1977 ex-8160-8204 GM T6H-5307

These buses were similar to the 1975 and 1976 predecessors except that they have the Allison V730 transmission as the 1976 models had. They have the two hatches in the rear. One a ventilation vent and the other an emergency exit. 1975 models did not have a emergency exit hatch on the ceiling. Only a few buses made it to the 2000 series those being 8187(2079), 8189(2091),8195(2085),8196(2083) and 8203(2086). These buses still retain their bench seats which were reupholstered during the rebuild program.

1979 ex-8270-8314 GM T6H-5307N

In 1979 TTC received 44 of these buses on their property to add to their growing fleet of fishbowls to service Toronto. This series had a number of firsts in the TTC. They were the first GMs TTC received from the Montreal GM Plant, they had the first air start systems and they had a different seating model used in this batch from the others then. Those being the American Seating seats, the rest of the TTC fleet was using bench seats. The American seating seats had individual space for one person unlike the bench where anyone can sit anywhere and fit more people. These had the inserts and are similar to seats found in the H5 and H6 subway cars except with padding. The padding makes the seat feel more comfortable.

1980 ex-8320-8369 GM T6H-5307N

In 1980 the TTC received the order of 49 fishbowls. These were the last of the fishbowls to be painted and delivered in maroon and cream livery. This model was similar to the 1979 model, it is just that the model and name of the manufacturer changed from American Seating to Otaco Seating which sold TTC the Innovator 850 model with inserts.

1981 ex-8520-8569 GM T6H-5307

Only a few differences between this model and the previous 1979-1980 GM models. When delivered they were the first of the GM buses and TTC buses to be delivered in TTC's new livery or CLRV livery. Another difference was that the seating model was changed to Otaco Seating model 550T which has become the TTC standard after.

The Rebuild Program

In 1996 the TTC started the fleet augmentation or rebuild program this is not to say that they did not do this in the past. They would take buses off the street at their retirement point and take them down to the TTC's Hillcrest complex. While at the complex they were structurally repaired and also had a mechanical rebuild. In Hillcrest there are two buildings one is the Duncan Shops where the buses would go into get their mechanical rebuild being their engines and transmissions. Buses would first go through the Harvey Shops where they would get a structural repair, repaint, electronics repair and body work. The rebuild program is divided into 6 year,12 year and 18 year rebuild programs. The 6 year being a minor rebuild to the 18 year program where extensive work goes on the rebuilding the whole bus to making it the equivalent of a brand new bus. The TTC has been successful in this program from the past and the present.

March 22, 2004 11:58 PM

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