Remember Line 3 Scarborough? Its story is one of innovation ambition and eventual obsolescence.
Line 3 Scarborough once known as the Scarborough RT was a medium-capacity rapid transit line. It formed part of Toronto’s subway system. The line existed from March 1985 to July 2023.
Imagine yourself standing here where the Line 3 Scarborough once ran. It stretched 6.4 kilometers. The line connected Kennedy Station to McCowan Station. It served six stations within Scarborough. Think about the promise it held.
The Scarborough RT initially stood for rapid transit. The name later changed to Line 3 Scarborough. The TTC assigned it the number 3. This made it easier for riders to navigate the system.
The line used unique technology. It had smaller semi-automated trains. These trains were powered by linear induction motors. The track gauge was also different. It used standard gauge instead of Toronto gauge.
Line 3 Scarborough aimed to bridge the gap between streetcars and subways. It was intended for suburban areas. These areas had ridership too low for a subway. It also had ridership too high for streetcars.
The Ontario government promoted the technology. They wanted to sell it to other transit services. This would recoup their investment.
However Line 3 Scarborough faced challenges. It experienced derailments noise problems and reliability issues. Parts wore out prematurely. This included the rails and power supply.
Over the years Line 3 Scarborough became unreliable. It was also difficult to maintain. The TTC reduced service frequency to minimize wear and tear.
In July 2023 a train derailed. This led to the line’s permanent closure. Shuttle buses replaced the train service. This was until the Line 2 extension opened.
There were plans to convert part of the line into a bus right-of-way. This included a stop at Mooregate Avenue. The busway aimed for completion by 2025.
The Detroit People Mover purchased 12 Mark I trainsets from Line 3. They planned to use them for parts and upgrades. Two railcars were sent to the Halton County Radial Railway Museum. One car went to the Toronto Zoo.
Line 3 Scarborough had storm trains to clear ice in winter. The TTC later changed procedures. They replaced trains with buses before storms.
A farewell event was hosted at Scarborough Centre station. People celebrated the line’s history. They shared memories and trivia.
Today Line 3 Scarborough is a memory. Its legacy includes debates about transit planning. It also includes questions about technology choices. The line’s story continues to shape Toronto’s transit future.