[URBAN NOTE] "TTC launches new 514 Cherry St. streetcar route"

[rfmcdonald]

The Toronto Star's Brennan Doherty describes the impending start of the 514 Cherry, Toronto's first new streetcar route in 16 years.

Transit aficionados waiting by the Distillery Loop Saturday morning got a chance to ride the first new TTC streetcar route in 16 years.

The 514 Cherry made its first trip around 10 a.m., heading north on Cherry St. before turning west on King St. E. and trundling along to Dufferin St., before ending up at the Dufferin Gate Loop.

Passengers who hopped on the streetcar’s inaugural run rode for free —including those waiting at stops along the way. A few of the TTC’s old streetcars were also brought out of retirement and put on display at the Distillery Loop for the launch event.

Service on the 514 route is expected to run every 8-9 minutes during peak commuting times, seven days a week. Off-peak wait times will be about 15 minutes or less, said the TTC in a release. Regular service starts Sunday.