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86-482: The New Flyer Xcelsior is a line of transit buses available in 35-foot rigid , 40-foot rigid, and 60-foot articulated nominal lengths manufactured by New Flyer Industries since 2008. In addition to the different available lengths, the buses are sold with a variety of propulsion systems: conventional diesel , compressed natural gas (CNG), diesel-electric hybrid , hydrogen fuel cell , overhead electric wire and battery electric . A future autonomous bus variant

172-569: A Presto reader as they enter a TTC station or vehicle. Either their fare is automatically paid through stored value, verifies if the Presto user has a valid TTC transit pass on it, or validates the TTC's two-hour Presto transfer. Their card or ticket then acts as proof-of-payment (POP) to present to TTC staff such as fare inspectors, who carry hand-held devices to verify Presto fare payments, upon request. As of June 2018 , Presto readers are available at

258-448: A baggage compartment. A minibus is designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) and is typically built on a small truck chassis." Generally, a transit bus will be 35 to 40 feet (11 to 12 m) long, with seats and standing room. Usually there are 30 to 45 seats, depending on length and interior configuration. If more passenger capacity is needed on a route, an articulated bus, 54 to 60 feet (16 to 18 m) long, or

344-412: A bus in public transit service. "Bus means a rubber-tired automotive vehicle used for the provision of public transportation service by or for a recipient of FTA financial assistance." FTA also adds that automotive means that the bus does not rely on external power sources for its motion; its motor and fuel or battery are contained in the bus. It defines public transportation service as "the operation of

430-722: A decade of service reductions and only minor improvements. In addition to buses, streetcars, and subways, the TTC also operated the Toronto Island ferry service from 1927 to 1962, when it was transferred to the Metro Parks and Culture department (now Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation ). The TTC also operated a suburban and regional intercity bus operator, Gray Coach Lines, from 1927 to 1990. Gray Coach used interurban coaches to link Toronto to points throughout southern Ontario. In addition, Gray Coach operated tour buses in association with Gray Line Tours . The main terminal

516-528: A dedicated right-of-way lane from Finch West station on Line 1 Yonge–University to the Humber College's North Campus in Etobicoke. The line is forecast to provide approximately 14.6   million rides a year, or 40,000 a day, by 2031. It is scheduled for completion at the end of 2024, with an estimated cost of $ 1.2   billion. The Ontario Line , which is a rapid transit line and successor to

602-431: A double articulated bus, can hold more seats; the connecting portion(s) can bend to aid making turns. Features of transit buses include: Modern transit buses are also increasingly being equipped with passenger information systems , multimedia, WiFi , USB charging points, entertainment/advertising, and passenger comforts such as heating and air-conditioning (in the early 20th century, no bus had cooling beyond opening

688-546: A hydrogen fuel cell (model code XHE), which acts as an on-board charger to extend range. Earlier New Flyer fuel cell buses were based on the preceding Low Floor chassis, designated H40LFR, and integrated by an outside vendor. In 2016, New Flyer received an order for 25 XHE40 buses under the California Air Resources Board Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP). The XHE40 uses a MAN SE model 1350 rear axle with

774-747: A permanent magnet traction motor built by Siemens. In October 2017, the Xcelsior CHARGE sub-line was introduced. The Xcelsior CHARGE variant (XE nn ) uses the Siemens ELFA2 electric drive system with different options for battery capacity, depending on the charging speed and range required. The traction motor used has an output of either 210 or 280 hp (213 or 284 PS; 157 or 209 kW) and 1,033 or 1,475 lb⋅ft (1,401 or 2,000 N⋅m; 143 or 204 kg⋅m). Batteries are supplied by XALT Energy or A123 Systems (XE60 long-range models and XHE nn fuel cell models). On-route rapid charging

860-415: A private car, recognising the chief competitor to the transit bus in many markets. As they are used in a public transport role, transit buses can be operated by publicly run transit authorities or municipal bus companies , as well as private transport companies on a public contract or fully independent basis. Due to the local authority use, transit buses are often built to a third-party specification put to

946-488: A regional as well as operational basis; however, with the advent of global manufacturing, all of these types can be seen in the same location or country. Depending on local policies, transit buses will also usually have two, three or (for articulated) four doors to facilitate rapid boarding and alighting. In cases of low-demand routes, or to navigate small local streets, some models of minibus and small midibuses have also been used as transit type buses. The development of

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1032-567: A second driven axle, using the ZF AxTrax AVE on the middle axle. The AxTrax AVE (formerly known as the AVE 130) uses two electric motors (one per wheel), each with a maximum continuous/peak output of 160 / 340 hp (162 / 345 PS; 119 / 254 kW) and maximum continuous/peak torque of 6,000 / 16,200 lb⋅ft (8,135 / 21,964 N⋅m; 830 / 2,240 kg⋅m). Each motor

1118-571: A selection of 'dual-purpose' fitted buses, that is standard transit buses fitted with coach-type seating, for longer-distance routes. Sometimes transit buses may also be used as express buses on a limited-stopping or non-stop service at peak times, but over the same distance as the regular route. Fare payment is done via: and is done upon: Depending on payment systems in different municipalities, there are widely different rules with regard to which door, front or rear, one must use when boarding/exiting. For rear doors, most buses have doors opened by

1204-399: A total GVW of 43,550 lb (19,750 kg). It was equipped with 4 XALT Xsyst 7 (7 kWh) batteries and a SPHEROS fuel-fired heater. When accelerating from a constant speed, the bus emitted an average maximum noise level of 66.1  dB(A) , considerably lower than the average maximum noise level of 70.4 dB(A) measured from a conventionally-powered XD40. The articulated XE60 adds

1290-470: A total GVW of 70,170 lb (31,830 kg). Compared to the diesel-powered equivalent XD60, the XE60 is heavier (XD60 GVW is 58,600 lb (26,600 kg)) and holds slightly fewer people (XD60 capacity is 123 people: 49 seated, 73 standing, 1 driver). Depending on the driving route/style, the XE60 tested at Altoona had a predicted range of 145 to 246 miles (233 to 396 km). The MBTA and NYMTA were

1376-951: A total of 2,031 buses, the TTC is the third-largest transit bus operator in North America, behind the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York City (more than 5,600) and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (2,911). The TTC also runs Wheel-Trans , a paratransit service for the physically disabled with special low-floor buses designed to accommodate wheelchairs and to make boarding easier for ambulatory customers with limited mobility. The TTC ordered 153 articulated buses with all newly ordered buses in service by January 2015. At 18 metres (60 ft) long,

1462-511: A traction motor from Siemens; like the XE60, the XHE60 also uses a MAN 1350 rear axle as a pusher, but adds a ZF AxTrax AVE middle axle as a puller for traction-challenged conditions. An XHE60 tested at Altoona weighed 49,890 lb (22,630 kg) empty; with a total capacity of 132 (1 driver, 50 seated, 81 standing), the estimated GVW was 69,750 lb (31,640 kg). The fuel cell was a Ballard HD85 with an 85 kW output. Development of

1548-417: A vehicle that provides general or special service to the public on a regular and continuing basis consistent with 49 U.S.C. Chapter 53." Another US agency further distinguishes a transit bus from those used in intercity travel, and called motorcoaches. "A bus is a motor vehicle designed, constructed and/or used to transport passengers. A motorcoach is a bus designed with an elevated passenger deck located over

1634-412: Is a 7.8-kilometre (4.8 mi) subway extension, which will continue Line 2 east towards McCowan Road and north towards Scarborough City Centre and to a new terminal at the intersection of McCowan Road and Sheppard Avenue . The $ 5.5-billion extension will replace the defunct Line 3 Scarborough and is expected to be complete in 2030 at the earliest. The Eglinton Crosstown West extension will extend

1720-407: Is an asynchronous three-phase AC motor operating on 650 VDC with an input current of 250 (continuous) to 340 (peak) amps, using a single-speed reduction gear ratio of 22.66:1. The complete axle assembly weighs 2,760 lb (1,250 kg) The as-tested empty weight of an XE60 was 52,070 lb (23,620 kg) with a capacity of 120 (50 seated passengers + 69 standing passengers + 1 driver) for

1806-450: Is available to customers of Rogers and Freedom Mobile ; however, customers of other carriers (such as Bell and Telus) can make 911 calls. 5G wireless service is available between Bloor–Yonge and Dupont stations on Line 1, and between Castle Frank and Keele stations on Line 2. The stations and tunnels between Vaughan Metropolitan Centre station and Sheppard West station on Line 1 have a non-5G service. The TTC offers Wi-Fi to connect to

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1892-464: Is circulated by "What's On" and "Rocket Rider / TTC Customer News" pamphlets on some vehicles. Information can be accessed in person at the TTC head office ( Davisville station at 1900 Yonge Street), as well as at a TTC Info Centre, which opened in 2018, at Union station . Twitter users can communicate with TTCHelps for inquiries. Most subway stations are equipped with OneStop media screens that display

1978-479: Is provided through an overhead pantograph designed to be interoperable with the SAE J3105 standard supplying 300–450 kW. Shop or depot charging may be performed using SAE J3068 and J1772 connectors supplying up to 150 kW. At Altoona, the as-tested empty weight of an XE40 was measured at 32,770 lb (14,860 kg) with a capacity of 76 (38 seated passengers + 37 standing passengers + 1 driver) for

2064-721: Is the primary public transport agency in Toronto , Ontario, Canada, operating the majority of the city's bus and rail services. It is the oldest and largest of the urban transit service providers in the Greater Toronto Area , with numerous connections to systems serving its surrounding municipalities . Established as the Toronto Transportation Commission in 1921, the TTC owns and operates three rapid transit lines with 70 stations , over 150 bus routes , and 9 streetcar lines . In 2023,

2150-599: The CTfastrak bus rapid transit (BRT) line, over a dedicated right-of-way 9 miles (14 km) long, connecting New Britain and Hartford, Connecticut . The deployment on a BRT line is anticipated to test the vehicles' ability to perform precision docking at station platforms and platooning multiple vehicles. Transit bus These are distinct from all-seated coaches used for intercity travel and smaller minibuses , for more flexible services. The US Federal Transit Administration offers some definitions of terms for

2236-684: The Great Depression and World War II , it accumulated reserves that allowed it to expand considerably after the war, both with subways and major steady growth of its bus services into the suburbs. It was not until 1971 that the Metro Toronto government and the province started to provide operational funding, required primarily due to rising costs of delivering transit to low-density suburbs in Metro Toronto and large wage increases. Deficits and government funding soared throughout

2322-526: The Relief Line , is expected to be completed by 2030. The Ontario government estimates the line's cost at $ 10.9   billion for the 15-kilometre (9.3 mi) stretch from Ontario Place to Don Mills Road and Eglinton Avenue East at Science Centre station (part of the under-construction Line 5). It is the largest single expansion in Toronto subway history. The Line 2 Bloor–Danforth extension

2408-593: The University of Toronto Scarborough campus, though this has since been replaced with plans for a separate Eglinton East LRT . Metrolinx is studying an extension of Line 4 Sheppard , to replace the former Sheppard East LRT project, which would likely connect with the Line 2 Bloor–Danforth extension at McCowan Road and Sheppard Avenue. Toronto's streetcar system is one of the few in North America still operating along street-running tracks. It has been operating since

2494-481: The Wright StreetCar , often as part of bus rapid transit schemes. Fare collection is also seeing a shift to off-bus payment, with either the driver or an inspector verifying fare payments. A commuter or express bus service is a fixed-route bus characterized by service predominantly in one direction during peak periods, limited stops, use of multi-ride tickets and routes of extended length, usually between

2580-675: The midibus has also given many operators a low-cost way of operating a transit bus service, with some midibuses such as the Plaxton SPD Super Pointer Dart resembling full size transit type vehicles. Due to their public transport role, transit buses were the first type of bus to benefit from low-floor technology, in response to a demand for equal access public service provision. Transit buses are also now subject to various disability discrimination acts in several jurisdictions which dictate various design features also applied to other vehicles in some cases. Due to

2666-582: The 1970s and 1980s, followed by service cuts and a period of ridership decline in the 1990s, partly attributable to recession. In 1997, the Progressive Conservative government under Premier Mike Harris implemented the " Common Sense Revolution " which, among other things, cut CA$ 42   million in provincial financing support for the Eglinton West subway line , and cut $ 718   million in municipal transit support, placing

New Flyer Xcelsior - Misplaced Pages Continue

2752-628: The 2026 model year, the XDE60 will be discontinued as New Flyer was unable to find a powertrain compliant with new regulations taking effect around that time. With the 2027 model year, the XDE35 and XN35 will both be discontinued due projected low demand. The first Xcelsior battery electric buses (XE40) were built in 2014 and delivered to the Chicago Transit Authority and Winnipeg Transit . Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

2838-485: The 512 St. Clair streetcar route, and another on Lake Shore Boulevard (the western portion of 501 Queen), which runs through the Etobicoke district nearly to the city limits with Mississauga at Etobicoke Creek . Up until 1995, the TTC operated a fleet of 765 PCC-type streetcars , 540 of which it purchased new. The rest were purchased as other cities sold their PCC streetcar fleets. From 1987 until September 2019,

2924-853: The AV meets the SAE J3016 Level 4 of autonomy. The AV is based on the XE40 chassis, and uses Robotic Research's AutoDrive suite of sensors and AutoDrive ByWire mechanical actuators. Project management was performed by The Center for Transportation and Environment (CTE) with support from the Federal Transit Administration , who provided a US$ 2  million grant under the Integrated Mobility Innovation Program. The first three Xcelsior AV buses are scheduled to be tested by CTtransit in 2021 on

3010-492: The City of Toronto. Therefore, YRT, DRT and MiWay buses can only drop off passengers inbound and pick up passengers outbound while within the boundaries of Toronto. Originally, there were no free or discounted transfers between suburban agencies (which still have separate fare structures) and the TTC. But on February 26, 2024, Ontario's One Fare Program, a GTA-wide fare integration program allowing free or discounted transfers between

3096-706: The Internet at all stations but not in tunnels; this service is ad-supported. However, the Wi-Fi service will be discontinued at the end of 2024. The Wheel-Trans door-to-door service has been available since the mid-1970s. Since the 1990s, the TTC has focused on providing accessible services on conventional bus routes, the RT and subway. 56 of the 75 stations on Lines 1, 2, and 3 are wheel-chair accessible are equipped with elevators, and all stations on Line 4 are fully accessible. In December 2011, all bus routes became accessible with

3182-578: The Nova LFS Artics hold about 112 passengers, compared with 65 on a standard 12-metre (40 ft) bus. The Toronto subway system consists of three lines: From 1985 until 2023 Line 3 Scarborough , a partly elevated light metro line served the district of Scarborough . The three subway lines are served by 678 cars grouped in trains of four cars on Line 4 Sheppard, and six cars on Line 1 Yonge–University and Line 2 Bloor–Danforth. The three subway lines share non-revenue track connections and use

3268-516: The Province of Ontario promised $ 404   million for TTC operations to compensate for reduced ridership and revenue loss during the COVID-19 pandemic , with more funding to come later. The TTC projected a shortfall of $ 700   million in 2020. Buses are a large part of TTC operations today. However, before about 1960, they played a minor role compared to streetcars. Buses began to operate in

3354-475: The TTC and other GTA transit systems (within either a two-hour or three-hour window), was implemented. However, the policy only applies to fare payments made via Presto, credit, or debit card; customers ineligible to receive free or discounted transfers are still required to pay a double fare. Via Rail and Amtrak connect with the TTC at Union Station , while Ontario Northland , Megabus , TOK Coachlines and US-bound Greyhound intercity coaches connect with

3440-535: The TTC at the Union Station , Scarborough Centre , Highway 407 , and Yorkdale bus terminals. The communication system used by surface vehicles is called the Communications and Information System. It was piloted in the 1970s, implemented in 1991, and is now deployed on all TTC surface vehicles. In August 2023, Rogers implemented 5G wireless service at all the TTC's downtown stations and within

3526-544: The TTC for free year-round. As of August 15, 2023, the TTC's fare payment system consists of cash fares, Presto cards and Presto tickets. Customers also have the option to pay the equailvent of the adult single-ride TTC Presto card fare prices by tapping a contactless credit or debit card on TTC Presto fare readers. Although legacy fare media products, such as concession tickets (for youths ages 13 to 19 and seniors 65 or older), tokens, and physical day passes (including weekend family and group day passes) are no longer available for

New Flyer Xcelsior - Misplaced Pages Continue

3612-576: The TTC operated two-car Articulated Light Rail Vehicle (ALRV) streetcars, a longer version of the Canadian Light Rail Vehicle (CLRV) streetcars. Following the retirement of the TTC's CLRV streetcars on December 29, 2019, the entire TTC streetcar fleet consists of the low-floor Flexity Outlook vehicles from Bombardier Transportation , the first of which entered service on the 510 Spadina route on August 31, 2014. Since March 1, 2015, children 12 and under have been able to ride

3698-619: The TTC transit network, along with several other transit service providers throughout the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) including the Metrolinx-owned GO Transit , Union Pearson Express services and on OC Transpo in Ottawa . The TTC also provides limited-use paper Presto tickets, mainly for occasional riders, which come in 1-ride, 2-ride and day pass varieties. Users tap their Presto card or ticket on

3784-866: The TTC via some of Toronto's subway stations, GO Transit's commuter rail stations, and other hubs like Toronto Pearson International Airport . In addition to Union Station, there are 6 other stations where the TTC subway network and GO Transit commuter rail lines intersect. Some bus routes of the surrounding local transit agencies run on Toronto streets along with TTC buses, mainly to reach TTC subway stations. Examples of this include YRT buses travelling on Yonge Street en route to Finch Bus Terminal , MiWay buses travelling on various streets in Etobicoke en route to Kipling Bus Terminal and DRT buses travelling on various streets in Scarborough en route to Scarborough Centre station . However, by law, other local transit agencies are prohibited from carrying passengers wholly within

3870-533: The TTC. As a result, since 2011, the TTC became the largest transit operator in Anglo-America not to receive provincial or state funding. The TTC has received federal funding for capital projects from as early as 2009. The TTC is also considered one of the costliest transit systems per fare price in North America. For the 2011 operating year, the TTC had a projected operating budget of $ 1.45   billion. Revenue from fares covered approximately 70 percent of

3956-496: The addition of a SCR system, both required to meet the more stringent EPA mandates that were coming in 2010. To accommodate the change, the Thermo King air conditioning system was moved from the rear of the bus to a roof mount location over the front axle. New Flyer found that the move improved the weight balance of the bus, and when combined with enhanced insulation, contributed to the vehicle running quieter. The interior of

4042-575: The adult cash fare and single-ride Presto tickets has been $ 3.35 for a single trip. Since April 3, 2023, the cost of adult single fares using a Presto card has been $ 3.30. The Fair Pass program allows those eligible for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) or Ontario Works to receive a discount when using a Presto card. The Presto card is an electronic unified contactless smart card –based fare payment system, owned and managed by Metrolinx , for use across

4128-628: The budget, whereas the remaining 30 percent originated from the City. From 2009 through 2011, provincial and federal funding amounted to 0 percent of the budget. In contrast to this, the Société de transport de Montréal receives approximately 10 percent of its operating budget from the Quebec provincial government, and OC Transpo receives 9 percent of its funding from the province. The fairness of preferentially funding transit in specific Canadian cities has been questioned by citizens. On August 12, 2020,

4214-455: The bulk of the service. In 1954, the TTC adopted its present name, opened the first subway line, and greatly expanded its service area to cover the newly formed municipality of Metropolitan Toronto (which eventually amalgamated into the present City of Toronto ). The system has evolved to feature a wide network of surface routes with the subway lines as the backbone. On February 17, 2008, the TTC made many service improvements, reversing more than

4300-547: The bus was also modified. By moving the fuel tank and modifying the rear suspension, seating capacity was increased from 39 to 42 (on the 40-foot model), with more forward-facing seats. To improve accessibility , the floor height was lowered to 14 inches (360 mm) with the ability to kneel down to 10 inches (250 mm), and the front entry door was widened, allowing a wider wheelchair ramp. To improve interior aesthetics, visible fasteners were eliminated and molded plastic surfaces were introduced. The utilitarian instrument panel

4386-582: The central business district and outlying suburbs. Commuter bus service also may include other service, characterized by a limited route structure, limited stops and a coordinated relationship with another mode of transportation. They may closely follow the routing of a conventional bus route but not stopping at every stop or not making detours such as into residential or commercial areas that conventional routes may take. [REDACTED] Media related to Transit buses at Wikimedia Commons Toronto Transit Commission The Toronto Transit Commission ( TTC )

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4472-506: The central part of the line from west of Keele Street to Laird Drive, with most of the remainder of the route travelling at grade, though Science Centre station will be underground. The full first phase of the route will span 19 kilometres (12 mi) across the city, from Mount Dennis in York to Kennedy station in Scarborough. Line 6 Finch West is an 11-kilometre (6.8 mi), 18-stop light rail line under construction, extending west in

4558-401: The city in 1921, and became necessary for areas without streetcar service. After an earlier experiment in the 1920s, trolley buses were used on a number of routes starting in 1947, but all trolley bus routes were converted to bus operation between 1991 and 1993. The TTC always used the term "trolley coach" to refer to its trackless electric vehicles. Hundreds of old buses have been replaced with

4644-510: The door steps to not trip and fall. Unlocked or open doors, will trigger a brake locking mechanism on the bus to prevent it from moving while someone could possibly be entering or exiting the bus, when the door is closed, the lock will release, this is mostly implemented on rear doors, not really on front doors, since the driver will be paying attention to the front door. Transit buses can be single-decker , double-decker , rigid or articulated . Selection of type has traditionally been made on

4730-470: The driver controls or patron (with touch-to-open, motion sensor or push bars). Most doors on buses use air-assist technology, the driver controlled doors, use air pressure to force them open, patron-operated doors, can push them open, however, the doors are heavy, so the touch-to-open or push bar mechanism, sends pressurized air to open the doors. Most doors will signify that they are unlocked and open with lights, this gives guide to those who are going up or down

4816-406: The earliest. All subway lines provide service seven days a week from approximately 5:45 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. the following day (last train runs at approximately 1:45 a.m. in each direction) except for Sundays, when start of service is delayed until approximately 8:00 a.m. During the overnight periods, the subway and its stations are closed to enable maintenance at track level and in

4902-622: The electric fuel cell buses is centered in California, with AC Transit serving as the lead agency for one XHE60, and SunLine Transit Agency , AC Transit, and Orange County Transportation Authority testing several variants of XHE40. New Flyer and Robotic Research announced a partnership in May 2019 to develop automated bus technology. In January 2021, New Flyer introduced the Xcelsior AV, New Flyer's first ever autonomous bus. New Flyer claims

4988-436: The entire burden of financing the system on municipalities and leaving the TTC with a $ 95.8   million/year funding shortfall. The TTC cut back service with a significant curtailment put into effect on February 18, 1996. Since then, the TTC has consistently been in financial difficulties. Service cuts were averted in 2007, though, when Toronto City Council voted to introduce new taxes to help pay for city services, including

5074-420: The entrances of all subway stations and on all buses and streetcars. Unlike the Presto card, Presto tickets can only be used on TTC services (subway and surface vehicles within the City of Toronto). They are not reloadable and cannot be used on any other transit service providers that use Presto. On December 15, 2008, the TTC launched a new Next Vehicle Arrival System (NVAS) to indicate the time of arrival of

5160-527: The first to order the XE60, with the former ordering 5 and the latter ordering 15. Xcelsior CHARGE NG is New Flyer's next generation battery electric, zero-emission bus. It is lighter, simpler and has longer range with better energy recovery. It has a capacity of 32-61 passengers with 2 wheelchair locations. It is available in 35-, 40-, and 60-foot configurations. It has a Siemens ELFA3 traction motor, Lithium Manganese Cobalt (NMC) batteries, and electric roof-mounted HVAC(s). The CHARGE model can be equipped with

5246-462: The general public to purchase from the TTC, they are still accepted as valid fare payments until December 31, 2024, after this date, they will no longer be accepted as valid fare on the TTC. As of January 1, 2019, TTC monthly passes and the 12-month pass are only available on Presto, following the phase-out of the TTC's own monthly Metropass and the Metropass discount plan (MDP). Since April 3, 2023,

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5332-478: The high number of high-profile urban operations, transit buses are at the forefront of bus electrification, with hybrid electric bus , all-electric bus and fuel cell bus development and testing aimed at reducing fuel usage, shift to green electricity and decreasing environmental impact . Developments of the transit bus towards higher capacity bus transport include tram-like vehicles such as guided buses , longer bi-articulated buses and tram-like buses such as

5418-561: The increasing difficulty of performing critical maintenance work on the S-series trains, the existing Line 3 Scarborough service was initially scheduled to be decommissioned permanently in November 2023; instead, the line closed four months ahead of schedule after a derailment on July 24, 2023. The line has been replaced by TTC bus service until the Line 2 Scarborough subway extension to Sheppard and McCowan opens for revenue service in 2030 at

5504-480: The low-floor Orion VII, and the TTC has acquired many hybrid electric buses . The TTC's hybrid buses were first put on the road in 2006; these were followed by the newer 500 Orion VII Next Generation Hybrids in 2008. A new order brought the total number of hybrids to over 500, second only to New York City . Older TTC Orion VIIs from 2001 to 2006 feature the standard "breadbox" style, whereas newer buses, from 2007 onwards, feature Orion's new, more stylish body. With

5590-853: The manufacturer by the authority. Early examples of such specification include the Greater Manchester Leyland Atlantean , and DMS-class London Daimler Fleetline . New transit buses may be purchased each time a route/area is contracted, such as in the London Buses tendering system. The operating area of a transit bus may also be defined as a geographic metropolitan area, with the buses used outside of this area being more varied with buses purchased with other factors in mind. Some regional-size operators for capital cost reasons may use transit buses interchangeably on short urban routes as well as longer rural routes, sometimes up to 2 or 3 hours. Often transit bus operators have

5676-463: The mid-19th century. Horsecar service started in 1861, and 600 V DC overhead electric service began in 1892. New TTC routes since the 1940s have generally been operated by other modes of transportation, and the less busy streetcar routes have also been converted. Streetcar routes are now focused on the downtown area, although two run farther from the core: one being on St. Clair Avenue , 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) from Lake Ontario on average, served by

5762-401: The names of some express buses, and the new " Toronto Rocket " subway cars, which began revenue operation on July 21, 2011. Another common slogan is "The Better Way". The TTC recovered 69.6 percent of its operating costs from the fare box in 2017. From its creation in 1921 until 1971, the TTC was self-supporting both for capital and operations (it had to pay property taxes until 1967). Through

5848-615: The next vehicle along a given route. All TTC streetcars have been upgraded with Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers and now operate with NVIS. Real-time route information can be accessed from the Next Vehicle Arrival System (NVAS) from the City of Toronto Open Data initiative via SMS by texting the stop number displayed on the bus/streetcar stop pole, or with an app that uses NVAS data. Route information can also be accessed by phone. Individual route schedules are available online. Additional TTC information

5934-497: The on-board Automatic Next Stop Announcement System since February 2008. It operates over speakers indicating the next stop. A digital orange LED destination sign on streetcars and buses as well as the Toronto Rocket subway trains display the name of the upcoming streets/stations as the vehicle progresses on its route. All TTC revenue service vehicles are equipped with external speakers that play automated announcements of

6020-496: The operation between Greyhound Canada and the government of Ontario three years later. The Gloucester subway cars , the first version of TTC subway cars, known as "red rockets" because of their bright red exterior, have been retired. The current T-series trains also have a red interior color scheme. The name lives on as the TTC uses the phrase to advertise the service, such as "Ride the Rocket" in advertising material, "Rocket" in

6106-512: The retirement of the commission's last inaccessible buses. On August 31, 2014, the commission launched its new fleet of low-floor Bombardier's Flexity Outlook streetcars. With the decommissioning of the last of the commission's non-accessible high-floor CLRV vehicles on December 29, 2019, all TTC streetcar routes are now served by low-floor Flexity vehicles. As per Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) guidelines, all surface vehicles and subway trains have been equipped with

6192-573: The route and destination of vehicle travel. Most TTC surface routes terminate at loops, side streets, or subway stations. The TTC is one of the few mass transit systems in Canada where many surface routes can be accessed inside a paid-fare zone common to other routes or subway lines. This feature allows boarding via the back doors at terminals, reduces the usage of paper transfers, and the need of operators to check for proof-of-payment. However, if people are caught entering fare-paid terminals illegally from

6278-504: The same technology. The rolling stock in use consists of the Toronto Rocket trains on Lines 1 and 4 and the T-series trains on Line 2. Line 3 Scarborough had a fleet of 28 S-series cars grouped into trains of four cars each and was not compatible with other subway lines, given that the S-series cars used 1,435 mm ( 4 ft  8 + 1 ⁄ 2  in ) standard gauge . It shared no track connections or equipment. Due to

6364-417: The stations themselves. Overnight service is provided by buses and streetcars operating above ground. These overnight routes are issued numbers in the 300-series and are referred to as Blue Night routes, indicated by a typical TTC bus stop sign with a blue band added. Line 5 Eglinton , which uses light rail vehicles, is under construction and scheduled to open for service in 2025. It will run underground in

6450-466: The system had a ridership of 736,712,000, or about 2,449,800 per weekday as of the third quarter of 2024. The TTC is the most heavily used urban mass transit system in Canada . Public transit in Toronto started in 1849 with a privately operated transit service. In later years, the city operated some routes, but in 1921 assumed control over all routes and formed the Toronto Transportation Commission to operate them. During this period, streetcars provided

6536-424: The time until the next train, and other information. The next vehicle feature is available on LCD screens in all stations. Since mid-2011, all buses and streetcars have had the tracking feature enabled, accessible free online and by SMS for commuters. On February 3, 2010, the TTC launched an online trip planner, which allows commuters to plan their routes and transfers on the TTC's website. However, since its launch,

6622-676: The trip planner has remained in beta mode with many bugs remaining to be fixed. In October 2010, the TTC integrated its trip planner with Google Maps . Transit information in Toronto has been available in Apple Maps since the release of iOS 9 in September 2015, when Apple Inc. first launched support for public transit data. The TTC connects with other transit systems of the Greater Toronto Area . GO Transit , Union Pearson Express , MiWay , York Region Transit (YRT), Brampton Transit , and Durham Region Transit (DRT) are connected to

6708-460: The tunnels between them. In September 2023, the federal government imposed new licence conditions requiring that cellphone and data services be available on the entire subway network by the end of 2026 and that all mobile wireless carriers, including Telus and Bell, have access to it. As of September 2023 , all downtown subway stations and some west-end stations, as well as the tunnels connecting them, have Rogers 5G wireless service. The service

6794-406: The under-construction Line 5 Eglinton west to Renforth station and Pearson International Airport by 2030 or 2031 and will be mostly underground. The line will travel through all six of Toronto's districts that were amalgamated in 1998 and bring the subway to Mississauga . There is currently one priority TTC expansion plan: Previous plans called for a second, eastward extension of Line 5 to

6880-523: The windows). In the US, the Americans with Disabilities Act requires space for passengers using a wheelchair, and requires easy access of the wheelchair onto the bus. The passenger information systems inside the bus came about both because of digital technology and to meet accessibility requirements. Some industry members and commentators promote the idea of making the interior of a transit bus as inviting as

6966-463: Was announced in January 2021. For example, a New Flyer XE40 CHARGE NG is a 40-foot (nominal) rigid Next Generation Xcelsior with battery-electric power, or an XN60 is a 60-foot articulated Original Generation Xcelsior with CNG power. All power sources have 40- and 60-foot models, but not all power sources have 35-foot models: XHE35s (hydrogen-powered) and XT35s (trolleybus) do not exist. The Xcelsior

7052-653: Was introduced October 2008 APTA Expo held in San Diego . The Xcelsior started off as a set of improvements to the company's prior product, the New Flyer Low Floor , but over the development process the company said it ended up designing a new bus. Compared to the Low Floor, the Xcelsior was 10% lighter, boosting fuel economy by about 7%. The bus was also designed to allow a much larger cooling system and

7138-585: Was replaced with an automotive-style electronic dashboard. The bus also had a redesigned front face, bumpers, and roof shrouds that also offered better aerodynamics and the front improved visibility for the driver. At launch, the Xcelsior was only available in a 40-foot (12 m) length with power from the Cummins ISL 280 and a Allison B400 conventional transmission or the Allison EP-40 hybrid drive. Brampton Transit , serving Brampton, Ontario ,

7224-562: Was the Metropolitan Toronto Bus Terminal on Elizabeth Street north of Dundas Street, downtown. In 1954, Gray Coach expanded further when it acquired suburban routes from independent bus operators not merged with the TTC as it expanded to cover Metro Toronto. By the 1980s, Gray Coach faced fierce competition in the interurban service in the GTA. The TTC sold Gray Coach Lines in 1990 to Stagecoach Holdings , which split

7310-707: Was the first agency to order the Xcelsior. The first trolleybus version of the Xcelsior was an XT40 built in 2014 for the Seattle trolleybus system , operated by King County Metro , the first unit of an order placed in 2013. King County Metro also purchased the XT60 (articulated trolleybus), and both XT40s and XT60s were subsequently purchased by the San Francisco Municipal Railway , for the San Francisco trolleybus system . Beginning with

7396-432: Was the lead agency for the XE60, ordered in January 2019 and placed into service on July 31, 2019. The Toronto Transit Commission operates 25 XE40 buses. The first battery electric Xcelsior buses were a powertrain option within the regular Xcelsior line; development was announced in 2011, a prototype was shown in 2012, and regular production began in 2014. The original battery electric Xcelsior bus, offered as an XE40, used

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