Peter Witt (Toronto streetcar)
The Toronto Transit Commission version of the Peter Witt streetcar was designed by the Cleveland Street Railway in the United States and built under license by Canada Car and Foundry of Montreal. A small number were also built by the Ottawa Car Company and the Preston Car Company. Between 1921 and 1923, 575 of these streetcars were ordered by the TTC for use on Toronto streets.[2]
| Peter Witt car | |
|---|---|
 Car 2766 on the Harbourfront route | |
| Manufacturer | Canada Car and Foundry, Ottawa Car Company, Preston Car Company |
| Built at | Montreal, Quebec (CC&F), Ottawa, Ontario (OCC), Preston, Ontario (PCC) |
| Constructed | 1921–1923 |
| Entered service | 1921 |
| Number built | 575 (350 motors, 225 trailers) |
| Number preserved | 10 (2300/95, 2424, 2766/78/86, 2890/94/98, 2984)[1] |
| Successor | PCC streetcar |
| Fleet numbers | Motors: 2300–2678, 2700–3018 (even nos.) Trailers: 2301–2419, 2701–3029 (odd nos.) |
| Capacity | Seated: 58 (Large Witt), 51 (Small Witt), 60 (trailer); 140 (maximum) |
| Operator(s) | Toronto Transportation Commission/Toronto Transit Commission |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 71,150 lb (32,270 kg) |
| Traction motors | 4 |
| Power output | 4 × 50 hp (37 kW) |
| Wheels driven | 8 |
| Track gauge | 4 ft 10 7⁄8 in (1,495 mm) |
In early 1928, the TTC modified Peter Witt cars 2500–2522 for radial service on the Lake Simcoe line (former Metropolitan line of the Toronto and York Radial Railway). These cars were fitted with air whistles, large-flange wheels, and flag and marker light brackets. They were mainly used to handle heavy crowds from Glen Echo to Bond Lake. However, on one occasion some of these Peter Witt cars went all the way to Sutton to accommodate an Orangemen's picnic.[3]
The Peter Witts ran on the busiest streetcar routes, and were heavily used until they were replaced by the Yonge and University subway lines. Those still in use were officially retired in 1965.
Although most of the cars were scrapped, number 2766 was retained for historic purposes, and in 2001 the Toronto Transit Commission budgeted $100,000 to have it restored to its original condition. The TTC currently uses it for charters and other related events. It is frequently taken out during events such as Doors Open Toronto.[4]
The shell of car 2500 was found abandoned at Haliburton Scout Reserve.[5] Car 2890 is preserved in operating condition at the Seashore Trolley Museum.[6]
Classes
The following Peter Witt classes were used in Toronto:[3]
| Fleet numbers | Builder | Year(s) | No. | Class | Type | Retired | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1921 | 1925 | ||||||
| 2300–2498 (even) | CC&F | 1921 | 100 | A | K | Large Witt | 1954 |
| 2500–2578 (even) | CC&F | 1921 | 40 | B | L-1 | Large Witt | 1954 |
| 2580–2678 (even) | Brill | 1922 | 50 | C | M | Large Witt | 1954 |
| 2700–2798 (even) | CC&F | 1922–23 | 50 | E | P-1 | Small Witt | (1965) |
| 2800–2898 (even) | Ottawa | 1923 | 50 | G | P-2 | Small Witt | 1965 |
| 2900–3018 (even) | CC&F | 1923 | 60 | H | L-2 | Large Witt | 1954 |
| 2301–2419 (odd) | CC&F | 1921 | 60 | D | N | 2-door trailer | 1938 |
| 2701–3029 (odd) | CC&F | 1923 | 165 | F | Q | 3-door (“Harvey”) trailer | 1954 |
References
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Peter Witt streetcars of the Toronto Transit Commission. |
- "Collection". Halton County Radial Railway. Ontario Electric Railway Historical Association. Retrieved February 13, 2019.
- Bow, James, The Peter Witts, Transit Toronto, retrieved March 6, 2013
- Bromley, John F.; May, Jack (1973). 50 Years of Progressive Transit. Electric Railroaders' Association. pp. 39: Streetcars in radial service, 159: Peter Witt Motors & Center Door Trailers. ISBN 9781550024487.
- Peter Witt Car Restoration And Operation, Toronto Transit Commission web site, retrieved March 6, 2013
- http://bayview-news.com/2019/08/funny-old-peter-witt-trams-once-rumbled-along-mt-pleasant.html/
- Seashore Trolley Museum Canadian Streetcars, retrieved April 11, 2014