The late 1970s and early 1980s marked a turning point for Canadian public transit. During this decade, Canada solidified its commitment to passenger rail, and set the stage for the modern transit networks we depend on today.

The Fall of Canada’s TurboTrain

In our previous blog, we discussed the rise of the TurboTrain, a groundbreaking innovation in Canadian rail travel. Despite its sleek, futuristic design, the TurboTrain faced significant challenges, from frozen brakes to an onboard fire. Ultimately, it couldn’t compete with the growing popularity of air travel and was phased out in 1982, replaced by Bombardier’s LRC trains. This story highlights a visionary concept that struggled with timing and execution, yet, remains a pivotal chapter in the history of Canadian transit, paving the way for future advancements.

Pioneering Public Transit in Whitehorse

In 1975, the Yukon Women’s Mini-Bus Society emerged from the Yukon Status of Women Council’s transit committee, launching the first bus service in Whitehorse. With lime green buses bearing the slogan “Mini-Bus With Us,” they introduced the Northern Territories to public transit. Despite having no prior experience, a group of determined women persevered through numerous challenges to create a vital transportation service for their community.

1977: A Landmark Year for Canadian Transit

In 1977, VIA Rail Canada was established as a Crown Corporation, making a bold statement: passenger rail travel was here to stay. This move ensured that train travel would remain an efficient, fast, and comfortable option for Canadians.

Meanwhile, Calgary was breaking new ground with its approval of a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. This game-changing decision promised to reduce road congestion and provide a reliable transit solution for the city, offering a cost-effective alternative to subways and a more efficient option than buses.

In Vancouver, the SeaBus made its debut, ferrying passengers across the harbour with its iconic bright orange vessels, the Burrard Otter and the Burrard Beaver. Initially operated by BC Hydro’s transit division, the SeaBus became a city icon, even introducing the first ticket machines to the transit system. The Burrard Beaver still serves as a spare vessel today, and the SeaBus tokens, featuring the province’s coat of arms on one side and the SeaBus on the other, have become a cherished part of Vancouver’s transit history.

Toronto also saw significant developments in 1977 as the TTC unveiled a new fleet of streetcars. These vehicles, with their iconic design, have since become a defining feature of the city’s landscape. The first six prototype cars were built in Zurich by Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft (SIG), while the remaining 190 were produced by Hawker Siddeley Canada in Thunder Bay. After extensive testing, the first CLRV officially hit the tracks on the 507 Long Branch route in September 1979, celebrated with a special ceremony at the Humber Loop, where a parade of streetcars from various eras led up to the sleek new models.

Montreal Metro Expands for the Olympics

The 1976 Summer Olympics put Montreal in the global spotlight, and the city’s metro system rose to the occasion. The Green Line was extended all the way to Olympic Park, ensuring easy access to the games. This expansion didn’t just serve the Olympics; it strengthened Montreal’s transit network, leaving a lasting legacy for the city.

Toronto’s Spadina Subway Extension

Toronto reached a transit milestone in 1978 with the opening of the Spadina extension on the Yonge-University subway line. This wasn’t just another subway line—the Spadina extension was special because it introduced public art into the stations, setting a new trend for the city. Contributions from some of Canada’s most talented artists and architects made each station a unique cultural experience, blending function with creativity in public transit.

Vancouver’s SkyTrain Takes Off

By 1982, Vancouver was ready to join the ranks of cities with cutting-edge transit systems. Inspired by global events like the World Fairs, the city broke ground on its SkyTrain system. This wasn’t just any train, it used the latest Advanced Light Rapid Transit (ALRT) technology to create a modern, efficient, and forward-thinking urban transit system. The Expo Line, with its cost-effective and modular design, was the start of something big, laying the foundation for what would become an expansive network connecting Vancouver’s communities.

By the early 1980s, with the advent of Vancouver’s SkyTrain and the extension of Toronto’s Spadina line, the emphasis on creating efficient, high-tech transit solutions became more pronounced. These developments not only improved connectivity within cities but also set the stage for future advancements in public transportation.

In essence, the period from 1975 to 1984 was a formative one for Canadian public transit. It laid the groundwork for the modern, multifaceted transit systems we rely on today, reflecting a time of experimentation, growth, and an enduring commitment to improving how we move through our cities.