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 ensure enhanced 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 impairment 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 the project fulfill Official Plan objectives?

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 have a low floor entrance 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, bike lanes, etc., there is LRT technology best meets the needs of each transit project.

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 how the LRT right-of-way can be designed to accommodate their vehicles.

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