The T1 was designed exclusively for the TTC using their 1960-era RT75 as the basis for the structural design. The first order consisted of 216 T1 cars in order to replace the old M1 and H1 cars, and for the new Sheppard Subway. An option included in the original contract for 156 more cars was also exercised in 1998, which allowed the early replacement of the H2 cars and storage of some of the H4 cars that were to be later retired. This latter order is sometimes referred to a 'T2' likely because all other separate orders for subway cars before were a new class, however the order was continuous, and all are classified as T1.
Another option for an additional 212 cars was not taken in 2000. This would have allowed the retirement of the H4 and H5 subway cars, as well as allow for projected ridership growth on existing lines up to 2012.
Design
Sometime between July and December 1990, UTDC and its Can-Car Rail division modified an H5 car (5796) to act as a testbed of some of possible design elements of the then-upcoming T1. The interior was used to investigate materials, finishes, and floorplans. The car also received the same trucks that were later used under the T1 cars. Car 5796 retained many of the modifications, both interior and exterior, until its retirement.
When the T1 cars were delivered, they were the only subway cars in TTC fleet to have an on-board computer and display monitor to track the trains' operational status. They also featured car-to-wayside radio based communication system. Technicians are able to use a plug-in diagnostic kit to attend the repairs.
The T1s had wider doorways and a designated wheelchair area with tip-up seats and locking mechanism, which were also added to the H6 cars during rebuild. To improve passenger flow, there are no aisle stanchions, instead there is an overhead rail. The interior colour scheme consists of red, grey, and black. The type of seating from previous cars is used, but is upholstered in a more resilient material. The operators cab features improved ergonomics with more space and a simple T-shaped controller.
