Farewell to the Scarborough RT
After 38 years of service helping people cross the ends, we bid farewell to Scarborough's most iconic transit system.
What’s the fastest way to get from Kennedy to Scarborough Town Centre (STC)? For the past 38 years, the answer was the Line 3 Scarborough Rapid Transit (RT). The iconic blue line served 6 stops, all located in Scarborough – making it uniquely ours. Depending on who you speak to, the RT is an icon for many reasons – from its iconic paint jobs, the unique views it provided, its deafening screech, and even its ‘aroma’.
Despite all its problems and quirks– the RT was loved and relied on by many. While commuters were preparing for its final run, initially scheduled for November 18, it met its demise sooner than anticipated when it derailed on July 24.
On September 23rd, the Toronto Transit Commission provided the opportunity for the public one last chance to say goodbye.
Heading to the event on a Saturday 10 AM morning felt like any other trip to STC. As I walked through Albert Campbell Square and under the blue arches, the familiarity of the sights and sounds around me ended when I found myself facing a giant banner along the RT track stating, “Farewell Line 3”.
Passing through the Scarborough Centre station toll gates, I was surprised to see what is usually a quiet hallway was bustling with activity. Window panels have been transformed with photos of the RT throughout the years, set up almost like a gallery. Tables were lined against both walls, with food and clothing vendors setting up, a merch and silent auction table, and a crowd slowly building up. In less than an hour, the corridor was filled with people – commuters, onlookers, transit workers, families – the same faces you’d see riding on the RT.
Starting with formal remarks, politicians addressed the RT’s history, addressing its exceeded lifespan and circumstances that led to its early retirement. Evident by the size of the crowd, they also remarked on the cult status it has attained and special memories forever etched in the east end. Councillor Jamaal Myers, the newly appointed TTC Chair who also grew up in Scarborough, highlighted this by stating how unique this event is, truly incomparable to any other part of the city.
While feelings of sorrow and grief usually accompany farewells, I couldn’t help but also feel proud of the community's ability to come together and celebrate what we had and what we will need to fight for – especially as cheers followed the mayor’s call to reuse sections of the RT into a dedicated busway. In a surprising announcement, Scarborough Centre’s Councillor Thompson stated they would be working with Scarborough Arts to explore reusing the station platform and keeping one of the train cars as a museum/cultural hub. Located by the entrance, a farewell message board covered in messages showcased just how much the community values Line 3.
After the speeches, crowds had the opportunity to head upstairs and explore two RT trains that were parked at the platform.
Talking around to others, many people had different reasons to celebrate and come pay tribute. A couple, one of whom is an employee from TTC, marked the event by having their wedding photos taken on the RT. Others brought their young children to have them see the blue train their parents likely grew up taking.
Vendors also had the opportunity to sell their products directly to the community, including Scarborough Tees – who sold their ‘Farewell Scarborough RT Collection’ crewneck – featuring an image of the RT in its OG colour scheme. In partnership with the TTC, the merch was designed by Taha Muharuma, a revered street and commercial photographer and Scarborough’s own Anthony Gebhreiwot, a multi-media visual artist whose art installation, Intersections, still stands at the Kennedy RT Platform.
Wrapping up the event, I found myself with conflicting feelings. On the one hand, I’m very grateful for the opportunity to see the iconic blue train one last time. On the other hand, as a transit user – Scarborough losing an entire rapid transit line and pivoting to buses for ~10 years worries me about the future of travelling. The Scarborough RT wasn’t just a fast gateway to downtown but also made trips easier to see family and friends, attend school, access jobs and more within Scarborough, possible for people usually left out of discussions like youth, newcomers, and residents without access to a car.
An announcement rang out stating the trains would be making their final departure out of Scarborough Centre. As the crowd eagerly headed up to the platform to grab one last shot of the training pulling out, I decided to head out where I came from. Waiting patiently by the pedestrian walkway steps leading out to the square, I watched the RT slowly under the blue arches for the last time.
Farewell, Scarborough RT.
A Photo Essay on the Scarborough RT by Nithursan Elamuhilan for Scarborough Made Press
Nithursan Elamuhilan is a visual artist interested in intersecting photography and data.
Earlier this year, Nithursan led START (Snap Transit in Action RT), an initiative to document the RT while teaching community members about photography. As part of the Scarborough Civic Centre's 50th anniversary, a select few of these photos will be displayed for the public from October 1 - 16 at the Scarborough Civic Centre (main level). To learn more, visit itsneerby.ca/RT
 | A guest post by
|