The Low-Floor Light Rail Vehicles (The LFLRV or Toronto's new streetcar)

By: Patrick Yutiga

 

LFLRV stands the Low-Floor Light Rail vehicle. The LFLRV is Toronto's new streetcar. This streetcar is a modifed and customized version of Bombardier's Flexity Outlook. The LFLRVs are numbered 4400-4603.

 

After many years of service, the CLRVs and the ALRVs are reaching the end of their lifespan. After many bids from many companies such as Siemens, Bombardier and several others, Bombardier was awarded the contract worth about a billion dollars for 204 new streetcars.

 

 

 

 

 

The LFLRV brings many new features to Toronto's streetcar system. One obvious change from the current CLRVs and ALRVs is its length and its floor height. The LFLRV is twice as long as a CLRV and is about 7 metres longer than the ALRV. One major difference between the current streetcars and the the new LFLRV is the wall that separates the passengers from the operator. But, you may still communicate with the operator by talking into the small holes in the glass wall. With the introduction of the new streetcar, there will be an introduction of a new fare system. Well, it isn't new for riders on Queen Street and Lakeshore Boulevard, but it will be new for some other routes. This fare payment system is called Proof of Payment. Passengers no longer pay the operator but must have a valid transfer or pass to be able to board the streetcar. Upon request, a fare inspector, probably a Special Transit Constable, may ask to see your pass, or transfer. You may be wondering, "So how can I board the new streetcar if I'm paying through cash or ticket?" Well, here's another new feature that the new streetcar brings to Toronto. It's called a Single Ride Vending Machine, or SRVM. They are available on the second and fourth cars of the streetcar. SRVMs are also going to be implemented on busy streetcar stops all along Toronto's streetcar system. This will make boarding faster and will create fewer lines for a person to use an SRVM. There will be LED lights both for interior lighting, and exterior warning lighting. Since there are many doors on the LFLRV, the new streetcar will come with a door chime like the ones you hear on the subway. Wheelchair ramps are also available on the second and fourth cars as well alongside the SRVMs. There is also space for bikes on the new streetcar. Bike racks are available on the fourth car of the new streetcar.