | title=TTC subway cars bound for Nigeria | date=September 6, 2011}}</ref> The oldest lines of the H-series (H4) trains (which are currently operating on the Bloor-Danforth line) are slated for scrap, while the remaining T-series (T1) trains on the Y-U-S line will be allocated to the [[Bloor-Danforth line|Bloor-Danforth]] (B-D) and [[Sheppard line]]s.
The new trains operate exclusively on the [[Yonge–University–Spadina line|Yonge–University–Spadina]] (Y-U-S) line and are slated to decommission the [[H-series (Toronto subway car)|H-series]] (H4, H5, H6) subway cars, the oldest model of trains used on the system since the 1970's. To offset the cost of the new subway trains, the TTC will sell the later lines of the H-series (H5, H6) trains to [[Eko Rail]] in [[Lagos]], [[Nigeria]].<ref>[http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/640945 New life awaits old subway cars]</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.thestar.com/news/transportation/article/1049970--ttc-subway-cars-bound-for-nigeria | location=Toronto | work=The Star | first=Tess | last=Kalinowski | title=TTC subway cars bound for Nigeria | date=September 6, 2011}}</ref> The oldest lines of the H-series (H4) trains (which are currently operating on the Bloor-Danforth line) are slated for scrap, while the remaining T-series (T1) trains on the Y-U-S line will be allocated to the [[Bloor-Danforth line|Bloor-Danforth]] and [[Sheppard line]]s.


==Delivery process==
==Delivery==
The new trains were expected to enter service between late 2009 and early 2010. However, the delivery schedule became delayed after the bankruptcy of a key part manufacturer, Curtis Doors, which was to make door components for Bombardier and the TTC.<ref name = Postarticle /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www3.ttc.ca/About_the_TTC/Projects_and_initiatives/New_Subway_Train/index.jsp|title=New Subway Train}}</ref><ref>http://transit.toronto.on.ca/archives/weblog/2009/09/22-ttc_lookin.shtml</ref>
The new trains were expected to enter service between late 2009 and early 2010. However, the delivery schedule became delayed after the bankruptcy of a key part manufacturer, Curtis Doors, which was to make door components for Bombardier and the TTC.<ref name = Postarticle /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www3.ttc.ca/About_the_TTC/Projects_and_initiatives/New_Subway_Train/index.jsp|title=New Subway Train}}</ref><ref>http://transit.toronto.on.ca/archives/weblog/2009/09/22-ttc_lookin.shtml</ref>


Revision as of 00:07, 10 December 2011

Toronto Rocket
In service2011–present (starting July 21, 2011)
ManufacturerBombardier Transportation
Built atThunder Bay, Ontario
Family nameMovia
ReplacedH4, H5, H6 (phase out occurring as new trains enter service)
Constructed2008–present
Number under construction70 six-car trains ordered[1][2]
58 trains yet to be delivered
Number built12 trains (5381-5496)
Number in serviceup to 9 trains in revenue service as of December 2011 (estimated)
Formation6-car permanently mated articulated sets
Fleet numbers5381-6076 [3]
Capacity60-68 (seated/per car)[1]
1100 (full train, crush load)[4]
OperatorsToronto Transit Commission
DepotsWilson Subway Yard
Lines served■ Yonge–University–Spadina line
Specifications
Car body constructionstainless steel[5]
Car length23.190 m (76.08 ft) (6 car train length)[3]
Height3.137 m (10.29 ft)[3]
Doors8 sets (4 sets per side) per car
Maximum speed88 km/h (55 mph)[3]
Weight205,000 kg (202 long tons; 226 short tons) (per trainset); 34,167 kg (33.627 long tons; 37.663 short tons) per car[3]
Traction systemBombardier MITRAC
Power supply600 VDC (3rd Rail), 120/208 VAC Battery Auxiliary
Electric system(s)600 VDC
Safety system(s)Emergency evacuation ramps at each end of trainset
Track gauge1495

The Toronto Rocket, also known as the TR-series, is the newest model of rapid transit trains used on the Toronto subway system. The name "Toronto Rocket" was chosen through a contest open to the public, prior to which the train was designated under the production name as T35A08.[6][7] The new trains are the first and currently the only rapid transit trains in North America to feature a "six-car fixed" permanently-mated subway train with full open articulated gangways, a feature similar to that used on the Articulated Light Rail Vehicle streetcar fleet. They are owned and operated by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). The trains are built by Bombardier Transportation in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, with design based on the T-series trains and Bombardier's Movia trains. The first train set (5411-5416) entered revenue service on July 21, 2011,[8]

The new trains operate exclusively on the Yonge–University–Spadina (Y-U-S) line and are slated to decommission the H-series (H4, H5, H6) subway cars, the oldest model of trains used on the system since the 1970's. To offset the cost of the new subway trains, the TTC will sell the later lines of the H-series (H5, H6) trains to Eko Rail in Lagos, Nigeria.[9][10] The oldest lines of the H-series (H4) trains (which are currently operating on the Bloor-Danforth line) are slated for scrap, while the remaining T-series (T1) trains on the Y-U-S line will be allocated to the Bloor-Danforth and Sheppard lines.

Delivery

The new trains were expected to enter service between late 2009 and early 2010. However, the delivery schedule became delayed after the bankruptcy of a key part manufacturer, Curtis Doors, which was to make door components for Bombardier and the TTC.[4][11][12]

On May 6, 2010, the TTC voted to exercise a contract option with Bombardier to acquire 31 additional new trains to allow the retirement of the entire H-series subway fleet and have enough trains for the opening of the Spadina Subway Extension.[2][13]

On October 1, 2010, the first new train set (5391-5396) was delivered to Wilson Yard and was unveiled at Downsview station on October 14, 2010.[14]

In early May 2011, main line testing and operator training began with the trains out of service, during revenue hours.[15] The TTC held an open house at Davisville station on May 29, 2011, where passengers were able to tour the new train.[16] The first train set officially entered revenue service on July 21, 2011. So far, since December 2011, there are approximately up to 8 or 9 new trains available for revenue operation. Delivery of 70 new trains (420 cars) is anticipated to be finalized by the end of 2013.[17]

Features

The new Toronto Rocket trains include several added new features that make the trains more accessible and user-friendly for passengers, among which include:[18][19]

  • Exterior blue lights indicating the positions of wheelchair-designated areas
  • Red stanchions and high visibility floor markings for passengers who are visually impaired
  • Antimicrobial properties on various surfaces
  • Doubled number of wheelchair positions (with automatic flip-up seats) than the T1 cars
  • Automated audio stop announcements with synthesized speech along visual displays indicating the next stop as well with arrows pointing to which side doors will open at next stop
  • Electronic route maps which indicate which stations have been serviced and which are next
  • A “Six-car-fixed” articulated configuration with open gangways which allows passengers to walk through the entire train set.
  • A two-way passenger assistance intercom system for passengers to communicate with the train crew in the event of an emergency
  • Built-in evacuation ramps located at both ends of the train for faster and easier evacuation in the event of an emergency
  • Full-width operator cabs at the front and rear ends of the train for enhanced safety of operating personnel (as such, operators may enter/exit the operator's cab directly from/to the subway platform and are not exposed to the public on-board while performing operating duties)
  • LED (orange-lighted) destination and run number signs shown at the front and rear ends of the train
  • Closed-Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV), for added passenger safety and security and review after criminal activity takes place onboard the train
  • Video screens that display safety messages, TTC-related advertising and the name of the next station at the bottom
  • Articulated joint between cars
    Articulated joint between cars
  • Interior view of the articulated joint
    Interior view of the articulated joint
  • Corridor Gangway
    Corridor Gangway

Criticism

During the tendering process Siemens was seen a possible competitor to the Bombardier bid.[20][21] Then-councillors Karen Stintz, Denzil Minnan-Wong, and Rob Ford, among others[who?] were opposed to sole-sourcing the contract to Bombardier. They alleged that many sole-source advocates had union ties and were thus not interested in getting the best financial deal available to the City.[22]

In late September 2011, it was reported that some people with mobility devices were experiencing difficulties while entering and/or exiting the new subway trains. TTC officials noted that this could be due to the train sitting too high in relation to the level of the platform and could be the result of the train’s door threshold, which is not parallel with the platform and suggested that they were actively looking for ways to solve the problem.[23]

References

  1. ^ a b Toronto Transit Commission (September 18, 2009). "TTC Service Summary" (PDF).
  2. ^ a b http://www.tbnewswatch.com/news/Default.aspx?cid=91274
  3. ^ a b c d e Toronto Transit Commission (May 2011). "New Subway Train - The Toronto Rocket".
  4. ^ a b Natalie Alcoba (2010-01-14). "New TTC trains delayed after door company goes belly up". nationalpost.com. Retrieved 2010-01-15.
  5. ^ http://www.bombardier.com/en/transportation/products-services/rail-vehicles/metros/toronto--canada?docID=0901260d8000f949#
  6. ^ The Toronto Rocket Cars (T35A08)
  7. ^ ""Toronto Rocket" A Train with a new Name". Oct 13, 2006. Retrieved Oct. 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  8. ^ Finally! New Rocket Trains Ready To Roll
  9. ^ New life awaits old subway cars
  10. ^ Kalinowski, Tess (September 6, 2011). "TTC subway cars bound for Nigeria". The Star. Toronto.
  11. ^ "New Subway Train".
  12. ^ http://transit.toronto.on.ca/archives/weblog/2009/09/22-ttc_lookin.shtml
  13. ^ "Procurement Authorization Amendment" (PDF). May 6, 2010.
  14. ^ TTC unveils new subway cars www.cp24.com, published on October 14, 2010
  15. ^ http://www.torontosun.com/2011/05/04/rocketing-ufo-spotted-underground
  16. ^ New Subway Train TTC.ca, published May 26, 2011
  17. ^ http://www3.ttc.ca/PDF/Transit_Planning/Service_Summary_2011_10_09.pdf
  18. ^ "New Subway Train: Overview and Key Features". 2008. Retrieved Sept. 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  19. ^ "Bombardier Transportation: Reference Projects, Toronto, Canada". 2009. Retrieved 2009-09-19.
  20. ^ "TTC approves Bombardier deal". CBC News. Thursday, August 31, 2006. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help) CBC News
  21. ^ Kalinowski, Tess (2009-04-18). "A streetcar now for city of tomorrow". The Star. Toronto.Toronto Star.
  22. ^ "Made in Canada Matters!" (PDF). Canadian Labour Council.
  23. ^ Wheelchair users can’t always roll onto the Rocket thestar.com, published on September 25, 2011
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