TTC's 'bendy streetcars' reach the end of the line

Media, transit enthusiasts and members of the public are invited to take part in the last trips of the TTC’s Articulated Light Rail Vehicles (ALRVs) on Labour Day, Mon., Sept. 2. After more than 30 years in service, the TTC’s bendy ALRVs are being retired as the TTC continues to convert its streetcar fleet to accessible, low-floor vehicles.

First introduced in 1988, the ALRV streetcars were considered a landmark achievement at the time, allowing the TTC to increase capacity on its busiest routes at a time ridership was increasing.

To commemorate the last runs, the TTC is offering free rides on the last two ALRVs along Queen St. between the TTC’s Russell Carhouse (Queen St. E. and Greenwood Ave.) and the Wolseley St. Loop (Bathurst St. just north of Queen St. W.)

Car 4204 will depart the Russell Carhouse at 2 p.m. running east to Wolseley Loop and back. A second car, 4207, will participate in the Labour Day Parade along Queen St. and then depart Wolseley Loop at approximately the same time, though road closures and traffic associated with the CNE could impact the exact departure time. The two cars will make return trips between Russell and Wolseley until 5 p.m. The very last run will depart Wolseley at approximately 4:15 p.m., arriving at Russell Carhouse at 5 p.m.

Once the fleet is retired, the TTC will retain and preserve one ALRV, joining other legacy vehicles.

What: Last trips of the TTC’s ALRVs
Date: Mon., Sept. 2, 2019
Time: 2 - 5 p.m.
Location: Queen St., between Russell Carhouse and Wolseley Loop

Background:

In 1973, the Government of Ontario established the Ontario (later Urban) Transportation Development Corporation, which began a world-wide examination of technology and designs available for streetcars.

At the same time the UTDC was developing the Canadian Light Rail Vehicle (CLRV) streetcar, it was designing a longer, articulated version of the vehicle. Designated the Articulated Light Rail Vehicle (ALRV), a prototype was manufactured, commencing in 1981, and featured an advanced concept of the articulation section.

After six months of testing in 1982-83, the TTC approved the purchase of 52 ALRVs the following year after deciding that they could be helpful on the TTC’s higher capacity routes.

The first ALRV entered service on Jan. 19, 1988 on the 507 Long Branch route. Shipments were completed in 1989.

Specifications:

Type - two-section-articulated, six-axle Capacity - 61 seated, 108 maximum (CLRV=46 seated, 74 max; LFLRV= 70 seated, 130 max) Length - 76.75 ft (23.16 m) Weight - 81,000 lbs (36,741 kg).