TORONTO, Ont. – Streetcar riders in Toronto will have a sweet ride in early 2014, which is when the TTC rolls out its new streetcars.

The sleek, low-floor streetcars can carry 68 more passengers than the current capacity.

At a media preview at Hillcrest yard, TTC chair Karen Stintz told reporters the next-generation streetcar covers all the bases.

“The new low-floor streetcars are fully accessible, they have increased capacity, as you can see by the length, and they have air conditioning, which is a benefit to all especially in the summer,” Stintz said.

The TTC, with the help of the City of Toronto, and provincial and federal governments, purchased 204 new streetcars to replace its current fleet, which dates back to the late 1970s and 1980s.

She also said the commission is moving forward with improving service.

“The last year or so has been slightly volatile, but I certainly can say that we, throughout this past year, formed a very strong relationship with the provincial government and with Metrolinx, and they are a strong partner with the City of Toronto in delivering much-needed transit in the city and transit expansion,” Stintz said.

The new vehicles will undergo rigorous testing in the spring to see how they handle the seasons, safety, performance and passenger comfort, before they’re put into regular service.

Toronto streetcars carry an average of 250,000 riders each weekday on 11 routes stretching across more than 300-kilometres of track.

To view a YouTube video of the new streetcar being moved to its new home, click here.