The Toronto Rocket subway trains are finally ready to enter service. As reported by the Sun, the newest vehicle in the TTC family will officially enter service at Downsview Station at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 21st. The launch date was initially expected to be earlier — at one point late 2010 was quoted — but despite two media previews, the trains have remained in testing until now.

Although the TTC's contract with Bombardier calls for the acquisition of 70 Toronto Rockets between now and 2013, TTC Director of Corporate Communications Brad Ross tells us that to start only one train will be riding the rails on the Yonge-University-Spadina Line. In other words, it'll be a bit of lottery for those hoping to check out the articulated design, which allows passengers to roam freely between cars. If you're dying to take a look, however, there's always the launch itself.

For more on the Toronto Rockets, check out these posts:

• TTC unveils new "Rocket" Subway trains
• A ride on the new TTC Rocket subway train

Photo by Tom Ryaboi