Old bus

Can you imagine a time when Toronto’s streets were filled with the rumble of a different kind of engine? Right here, where we stand, echoes the legacy of the Old bus, a vital thread in the tapestry of Toronto’s public transportation history. The Old bus isn’t just a relic; it represents a period of transition and innovation in the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) bus system, a system that has been moving Toronto since 1921. Today, the TTC operates nearly 200 routes, but the journey began much earlier. In 1849, horse-drawn buses plied the streets, laying the groundwork for what would become North America’s third-largest transit bus operation. The Old bus, with its distinct fishbowl design, is a direct descendant of the General Motors “New Look” buses that first graced Toronto’s roads in 1960. These buses, affectionately nicknamed “fishbowls,” became a city icon, serving for over 50 years. The Old bus stands as a testament to that era, a tangible link to a Toronto of yesteryear. The TTC’s commitment to accessibility is also woven into the Old bus’s story. While early models weren’t accessible, the push for inclusivity led to lift-equipped buses in 1996, followed by low-floor buses in 1998. The Old bus reminds us of the TTC’s ongoing journey to make public transit accessible to all. Perhaps this very Old bus offered a respite from a cold winter day, its interior warmed by the promise of a safe journey. Or maybe it navigated the bustling streets during the Toronto International Film Festival, carrying excited filmgoers to their next screening. The stories this Old bus could tell, of countless journeys and the diverse lives it touched, are a testament to its vital role in Toronto’s history. As we move forward, the Old bus remains a powerful symbol of the past, reminding us of the evolution of Toronto’s public transit system and the city’s unwavering commitment to connecting its people.