TTC Chair Adam Giambrone officially launched “Station Modernization”, a program to revitalize the Bloor-Danforth and the University line stations, on July 12, 2007.

News Release:

TTC LAUNCHES STATION MODERNIZATION PROGRAM

TORONTO – July 11, 2007 The TTC’s Station Modernization Program will be officially launched tomorrow, Thursday, July 12th, at 3 p.m. at Pape Station. TTC Chair Adam Giambrone will kick-off the program, which will be followed by a public Open House tomorrow night.

Pape Station is the first station on the Bloor-Danforth Line under the Station Modernization Program and will be followed by Dufferin and Bloor-Yonge Stations. As well, other stations to receive modernization features as part of other projects include Victoria Park, Kipling, Islington, Museum, St. Patrick and Osgoode.

"Passengers will find the Station Modernization Program dramatically improves station environments, making them brighter, more attractive, and easier to use. Just as importantly, it will make it easier for the TTC to keep these stations cleaner," said Chair Giambrone.

Opened in 1963 and 1966 respectively, the University and Bloor-Danforth Lines are now more than 40 years old. Many of these stations are showing signs of wear and age in their original wall, floor, and ceiling finishes and signage. The Station Modernization Program will upgrade station finishes, and integrated art; enhance the street presence of station entrances; and improve lighting and signage at all station levels.

1. BACKGROUND

The University Line opened in 1963 and the Bloor-Danforth Subway Line was opened (Keele to Woodbine) in 1966. After over 40 years of operation, several stations still have their original wall, floor, and ceiling finishes and signage and are showing signs of wear and age. The purpose of the Subway Station Modernization Program is to:

  • Update station finishes
  • Enhance the street presence of station entrances
  • Improve passenger flow and wayfinding within all station levels

For each station in the Modernization Program, the following will be undertaken:

  • Improvements to finishes including walls, floors, and ceilings
  • Brighter lighting
  • Improved station identification and wayfinding signs
  • Public Art integrated into finishes
  • Improved streetscaping and landscaping

At some stations, modernization initiatives are being combined with other TTC programs, such as Easier Access (new elevators and barrier-free access) and Second Exit (new emergency exits in stations with only one evacuation route). The benefits of this approach are:

  • More efficient use of limited funds.
  • Consistent and integrated design statement for all new station elements.
  • Shorter period of construction disruption than if the work is done as separate projects.

2. PAPE STATION – THE FIRST MODERNIZATION PROJECT

Pape Station was selected as the first Modernization project because of its state of repair and because work was planned under other TTC programs (including Easier Access and Second Exit) at the station. In addition to “Modernization”, the following programs will be implemented as part of the same construction project:

  • Easier Access, including new elevators to provide barrier free access throughout the station
  • Second Exit, including new exit routes from platforms to street to speed up evacuation of the station in the event of an emergency
  • Fire Alarm upgrades to meet current standards
  • Roofing Replacement, at main entrance and bus platform

Cost: $20.8 million; Schedule: To be completed in 2010 (subject to funding for construction).

3. DUFFERIN STATION

Dufferin Station was selected as the second Modernization project because of its state of repair and because work is planned under other TTC programs at the station. In addition to “Modernization”, the following programs will be implemented as part of the same construction project:

  • Easier Access, including new elevators to provide barrier free access throughout the station
  • Second Exit, including new exit routes from platforms to street to speed up evacuation of the station in the event of an emergency
  • Fire Alarm upgrades to meet current standards
  • Canopies at on-street bus stops to provide weather protection

Full scope of improvements and costs to be determined.
Schedule: Design to commence in 2007.

4. BLOOR-YONGE STATION

Bloor-Yonge Station was selected as the third Modernization project because of its state of repair at the Bloor-Danforth Subway level.
Scope of improvements and costs to be determined.
Schedule: Design to commence in 2008.

5. FUTURE STATIONS

Priorities for future stations to be “modernized” will be determined through a condition survey of Bloor-Danforth Line Stations to be conducted in 2009.

6. OTHER STATIONS WHICH INCLUDE MODERNIZATION INITIATIVES

6.1. VICTORIA PARK BUS TERMINAL REPLACEMENT

Scope: Replacement of bus terminal, new elevators, bridge and walkway improvements, new and relocated station entrances and demolition of existing bus terminal.
Schedule: Construction complete in 2010
Cost: $46.4 million

6.2. KIPLING REDEVELOPMENT

Scope: New east entrance, 1 new bus bay in TTC bus terminal, new inter-regional bus terminal (GO Transit and Mississauga Transit), new north
(Dundas Street) entrance, new west entrance and Passenger Pick-up and Drop-Off (PPUDO) and reconfiguration of commuter parking lots.
Schedule: Construction complete in 2010
Cost: $35.5 million

6.3. ISLINGTON REDEVELOPMENT

Scope: New bus terminal, new north-east entrance, new pick-up and drop-off entrance, reconfiguration of commuter parking lots and demolition of existing bus terminal.
Schedule: Construction complete in 2010
Cost: $19.6 million

6.4. UNIVERSITY LINE – STATION RENAISSANCE

6.4.1. Museum Station

Funding: Jointly funded by Toronto Community Foundation (TCF) and the TTC
Scope: Enhanced platform level including new trainway wall finish, replacement of platform column finishes, removal of metal ceilings and refurbishment of platform terrazzo.
Timing: Construction to be completed at the end of 2007
Cost: $5 million

6.4.2. St. Patrick Station

Scope: Enhanced platform level.
Budget: $ 5 million
Schedule: To be determined once funding is confirmed.

6.4.3. Osgoode Station

Scope: Enhanced platform level.
Budget: $5 million
Scope: To be determined once funding is confirmed.