TTC's 13th new streetcar enters service

The Toronto Transit Commission's (TTC) newest low-floor streetcar late last week entered service on the 510 Spadina route.

The unit brings the total number of new streetcars in service to 13, TTC officials said in a press release.

The low-floor streetcars are equipped with PRESTO machines and ticket validators to allow customers to pay fares. The machines also will allow customers without a smart card to purchase a single-ride proof-of-payment ticket using coins or tokens, TTC officials said.

The TTC has ordered a total of 204 streetcar vehicles from Bombardier Transportation for $1 billion (in Canadian dollars). Delivery of the units has been slowed by a series of delays.

The new vehicles are expected to have a 30-year lifespan, according to the TTC's website.