With open gangways that allow a full-length view of the six-car trains, enhanced security features and an open-floor design, the Rockets will carry up to 10 per cent more riders and offer greater mechanical reliability.

The cars included in the $710 million purchase, shared by all three levels of government, were made at Bombardier’s Thunder Bay plant.

Miller said he has no regrets about sole-sourcing the trains to Bombardier in 2006 as a way of keeping the company’s plant open in northern Ontario.