As students prepare to return to school next week, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is gearing up for an expected increase in ridership following the summer break. Starting September 6, the TTC is implementing various changes aimed at boosting service on streetcars, buses, and Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines to accommodate the surge in demand.
One of the key enhancements involves increased frequency on Line 6 Finch West. The TTC has announced that travel times will improve, and there will be enhanced reliability across the Finch West corridor. This adjustment is designed to make commuting more efficient for students and other riders.
In total, service on 30 bus and streetcar routes will be adjusted and improved to meet the evolving ridership demand. The changes also aim to enhance connectivity to secondary and post-secondary institutions. Some of the routes that will undergo revamping include:
- 38B Highland Creek and 938 Highland Creek Express
- 102A Markham Rd
- 830 Henry Kelsey-Middlefield
- 903A Kennedy Station-Scarborough Express
- 906 Airport-Humber College Express
- 927A Highway 27 Express, which will restore school trips between Kipling Station and Humber College on weekdays
- 944 Kipling South Express, with service restored for all time periods on weekdays
Moreover, three new bus routes are being introduced in Etobicoke to better serve the community:
- The 145 Belfield bus will replace the 45B Kipling route and will connect Kipling Station with Viscount Station, serving the Pearson Airport Terminal Link train.
- The 345 Kipling Blue Night buses will operate between Long Branch Loop and Steeles Avenue West at Kipling Avenue, providing essential overnight service.
- The 373 Royal York buses will link Royal York Station with Steeles Avenue West and Kipling Avenue, ensuring accessibility at all hours.
Both the 345 Kipling and 373 Royal York Blue Night buses will offer overnight service on weekdays and weekends, as well as early morning service on Sundays, with buses arriving every 30 minutes.
While there are numerous service improvements being announced, some routes will experience changes due to necessary construction. Notably, the 512/312 St. Clair Avenue streetcar route will see streetcar service conclude at Lansdowne Avenue. In response, replacement buses will operate between Lansdowne Station and Gunns Loop. Additionally, during the overnight hours, the 340 Junction bus will extend its service to Oakwood Avenue, providing necessary coverage east of Lansdowne Avenue.
Further changes are also set to take place for bus services in the eastern part of the city, particularly around Pape Station. These adjustments come as part of the ongoing construction of the Ontario Line.
Click here for a full list of the changes going into effect on September 6, as the TTC aims to facilitate a smooth transition back to school for students and commuters alike.
