35 years ago at Humber Loop

On Sept. 30, 1979, the TTC’s new Canadian Light Rail Vehicle (CLRV) was introduced in revenue service on the 507 Long Branch route.

To mark the start of CLRV service, two events took place the day before. A special inauguration ceremony was held at Roncesvalles Division where hundreds of employees and spectators turned out to view and ride the first new-look streetcars since the debut of the PCC car in 1938.

A brief ceremony was also held at Humber Loop where Ontario Minister of Transportation and Communications James Snow, Metro Chairman Paul Godfrey, Etobicoke Mayor Dennis Flynn, TTC Chairman Julian Porter and Chief General Manager Michael Warren cut the ribbon to officially begin the CLRV era in Metro Toronto.

Last August, the TTC marked the launch of its new generation accessible streetcars on the 510 Spadina route. Delivery of all 204 low-floor cars from Bombardier Transportation is scheduled for completion in 2019. They will replace the aging fleet of CLRVs and ALRVs, and provide for ridership growth and congestion relief efforts.