Goodbye, Line 3 Scarborough RT. TTC invites public to say farewell to a Scarborough icon
The TTC is inviting the public to celebrate the end of a transit era, and say farewell to the Line 3 Scarborough RT (SRT) at a special event filled with fun, memorabilia and special guests at Scarborough Centre Station this Saturday.
Visitors will have the final opportunity to step on board one of the iconic blue SRT trains, which served millions of Scarborough residents and visitors for 38 years with automated rail cars and pioneering linear-induction propulsion technology.
“This is a difficult farewell for all those who relied on the Scarborough RT,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “Like so many people in Toronto, I have fond memories of riding the iconic blue trains, high above the ground with panoramic views of Scarborough. Although its journey did not end the way had hoped, this farewell event is a wonderful opportunity to pay tribute to the rapid transit line that served Scarborough so well for 38 years. I look forward to joining on Saturday to say farewell to the SRT, and working to provide Scarborough residents the reliable and convenient transit they deserve.”
“While the July derailment is not how we expected to see the SRT go after 38 years of service, it is deserving of a fitting send-off,” said TTC Chair Jamaal Myers. “I am grateful to the TTC team for putting on this event so those of us with memories of the SRT can come out to say goodbye. Our focus must now be to continuously improve the Line 3 bus replacement service, ensuring that the people of Scarborough have a reliable, comfortable and frequent TTC service.”
“This is a celebration of the vibrant Scarborough community and the role the TTC has played in keeping its residents and visitors connected,” said TTC CEO Rick Leary. “This is also a celebration of our employees who worked so hard to keep the SRT running long past its anticipated retirement. Together with the City of Toronto, the TTC is working hard to ensure Scarborough residents and visitors have a frequent, high-capacity bus replacement service to get them to and from the places they need to go safely.”
Saturday’s celebration promises to be a fun, nostalgic event that transports visitors back to 1985 when the SRT began operations. The day will feature two static SRT trains on the station platforms, memorabilia, music, local artists and a marketplace with Scarborough artisans.
The event will also raise money for the United Way, with a silent auction featuring authentic SRT parts and exclusive merchandise.
When: Sat., Sept. 23
Where: Scarborough Centre Station
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.