A look at the TTC’s 5-year action plan

The Toronto Transit Commission has put forward a comprehensive five-year plan that looks to improve its service on almost every level.

The plan, which will be expanded upon into a 10 year plan once it has been reassessed after five years, has been broken down into five segments – or “pillars” – which focus on improving and expanding transit lines, enhancing the customer experience both on and off vehicles, and continuing to connect the TTC to other transit services.

What do you think the TTC’s priority over the next five years should be? Submit your answers here.

Here’s a breakdown of each pillar:

Pillar 1: Enhance the transit network

• Implementing new service routes to focus on expanding areas of the city – ones with population and employment growth. Expanded bus and streetcar service to reach these areas and to take stress off existing lines – including changing up some routes, expanding lines and creating new lines.
• Under this also includes the opening of Line 5 – the Eglinton LRT. One third of bus networks will connect customers to the Eglinton RT
• As well, by 2022 the signaling system upgrade is scheduled to be completed on Line 1
• By 2023 Line 6 Finch West is scheduled to open. The line will have 18 stations and run between Humber College and Finch West Station.
• More new streetcars – Between 2022 and 2024, an additional 60 new streetcars will be required to allow us to better serve our customers. Focus will be on 501 Queen, 504 King and 511 Bathurst – although all routes will be enhanced with the increased fleet.
• Implement consultation to ensure that high density, low income neighbourhoods get the transit they need – including the modification of services to the areas.

Pillar 2: Enhance customer experience at key surface transit stop areas

• Improving bus stops across the city – including more heated bus shelters, and improved and expanded seating to improve comfort while you wait for transit.
• Improving wayfinding and information at bus and streetcar stops to help customers find where they want to go. Bringing more vehicle arrival signs to tell riders when the next bus or streetcar is coming.
• Other stop enhancements such as formal pathways that connect to stops, improved lighting, larger sidewalks and platforms for customers to wait.

Pillar 3: Improve service reliability

• Improving weekday and weekend schedules to reflect “actual operating conditions.” This also includes improving overnight schedules by timing transfers at the busiest connections and regularly updating schedules on all routes.
• Bringing in more buses, streetcars and trains to minimize the effects of service disruptions on our customers’ journeys.

Pillar 4: Prioritize surface transit

• Dedicated bus lanes for five of the city’s busiest routes
• Implement more queue jump lanes so buses can bypass traffic at stop lights. The proposal will create queue jump lanes at three new locations each year. Currently there are five across the city and another in the works on Lake Shore at the Long Branch Loop
• The City and TTC will continue to roll out transit signal priority over the next five years, with up to 20 new locations implemented each year.

Pillar 5: Accelerate integration with regional transit partners and complementary modes of transport

• Continue to work with regional transit partners to expand services which will connect the TTC to other transit systems.
• In 2020, TTC, the City and Metrolinx will work collaboratively with the private sector to launch an autonomous shuttle trial connecting residents of the West Rouge neighbourhood with TTC, Durham Region Transit and GO Transit services at the Rouge Hill GO Station. Plus, improve connections for customers who use TTC services and high-occupancy microtransit shuttle services.
• Over the next five years, TTC will improve its integration with cycling to facilitate multi-modal trips alongside City of Toronto’s expansion of the cycling network.
• Identify and prioritize key locations to enhance pedestrian access to transit, and work with the City of Toronto to investigate and implement potential improvements.
• Create one smartphone app that will combine transit, taxi, bike share and parking together so commuters can plan trips, get real-time info and make payments.

For a complete look at the TTC’s plan, click here.