Toronto Transit Commission 2600-2619
Toronto Transit Commission 2600-2619 were GMDD T6H-5307N "New Look" buses built between 1978 and 1982. They were originally delivered to the Commission de transport de la communauté urbaine de Montréal (CTCUM).
| Engine | Transmission | Seating | Destination sign |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Diesel 6V71N 181 bhp @ 2000 rpm | Allison V730 3 speed | 40 Otaco Benches | Luminator Matrix:MAX |
History
Acquisition and Rebuild
In 1998, the TTC intended to purchase up to 100 approximately 18-year old New Look buses from Société de transport de la communauté urbaine de Montréal (STCUM, successor of the CTCUM), who had excess buses at the time. They were intended to be used as replacements for the Flyer D800Bs and the 1987 New Flyer D40s, which were being considered for early retirement due to frame corrosion issues.
Because of the costs and difficulty of rebuilding these buses, as well as the number of non-TTC standard features they contained, only 20 units were ultimately rebuilt. The younger buses from the 23-, 24- and 25-series were mostly used in the program, with TTC 2600 and 2601 being rebuilt from older 22- and 21-series units (respectively) early on to test the feasibility of rebuilding older units.
The 64 units acquired by the TTC were 21-041, 063, 081, 112, 22-009, 014, 015, 028, 029, 033, 034, 042, 068, 089, 116, 127, 132, 141, 145, 150, 23-007, 008, 009, 028, 029, 030, 033, 036, 041, 063, 072, 081, 082, 089, 090, 095, 105, 108, 115, 117, 122, 124, 128, 129, 130, 133, 140, 146, 147, 24-010, 018, 019, 020, 023, 042, 043, 046, 072, 084, 106, 113, 25-005, 024, 069. Unrebuilt units were initially stored at Hillcrest, and were later stored offsite at a lot in Mimico until being disposed of. Parts from some Montreal units (such as rear window glass, often with outlines of removed Montreal fleet numbers discernible) found their way onto some of the TTC's own New Look buses.
Features
During their rebuilding at Hillcrest, the buses received some new features. The rollsigns were replaced with Luminator flip-dot destination signs. The driver's area was enlarged, which took up one passenger seat, and a blacked-out effect acrylic divider was installed to accommodate the new driver's seat. The steering wheel was also replaced with a more modern one and power steering was added to assist drivers in turning. The interior colour scheme of light blue from Montreal was changed to the TTC's cream and brown. The light blue walls were painted light cream and the interior of the doors and dash area were painted brown. The light blue vinyl seats were reupholstered in brown vinyl.
One feature distinguishing these buses from regular TTC New Looks were their McKay gate operated rear doors, which required the gate to be pushed open in order to open the rear doors as one exited the bus. This was designed as a one way exit, as STCUM passengers do not board through the rear doors. However, most TTC routes allow boarding through the rear doors in fare-paid areas at subway stations, so one would have to pull the gate towards them before boarding through the rear doors. Because the McKay gates hindered rear door boarding, these buses were primarily restricted to service on route 35 Jane, which was one of only a few TTC routes that did not enter a fare-paid area. After route 35 became accessible, the buses were mostly found on route 41 Keele, then 96 Wilson until their retirement.
Retirement
This series of TTC GM New Look buses were retired between 2004-2006, with the final two units (2611 & 2615) retiring in November 2006. One unit, 2619, was acquired by Belka Enrichment Centre to be used as a portable education centre, and was stored around the Jane and Finch area for many years.
Details
| Fleet number | Thumbnail | Date | Serial/VIN | License plate | Garage | Status/Disposal | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2600 | 
|
June 1980 | M1425 | BJ7 818 | Arrow Rd. | Retired September 2006 |
|
| 2601 | December 1978 | M1060 | BK1 828 | Arrow Rd. | Retired November 2004 - mechanical failure |
||
| 2602 | June 1981 | 2GHYT82WXB3500764 | BK1 835 | Arrow Rd. | Retired November 2004 |
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| 2603 | October 1982 | 2GHYT82W4D3500066 | BK1 841 | Arrow Rd. | Retired November 2005 |
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| 2604 | January 1981 | 2GHYT82W9C3500157 | BK1 823 | Arrow Rd. | Retired October 2005 |
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| 2605 | 
|
October 1982 | 2GHYT82W0D3500047 | BK1 836 | Arrow Rd. | Retired August 2006 |
|
| 2606 | April 1981 | 2GHYT82W8B3500603 | BK1 837 | Arrow Rd. | Retired October 2005 |
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| 2607 | 
|
August 1981 | 2GHYT82W1B3500913 | BK1 840 | Arrow Rd. | Retired July 2006 |
|
| 2608 | December 1982 | 2GHYT82W2D3500129 | BK1 839 | Arrow Rd. | Retired November 2005 |
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| 2609 | 
|
September 1981 | 2GHYT82W6C3500021 | BL8 244 (prev. BK1 848) |
Arrow Rd. | Retired September 2006 |
|
| 2610 | June 1981 | 2GHYT82W2B3500788 | BK1 849 | Arrow Rd. | Retired November 2005 |
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| 2611 | June 1981 | 2GHYT82W4B3500789 | BK1 869 | Arrow Rd. | Retired November 2006 |
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| 2612 | June 1981 | 2GHYT82W1B3500765 | BK1 838 | Arrow Rd. | Retired December 2005 |
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| 2613 | 
|
September 1981 | 2GHYT82W2C3500033 | BK1 854 | Arrow Rd. | Retired September 2006 |
|
| 2614 | June 1981 | 2GHYT82W9B3500769 | BK1 855 | Arrow Rd. | Retired May 2006 |
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| 2615 | 
|
October 1981 | 2GHYT82W6C3500150 | BK1 861 | Arrow Rd. | Retired November 2006 |
|
| 2616 | February 1981 | 2GHYT82W9B3500349 | BK1 856 | Arrow Rd. | Retired October 2005 |
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| 2617 | February 1981 | 2GHYT82W8B3500326 | BK1 862 | Arrow Rd. | Retired November 2005 |
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| 2618 | February 1981 | 2GHYT82W1B3500331 | BK1 868 | Arrow Rd. | Retired November 2005 |
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| 2619 | 
|
February 1981 | 2GHYT82W9B3500335 | BK1 863 | Arrow Rd. | January 2006 Donated (or sold) to Belka Enrichment Centre. |