The aging fleet of Toronto streetcars will have to stay in use for a little bit longer after the Toronto Transit Commission confirmed of yet another delivery delay with its new replacements.
In a report to be presented at a board meeting next week, TTC CEO Andy Byford said he has been advised by Bombardier that the “four vehicles per month” schedule will not be met.
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“In early March, we were advised by Bombardier that a new CEO has been appointed and I have spoken with him to outline our complete frustration and dissatisfaction with Bombardier’s current performance,” Byford wrote in the report. “At the time of writing, I am unable to confirm a delivery schedule.”
Bombardier said in an email statement that its new president will establish contact with the TTC in the coming days to discuss the project.
“Bombardier assures that it is doing its utmost to deliver the high quality vehicles expected by the TTC and its riders, like all those that are in service today, performing at an industry-leading availability rate,” the statement read.
The city ordered 204 new “low floor” streetcars from the Quebec-based company for just under a billion dollars in 2009. As of date, only 17 are currently in service.
Last month the Toronto Transit Commission asked council for an extra $34.1 million to refurbish an aging fleet that should have been replaced by now.
-With a file from Anna Mehler Paperny