Author: chrisjamesdrew

The story of Toronto’s streetcar “bull’s eyes”

If you see a “bull’s eye” light on one of Toronto’s old streetcars still operating and want to know the history of them, here’s a great post by Sean Marshall.

Sean Marshall

7566316174_524a59174e_o.jpgReplica of Toronto Railway Company streetcar #327 operates at the Halton County Radial Railway museum, with the unique glass bulbs visible below the metal “Belt Line” sign. Photo taken June 2012

In 1891, the Toronto Railway Company (TRC) was created, taking over the city’s streetcar system from its predecessor, the Toronto Street Railway. The TRC quickly began electrifying Toronto’s transit network, operating fifteen routes across the city. Electric streetcars were faster than horse-drawn trams, and passengers had difficulties figuring out which streetcar was theirs at night.

This was a problem as many streetcar routes overlapped. For example, Dupont and Avenue Road streetcars operated on Yonge Street south of Bloor, and Belt Line and Yonge streetcars both ran on Front Street. While the TRC had metal signs on the top and sides of each streetcar to denote the route, they weren’t illuminated. With electric light still in its infancy — arc…

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A 1990 @gotransit schedule #gotransit @Metrolinx

It can be interesting to look back a few years, in this case 19, and see how much has changed. An April 1990 GO Transit schedule provides many examples. Since 1990 routes have been extended, new stations built, more train service added at all times of the day, and the beginning of weekend service on a non-Lakeshore Line. There’s the promise of even more service in future years, and electrification through the #GOExpansion program.

This schedule also makes reference to “SKYDOME”. The railfan in me also appreciations the notation on if the GO line uses a CN Rail line (“CN”) or CP Rail line (“CP”).

Thanks to my friend Damian Baranowski posting a copy of this schedule and sharing here with permission.

(click on the images to expand)

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