The TTC's new articulated Toronto Rocket subway trains were unveiled at Downsview station on Thursday morning while Spadina line service was maintained across the platform. On hand for the unveiling were Toronto Mayor David Miller, Ontario Minister of Transportation Kathleen Wynne, federal Minister of Labour Lisa Raitt, TTC Chair Adam Giambrone, and Raymond Bachaunt, Bombardier President of Transportation North America.

New train pulling into Yorkdale subway station

David Miller, Kathleen Wynn, Lisa Raitt, Adam Giambrone, and Raymond Bauchant

Expectant press at the unveiling

The nose of the train is the first to feature a streamlined profile on the subway system. With only two driver's cabs on the train now, at front and back, the compartment extends from one side to the other. While the driver will naturally stay in the front of the train, the guard will move to the back.

Streamlined nose on the new subway cars

Seperate conductor door

Guard door

Once Automatic Train Control has been completed, drivers will not be needed to control the train, but may become the door operators from this position, taking over for the guard.

Automated/manual train operations

The front features a rather underwhelming and low-res LED message board that announces the train's destination.

Front detail with LED station announcement

Really? Is this all they can manage? Lucky for us Toronto's tiny and simple system means that few people ever need bother checking this sign.

Detail of LED station announcement

Inside the train there are several innovations, at least for Toronto. Behind the official party you'll see another low-res LED changeable message sign on the ceiling. It will most often be used to indicate the next station and on which side the doors will open.

Official Party and interior of new subway cars

Doors are framed by clear partitions that open up the visual space through train. Poles feature portions coated will anti-microbial paint.

New doors and anti-microbial bars

Maps above the doors will indicate which station the train is at, and remaining stations before the terminal.

Station tracking map with LED detailing

Spots near the doors outside the driver's cab sport bum rests.

Bum rests on driver's door

Wheelchair tie-down spots feature quick raise-and-lower seats. Each train features 12 spots like this.

Wheelchair seating

Space between cars was formerly wasted: articulations now mean people will be able to walk freely the length of the train for more even loading, and for more loading in total. The TTC expects to be able to move 10% more people on the line with the new trains, and possibly 30% more once Automatic Train Control is introduced.

New car transition feature

The continuous open space in the trains looks very, very long. The following views look through the length of four cars. http://urbantoronto.ca/picoftheday/images/TorRocketP1190511.jpg

Looking down 4-car length

Looking down 4-car length

The exterior of the trains is much smoother than the existing fleet, dispensing with the thousands of rivets in place of more aerodynamic welds.

Smooth exterior finishing

While it is difficult to see the welds in this photo taken without flash, the following photo with flash highlights the welds.

Detail of car connection

The first Toronto Rockets will be in service early in 2011.