Tram Systems vs. Bus Lines: Why Some Cities Still Use Trams While Others Ditched Them

Why do some cities still have tram systems while others replaced them with bus lines long ago? This question has intrigued urban planners, historians, and transportation enthusiasts alike. The story of Toronto’s tram system provides valuable insights into why tram systems remain a viable and beneficial choice even in modern times.

Luring Cities Away from Trams

The reason for many cities to eliminate their tram systems after World War II was largely orchestrated by the automotive giants, specifically General Motors (GM), Ford, and Chrysler. These companies, foreseeing a future where individual car ownership would be the norm, aggressively lobbied cities to adopt bus systems over trams. Promoting buses as a more flexible and efficient alternative, they effectively convinced many cities to eliminate their tram systems and embrace the world of personal driving.

At the Heart of Toronto’s Tram System

One of the few cities that retained a robust streetcar system despite this strong push for buses is Toronto. Known for its impressive and resilient tram network, Toronto’s story reflects a remarkable journey that underscores the enduring benefits of trams. A key example is Toronto’s Yonge Street, which in the late 1940s was the busiest part of its streetcar system. However, as the map of the current subway and streetcar system illustrates, the decision to build subways under Yonge and Bloor streets marked a significant turning point in Toronto’s transit history.

Subway Construction and Tram Decline

In the 1950s, plans were in motion to build an extensive subway network, starting with the Yonge line and then the Bloor line. The Yonge line, completed in 1954, saw the tearing up of its streetcar rails. The subway quickly proved to be a popular and efficient mode of transportation, leading to the eventual remapping of the streetcar network. Key lines like Bloor became the busiest streetcar routes, prompting changes in the subway's planned layout. By 1966, the Bloor line was operational, marking the end of streetcar tracks on that route, with the remaining network being sliced back.

Economic Shift and Preservation of Trams

The economics of streetcars had significantly evolved by the 1960s. Buses became cheaper than streetcars, but till then, the Presidents' Conference Committee (PCC) streetcars, like the "Red Rockets" in Toronto, were still a cost-effective option. These vehicles were widely used and became very cheap due to the discontinuation of production in most cities, including Toronto. The city saw an opportunity to keep its tram system running for a few more years, saving money in the process.

Increasing Demand and Strategic Preservation

Despite the widespread adoption of buses, streetcar traffic continued to grow. The city recognized that buying cheap PCCs was significantly cheaper than purchasing new buses. Critical destinations like Exhibition Place, serving events like the CNE (Cleveland National Exhibition) and sporting games like the Toronto Blue Jays’ matches, demonstrated that streetcars were still a better choice for high-traffic times. By the 1980s, it became clear that wholesale replacement with buses would cause significant congestion issues, as trams generally carry more passengers.

Modern Era: CLRVs and ALRVs

The decision to keep the tram system alive led to the introduction of the all-Canadian CLRV Canadian Light Rail Vehicle and the ALRV (Articulated Light Rail Vehicle) in the 1980s. These modern trams were more efficient and better suited to Toronto’s traffic, especially in the downtown area. New routes were gradually built, including those on Harbourfront, Spadina Avenue, and the conversion of St. Clair to a right-of-way route. The CLRVs wore out, leading to the order of new low-floor articulated vehicles in the late 2010s that could carry more people than buses.

Current Status: Success and Future Expansion

Despite advancements in bus technology, the streetcars in Toronto continue to perform well, with the King line, for instance, carrying more people per day than the Sheppard Avenue subway. The resilience of Toronto’s streetcar system highlights the enduring benefits and adaptability of trams in modern urban contexts.