TTC approves new 514 Cherry streetcar to run alongside 504 King route

The TTC has approved a new514 Cherry streetcar route set to run from Cherry Streetalong King Street in the east to Dufferin Street in the west to bring relief to one of the busiest transit lines in the city,

The new route will operate in conjunction with the existing 504 King streetcar and service is set to begin in June.

Initial plans were for the 514 to be fullyserviced by the new-model low-floor streetcars, making it the first accessibleeast-west surface line between Wellesley and Queen's Quay. But on Wednesday, TTC spokesperson Brad Ross said the fleet servicing the new route will be made up of a mix of old and new vehicles.

• TTC hopes new King streetcar route will ease crowding on city's busiest line

• TTC faces $34M bill to keep old streetcars rolling

• TTC boosts service on busier routes, including 504 King streetcar

Last week, Ross told CBC Newsthe city is set to receive four new streetcars per month beginning in April. Those streetcars were to be be put into service on the new Cherry route, as well as the Spadina, Harbourfront and Bathurstlines.

On Thursday, the TTC board considered whether to approve a $34 million planto keep older streetcars running, pending the delivery of new-model streetcars from Bombardier.

Fifty-five new streetcars were expected to be operational in Toronto by the end of 2015. To date, just 16 have been delivered.

TTC board chair Josh Colle said Thursday that Bombardier's delays leave the TTC no choice but to upgrade old streetcars to "bridge the gap" in service.

Colle added that the city isn't ruling out legal action against Bombardier that would recover the millions that would have to be spent in upgrades.