Old Reliable

Here is TTC 5689, a 1976-79 Hawker-Siddeley H5 subway car, waiting for its next run on the Yonge-University-Spadina Line at Downsview Station. These cars are the oldest in the TTC’s fleet, are are gradually being phased out in favour of newer Toronto Rocket articulated trains.

Known for the buzzing sound they make when they accelerate and decelerate, the H5 trains are quite reliable, and some operators I've spoken to actually enjoy driving them. But, as is the case with many transit systems, the arrival of new technology has made the H5 cars an endangered species.

Of the 42 or so H5 cars currently in service, 5689 and its mate 5688 – the TTC’s older subway cars used the married pairs system – are the oldest active pair, making them somewhat special.

Other photos of H5 cars that I’ve taken can be seen here matsuto77.deviantart.com/art/S… and here matsuto77.deviantart.com/art/H….

Fun Fact #1: The last four digits of my former cell phone number were the same as the number of this H5 car. When I changed my number, the last four digits of my new number still corresponded with an H5 car, albeit a different one.

Fun Fact #2: In December 2017, the Yonge-University-Spadina Line, now known as Line 1, got a six-station extension. The terminal station is now Vaughan Metropolitan Centre. Prior to the opening of the extension, Downsview Station was renamed Sheppard West Station to avoid confusion with Downsview Park, one of the six new stations.