The HSR had two buses that were dramatically different than any other buses in the fleet at the time. HSR #70 & #71 were a pair of Dupont Industries Champlain 1608 Low Floors, built to resemble old streetcars from around the start of the 20th century, but were low floor models with a mix of wooden and regular benches.
Instead of advertising, the buses carried displays on the history of the HSR. The paint scheme was not the usual HSR white with yellow and blue stripes, but was white and maroon. Conflicting reports were 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 were non-standard as well, although it has been suggested that the numbers were 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 was 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.
HSR #70 was retired in May 2023, and #71 was retired in summer 2024
(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.
HSR #71 on display as part of the HSR's 150th birthday celebration at James & King William, May 21 2024.
HSR #70 & #71 waiting for scrapping behind the Mountain Transit Centre, October 27 2024.
Look for YouTube videos on HSR Champlain 1608 Low Floors here (External Link).
