TTC staff recommend converting part of Line 3 Scarborough RT into busway after closure

Toronto Transit Commission staff are recommending the conversion of part of the Line 3 Scarborough RT line into an express busway after its closure as the Scarborough subway extension construction project ramps up.

In a report going to the TTC’s board on Thursday, staff recommended converting the portion of the rail line between Kennedy and Ellesmere stations with stops at Tara Avenue (halfway between Eglinton Avenue East and Lawrence Avenue East), Lawrence Avenue East and Ellesmere Road. Buses would then head east along Ellesmere and north on Brimley Road before ending at Scarborough Town Centre.

If approved, the report said the project — tentatively set to be finished by 2025 — will cost $49.5 million to remove the tracks and related infrastructure, construct a road and add passenger amenities.

The recommendation to shut down the 37-year-old line in the latter part of 2023 came in February due to increasing difficulty maintaining the trains and the associated systems.

Staff recommended putting in place express bus service until the three-stop Scarborough subway extension opens in 2030.

RELATED: TTC board approves shutting down Scarborough RT in 2023

Should the busway get the go-ahead, it was also recommended shuttle buses operate northbound on Kennedy Road and east on Ellesmere to Scarborough Town Centre while southbound buses would go on Midland Avenue until construction is completed.

“One-way service in each direction enables the best possible traffic signals coordination to improve the flow of transit for customers,” the report said, adding potential traffic light changes and queue-jump lanes might also need to occur.

Meanwhile, the report noted changes will need to be made at Scarborough Centre station to accommodate the new shuttle service. As a result, it said planning is underway that could see GO Transit and interregional buses relocated to nearby Borough Drive in order to make room for the shuttle buses.

At Kennedy Station, staff said a temporary bus terminal will need to be added south of the existing station in order to accommodate the shuttles.

Staff noted the busway could be used beyond the opening of the Scarborough subway extension, which will see Line 2 extended to McCowan Road and Sheppard Avenue East with stops at McCowan and Lawrence Avenue East, and Scarborough Town Centre.

With respect to the rest of the Line 3 infrastructure not needed for the busway, TTC staff said discussions are still underway with the City of Toronto on potential adaptive reuse options.