Traffic restrictions, extra transit services for Jays, Raptors and Leafs home games

Large crowds descended into the downtown Toronto core for the Blue Jays home opener Tuesday night, the Raptors will play a do-or-die game on Wednesday in a bid for a place in the playoffs, and the Leafs start their playoff run next week — all of which means we’re in for some traffic disruptions.

Drivers should watch for restrictions in and around the Rogers Centre on Bremner Boulevard around Spadina Avenue and Blue Jays Way, Northbound on Reese Street from Lakeshore Boulevard and also at Bremner Boulevard and Lower Simcoe street.

Toronto police tells CityNews the restrictions will be in place pre and post games to help cars get in and out, but roads will not be entirely closed.

Some road restrictions will be in place before and after the Blue Jays home opener on April 11, 2023.

Disruptions to traffic will also depend on the flow of pedestrians and will be adjusted accordingly. Police say restrictions will be fluid and not for the entire duration of the games.

Police advise that you’re better off taking public transit if you’re going to be in the area.

Enhanced transit services 

TTC

The 510 Spadina streetcar line will be free until 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, with three extra streetcars added to support the rush.

For the Raptors game on Wednesday, three extra trains will be added to Line 1 after 4 p.m.

Cirque du Soleil is also up and running near Lakeshore Boulevard in Etobicoke with their new show Kooza. To accommodate visitors, one extra bus has been added to the 66B bus route and three extra busses have been added to the 501L.

Metrolinx

The UP Express between Union Station and the Airport will be free from 9 to 11 p.m. Tuesday.

All rides on GO trains and buses will also be free from 9 p.m. until 3:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Metrolinx tells CityNews there will also be extra service on some GO train routes before and after the Jays game Tuesday night:

Lakeshore West

Extra eastbound trains:

• 5:28 p.m. from Oakville GO, will make all stops to Port Credit GO and then run express to Union Station, arriving at 5:58 p.m.
• 5:58 p.m. from Oakville GO, will make all stops to Port Credit GO and then run express to Union Station, arriving at 6:28 p.m.

Extra westbound trains:

• 9:28 p.m. from Union Station will run express to Port Credit GO and then will make all stops to Oakville GO, arriving at 10:00 p.m.
• 9:58 p.m. from Union Station, will run express to Port Credit GO and then will make all stops to Oakville GO, arriving at 10:30 p.m.
• 10:28 p.m. from Union Station, will run express to Port Credit GO and then will make all stops to Burlington GO, arriving at 11:16 p.m.
• 10:58 p.m. from Union Station will run express to Port Credit GO and then will make all stops to Burlington GO, arriving at 11:46 p.m.

Lakeshore East

Extra eastbound train:

10:51 p.m. train departing Union Station will make all stops to Durham College Oshawa GO, arriving at 11:51 p.m.

Kitchener

Extra eastbound train:

11:34 p.m. train departing Union Station will make all stops to Mount Pleasant GO, arriving at 12:23 a.m.

Barrie

Extra northbound trips:

10:23 p.m. train departing Union Station will make all stops to Allandale Waterfront GO, arriving at 12:10 a.m.
11:23 p.m. train departing Union Station will make all stops to Bradford GO, arriving at 12:37 a.m.

“With many exciting events happening in the city over the next few weeks, we are constantly monitoring ridership levels and will do our best to add service when necessary and available,” said Metrolinx.