79 years ago …

Citizens stream in to CNE to see Streamliners

Opening day of The Ex in August 1938 saw two of the TTC’s brand new Presidents’ Conference Committee (PCC) streetcars (#4001 and #4002) on display at the fairgrounds. The new “Streamliners” premiered as a main attraction at The Ex that year before beginning service on the St. Clair Avenue on Sept. 23, 1938. The TTC estimated more than a quarter of a million citizens inspected the shiny new vehicles. Some, merely following the lines of spectators, boarded a new car thinking that it was taking visitors out of the grounds.

The first of the new streetcars were unlaoded at Hillcrest on Aug. 20, 1938.

The Toronto Transportation Commission spent years jointly working with other large transit properties to design a ride more comparable to the private automobile, and after years of design and development, the PCC proved to be the most important advance in streetcar technology since electric streetcars.

The PCC era lasted until 1995 when the final cars were retired from regular service. 

August 1938
New Streamlined Cars Are Here

Special arrangements have been made to secure two of the 140 new streamlined cars, which will shortly be in operation, to show at the Canadian National Exhibition.

It was there that America’s first electric car was displayed 55 years ago.

The new cars are the result of years of research and exhaustive testing of preliminary models. In actual operation they have proved their performance and their rider-appeal has been attested by the greatly increased passenger traffic they have won. Our passengers will have a new experience when they ride on the streamlined cars.

THEY’RE SWIFT. The acceleration, the pick-up, is surprisingly fast. The four motors supplying 220 horsepower move the new car from a standing position with surprising swiftness. The free-running speed will keep the car in place under any traffic conditions.

THEY’RE SAFE. Three braking systems combine automatically to keep the car under masterful control in any weather. A dynamic brake, a track brake, which grips the rail with a pressure of twenty-six tons, and finally an air brake slows the car to a cushioned stop.

THEY’RE SMOOTH. The new 99-notch accelerator, the combined three braking systems and a car literally floating on rubber result in a smooth, gliding ride, which must be experienced to be appreciated. Air-conditioning, thermostatically controlled electric heating, no-glare, no-shadow illumination, in fact the whole interior design and equipment produce results in passenger comfort that equal and in some respects excel limousine luxury.

THEY’RE SILENT. Rubber, the modern deadener of sound, has been used in abundance. The wheels cushioned with rubber and rubber mountings reduce noise and vibration to practically zero. The new hypoid driving gears work silently in oil. The close attention devoted to noise reduction has resulted in an amazingly restful and silent ride.