ABOVE: The full Skytracker weather forecast for Toronto and the GTA for January 3rd, 2014
TORONTO – The extreme cold weather will force 50 TTC streetcars off the road during Friday’s afternoon rush, the public transit agency announced.
The shortage continues from the morning rush hour when the cold weather meant 48 streetcars were unable to operate.
“The age of the streetcar fleet and equipment – over 30 years in many cases – does not respond well to extreme cold,” according to a statement released by the TTC. “Specifically, pneumatic air lines that provide braking and door operation can see moisture build up in the lines that then freeze, causing the streetcar to be taken out of service.”
Read More: Special weather statement warns of heavy snow this weekend
The TTC will run buses along streetcar routes to replace lost service.
The city of Toronto is under an Extreme Cold Weather Alert as temperatures dipped below -20 degrees Celsius Friday morning.
Extreme Cold Weather Alerts are issued by the city of Toronto when temperatures drop below -15 degrees Celsius. The declaration opens up extra beds and shelters for the city’s homeless population.
WATCH: Global News hit the streets Friday to speak with Torontonians about the recent cold snap
Comments