GM New Look (Toronto Transit Commission bus)
The TTC GM New Look Bus (also known as the TTC Fishbowl) have been the work horse of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) bus fleet. First purchased from General Motors in 1959 and the last one acquired in 1983, they remain in the current non-active fleet.
Purchase and Rebuilds
New Look buses purchased by the TTC from 1977 to 1983. From the 1970s to 1980s they were the primary bus type in the TTC fleet. Even with newer models, the New Look continue to ply Toronto streets. They were rebuilt between 1997 and 2002. The overhaul was necessary because of a shortage of buses the commission experienced after increased ridership in the late 1990s. All were originally numbered in the 8xxx series before their 18-year rebuild. They were renumbered to clear out the 8xxx category for the soon-to-be-arriving 80xx series, plus to show their lives had been extended.
The buses were initally equipped with brown vinyl bench seating, but were later replaced with red fabric seats during the overhaul, coninciding with the overhaul the destination signs which originally displayed on rollsigns were replaced with digital Luminator Matrix signs.
Montreal New Looks
2600-2619 were delivered to the TTC in 1998, and are ex-Société de transport de la communauté urbaine de Montréal (STCUM). They were also rebuilt upon arrival as part of a larger rebuild plan that was ultimately cut down to only 20 buses.
Retirement
The last day of service for these buses was on December 16, 2011, when the final five (2281, 2286, 2290, 2444 & 2855) made their final trip on the 52 Lawrence West, and 2281 was the last bus in service at the Yonge Subway Shuttle Service from 12:00pm to 2:15am.
Currently the decisions are being made about which 2 buses will be preserved.
The Orion VII largely replaced the New Looks over the past decade.
GMDD 53XX Specifications
- Car Builder: GM Diesel Division, London, Ontario
- Car Body: steel
- Unit Numbers:
- Fleet of: 1,679
- Car Length: 40 feet (12 m)
- Total Weight: 23,310 pounds (10,570 kg)
- Motors: Detroit Diesel Series 71 (6V71N)
- Max. Speed:
- Power: Allison V730
- Braking System: N/A
- Total Seating:
- Air Conditioning System: No
- Price per bus N/A