The HSR has two buses that are dramatically different than any other buses in the fleet. HSR #70 & #71 are a pair of Dupont Industries Champlain 1608 Low Floors, built to resemble old streetcars from around the start ofthe 20th century, but are low floor models with a mix of wooden and regular benches.
Instead of advertising, the buses carry displays on the history of the HSR. The paint scheme is not the usual HSR white with yellow and blue stripes, but is white and maroon. Conflicting reports have been made about this paint scheme, calling it an homage to either the earliest horsecars, the Toronto, Hamilton & Buffalo Railway (TH&B), or to the HSR's postwar trolley buses. The bus numbers are non-standard as well, although it has been suggested that the numbers are either a modification of the HSR's normal practice (year and order of purchase, i.e 0701) because of the buses' special status (the zeroes were dropped, i.e 0701 becomes 71) or this is part of the homage to the TH&B, who had many of their locomotives numbered in the 70s.
HSR #70 & #71 arrived during the winter of 2007/2008, and were officially unveiled to the public on March 19, 2008. The buses will be used on the summer only the 99 WATERFRONT Shuttle.
HSR #70 was retired in May 2023
(All photos © Tom Luton, except where noted)
HSR #70 at Pier 8 as part of the official unveiling, March 19, 2008 (Photo by LikeHamilton, used with permission)
HSR #70 at Pier 8 as part of the official unveiling, March 19, 2008 (Photo by LikeHamilton, used with permission)
HSR #70 at King St East and MacNab, July 28, 2008.
HSR #71 at James and King William, June 27, 2011.
Look for YouTube videos on HSR Champlain 1608 Low Floors here (External Link).
