TTC delivers historic, accessible first ride on Spadina

TTC customer Adam Wetstein greets CEO Andy Byford on the inaugural run of the TTC’s new new-floor streetcar this morning (Aug. 31). Wetstein, from North York, was the first customer to board the new streetcar at Spadina Station. He was on his way to see the Toronto Blue Jays play the New York Yankees in an afternoon game at the Rogers Centre.

It was a memorable ride for everyone who squeezed into the first run of the TTC’s new accessible streetcar on the 510 Spadina route this morning (Aug. 31). Particularly for ACAT’s Mazin Aribi and Lynn McCormick who were the first riders to board an in-service streetcar with their scooters.

Roncesvalles Operator Eddie Braga operated car #4403 on its historic first journey. And not far behind him was Operator Anna Nisiewicz in car #4400.

Officially launching the new cars with Byford were Federal Finance Minister Joe Oliver, Ontario Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca and TTC Chair Maria Augimeri.

“This infrastructure is fueling Toronto’s economy,” Oliver said. “It makes Toronto a better place to live, raise a family and start a business.”

“This is a very exciting day for the TTC, the city of Toronto and for the province of Ontario,” Del Duca said. “Transit is an important piece of the equation when it comes to building stronger cities and communities like Toronto. Building better public transit is a key part of our government’s long-term transportation infrastructure plan.

“The TTC is proud to bring to fruition years of hard work that has brought the newest generation of streetcar to the people of Toronto,” Byford said. “It’s accessible, it’s modern, it’s air conditioned and it’s the streetcar of the future to for our ever-increasing ridership.”