‘Light Rail’ returns to life

A beloved piece of Scarborough history has found a new home and a new purpose.

Dolf DeJong, CEO of the Toronto Zoo, last week unveiled a restored SRT rapid-transit car, now permanently installed on the grounds of the zoo,as a nostalgic nod to the community’s past and as a gathering place for future generations.

Speaking to guests at the unveiling, DeJong reflected on the deep emotional ties many Scarborough residents have to both the RT and the zoo.

“Those memories, those moments, we remind our team that our everyday is many people’s once-in-a-lifetime,” he said.

The repurposed car, expected to open to visitors in early December, will serve as a shelter and rest space, offering a place to sit while recalling the rumble, sway, and unmistakable sounds of the SRT in motion.

Local councillor Jamaal Myers was credited with helping to make the project possible as part of a broader effort to preserve and honour Scarborough’s transit heritage.

The unveiling turned into a lively celebration of shared stories: childhood rides, the cold winter commutes, even jokes about the RT’s mysterious “egg smell”, memories that drew laughter from longtime residents.

Canadian hip-hop pioneer John Clare, who grew up in Scarborough, spoke passionately about the line’s cultural imprint. “The RT was a staple,” he said, recalling the rattle of the doors, the familiar squeak of the tracks, and the sense of identity that came with calling Scarborough home.

Others echoed similar reflections, linking the RT to school days, family outings, and the journey to the zoo itself.

For many, the installation is more than a retired vehicle.It is a tribute to the spirit of a community shaped by resilience, humour, and shared experience. As the zoo continues to deepen its connections to the neighbourhood, the SRT car stands as a reminder that even as the city evolves, pieces of its past can still bring people together.

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