Anticipation over the arrival of the new TTC streetcar has reached fever pitch, if such a thing is possible with a commuter vehicle. With less than two weeks set to pass before the first vehicle goes into service on the 510 Spadina line, the TTC has put together an explainer video meant to tout the new features of the cars and to build the hype even more. And despite all the previous coverage we've devoted to these new streetcars already, there's a few features that haven't got much attention.

We know that there's all-door boarding on the Flexity streetcar, but TTC CEO Andy Byford and spokesperson Brad Ross show off that passengers can open each door from the exterior of the vehicle with the press of a button. Flashing red lights warn motorists and cyclists that streetcar doors are opening (and are reminiscent of an EDM show), and there's even a bicycle storage area in the fourth section of the streetcar. The accessibility features are also state of the art.

After the cars begin service on Spadina, they will be added to the 511 Bathurst and 509 Harbourfront routes in 2015, followed by the 505 Dundas in 2015 and 2016. The 501 Queen, 508 Lakeshore, and 504 King will be in service by 2016/2017. Remaining routes will receive cars by 2019. Watch the video and get even more excited.

Photo by Steve Chui