TTC says goodbye to Scarborough SRT after derailment hastened closure

Toronto's public transit provider is bidding farewell to one of its most iconic lines today with a goodbye party in the part of the city the trains served for nearly 40 years. 

The Toronto Transit Commission says the Scarborough Rapid Transit line, best known for its blue trains running on elevated tracks, served millions of residents in the city's east end for 38 years. 

It was due to be decommissioned in November, but those plans were moved up after July 24 when the rear car of a train separated from the rest of the vehicle and derailed, sending five people to hospital with minor injuries. 

The TTC says Saturday's goodbye party is partially intended as a nostalgic look back at 1985 when the trains began operations. 

Attendees were able to step on board one of two trains parked at a local station, and there were also musicians and local artists on hand. 

A silent auction of SRT parts and memorabilia also raised money for the United Way. 

"We are saying farewell to the Scarborugh RT. It's a bit sad, it served us so well since the '80s," said Mayor Olivia Chow.

During her campaign, Chow promised to create a dedicated Scarborough busway that would give priority to buses on the road and improve commute times given the closure of the SRT. She said the city needs $60 million from the province in order to finance the bus route. 

"Scarborough residents deserve fast, reliable and affordable rapid transit. So that's why we're here."

What the SRT meant to Scarborough residents

Caryl Marshall sat in the SRT one last time Saturday and felt "sentimental." She says she remembers when it was built, calling it "something that once was rapid and efficient and now no longer is."

"It's really sad that it's gonna be discontinued," she said. Adding that she fondly remembers the panoramic view of surroundings that riders had on the elevated rail line. 

Among those saying goodbye were the newlyweds Marc Tan and Kelsey Waugh, who said farewell to the line by taking some wedding photos in the retired blue train. 

Life-long Scarborough resident Leighanne Woodstock called the SRT the "backbone of the community." 

"I grew up going to work, going to school, you know, just being on the RT always — it's definitely a core memory for me," Woodstock said. 

Coun. Jamaal Myers, who is chair of the TTC, said the SRT was more than just a transit line.

"The Scarborough RT represented our opportunity to access jobs, healthcare, education — enrichment opportunities across the city." 

He called the day bittersweet. He said it's unfortunate that residents will now have to deal with years of buses. But the day made him proud to be from Scarborough. 

"Look how many people came out to show their support for the community. This is not normal. This does not happen in other parts of the city."