This is concerning. Most cars on the line are 24 to 27 years old, with an expected lifespan of 30 years. The TTC runs a deficit and funding from the Provincial and Federal governments hasn't been obtained. There's still time to get this sorted, and here's hoping it is. If this subway line goes under, the livability and affordability of Toronto going forward will be @#$%ed for years to come
Expected lifespan is generally an arbitrary number, these trains can be maintained to safe standards well past 30 years if the TTC wants to put in the work. The Scarborough derailment was due to lack of investment, not age.
I think we might have different definitions of arbitrary, but I agree that these trains do not necessarily need to be outright replaced and that maintenance may also be an option. The approach to the expected lifespan is an indication that the time to invest is close to now and can't be postponed indefinitely