Mayor Ford has requested that the TTC develop a new transit plan consistent with his platform. Work on a new plan is underway. For more info on the current plan see the Metrolinx website at http://www.metrolinx.com This is an external site and will open in a new window.

What key benefits will Transit City bring to Toronto and local residents in particular?

Transit City  will create a fast and reliable transit network to serve communities across Toronto. Transit vehicles will be separated from traffic lanes to to provide faster, more reliable transit service. Even as traffic congestion grows, Transit City will provide residents with  fast, accessible, reliable, and frequent service. Furthermore, the new light rail vehicles will have low floors to provide accessibility to persons with mobility challenges and parents using strollers. By significantly enhancing service, more people will find transit an attractive alternative to the private auto - so we are taking a major step towards building a “Transit City”! 

How does Transit City relate to the City of Toronto Official Plan?

Toronto’s Official Plan outlines initiatives to implement transit priorities throughout the city, intensify growth in rapid corridors and reduce car dependency.  Residents deserve an attractive alternative to the automobile. Transit City will achieve these goals by moving more people to more places by fast and reliable transit.  This transit expansion will serve priority neighbourhoods by connecting these areas to a rapid transit network that connects all areas of the City. 

What is Light Rail Transit (LRT)?

Light Rail Transit will bring a new concept of reliable and comfortable transit service to Toronto’s busiest transit routes. With higher capacity and higher speeds than streetcar systems, modern electricity-powered Light Rail Vehicles (LRV) will carry passengers in reserved transit lanes apart from traffic congestion and vehicles will have no local emissions. Each vehicle will be low floor, have multiple entrances and be accessible to customers with all levels of mobility.

Why is LRT superior to buses?

LRT is more comfortable for riders, quieter, has no emissions on the street, and is far superior in carrying capacity in a constrained environment such as an arterial roadway. Given that there are a variety of important objectives for Transit City - in addition to high quality transit - such as a comfortable walking environment, attractive streetscaping and bike lanes. LRT technology is the best choice to meet the needs of transit growth in Toronto.

Why will LRT run in the middle of the street?

In designing dedicated transit lanes, any crossings by other traffic must have a traffic signal to ensure everyone knows who has the right-of-way. Along each planned route, or on any roadway where there are very frequent un-signalized intersections and driveways, a side of the road option is not feasible because of the safety issue and need for signalization at each location.

Why are some passenger loading platforms on either side of the intersection and others on one side only?

There are a number of factors that have been considered when deciding on the location of the platforms. They include: the availability of space for a platform; the need to have the platform located on a straight, level section of track; the anticipated walking and transfer patterns for the transit passengers; and the best location to provide faster transit service. As a result, the layout of platforms can vary between stops.

What fare collection system will be used?

The fare system will be proof of payment (POP). Fare vending machines will be placed at all stops/stations and security staff will patrol the system checking that passengers riding the network have a valid fare.

Can emergency vehicles use the dedicated right of way for the LRT?

TTC is consulting with Emergency Medical Services and Fire Services on accommodating emergency vehicles in the LRT right-of-way.

Will the tracks and stops be sheltered from snow? How will the tracks and stops be maintained in winter?

At surface stops, canopies will be installed to provide shelter from snow. Snow removal activities at stops and the tracks will be undertaken similar to the current winter maintenance activities performed on the existing streetcar lines. In the underground section of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT,  passengers will be sheltered from snow, as passengers will board and leave the LRT in covered stations.

How will the City / TTC work with businesses on the project?

Experience shows that the biggest concern for business during large construction projects is anticipating the impacts stemming from construction. The City / TTC are often told that having quick access to construction related information, specifically schedule and timing information is critical to reducing or minimizing impacts. For this reason the City / TTC will form during construction a “Construction Liaison Committee” (CLC). The CLC is made up of City / TTC and Contractors staff who meet regularly on site. Business owners and residents directly affected by the current / future construction activity are invited and encouraged to attend these meetings where the day to day issues affecting their home / business are discussed and resolved. Issues such as business deliveries, local parking, and garbage pick-up are often topics of concern. Further, construction schedules and activity timing is also a prime topic. In addition to  the CLC the City and TTC will undertake, prior to each phase of construction, a comprehensive public awareness campaign. Keeping the area up to date and well informed in advance of construction can dramatically reduce the inevitable disruption brought about by large construction projects.

How will the surface sections of each project be constructed?

The first step during construction of the surface sections is the relocation of utilities. Next, construction of the LRT will occur on one side of the street while the other
side would remain open to traffic. Once construction has finished, the work would switch to the other side of the street, and traffic would flow on the reconstructed side. When both sides have been completed, finishes would be applied to the shelters on the platforms at the stops, and lighting would be installed.

How will the underground sections of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT line be constructed?

The majority of the underground segment of the line will consist of side by side, or “twin tunnels”. Each tunnel will be 6 metres in diameter and will be constructed using tunnel boring machines that drill deep below street level. In addition to tunnelling, construction on stations, portals, stations with special trackwork such as crossover and storage/turn back tracks will require a second method called “cut and cover”. This method requires the excavation of the ground to create a trench where the station structure will be located. During the construction phase, utilities will be relocated, and then excavation will begin. Decking will then be installed to allow traffic to flow over the construction site. Once the station box has been completed, the decking will be removed, the remaining open area will be backfilled and the surface will be restored. Detailed traffic management plans including comprehensive pedestrian and parking arrangements will be developed during the detailed design phase of the project.