TTC Buses to replace streetcars on Spadina Ave. for several months
TORONTO, June 13, 2024 – Toronto is going to see the return of “the Spadina Bus.” The TTC says that beginning Sun., Jun. 23, until the end of the year, buses will replace streetcars on Spadina Ave. to accommodate critical track renewal and modernization of the overhead power network. The TTC is working hard to ensure that customers are aware of the change, and have as many options as possible to get to and from their destinations.
Work will include upgrading the overhead electrical system along the Spadina streetcar right-of-way between King St. and Queens Quay, and from College St. to Spadina Station. Track renewal work will take place at Spadina Station, along with enabling works for a future platform extension.
“I know many people rely on the Spadina streetcar and construction can be challenging. This is important work that will ensure a safe and reliable TTC service for many years to come,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “I’m glad to see the TTC has consulted widely with the community, including businesses in Chinatown, to ensure people are aware of the upcoming changes. I want to acknowledge the hardworking TTC crews who will be working day and night to have this important work completed by the end of the year.”
Modernization of overhead power network
“The modernization of the overhead power network on Spadina Ave. is part of our commitment to ensuring a safe and reliable transit system for all TTC riders,” said TTC Chair Jamaal Myers. “While temporary bus replacements may cause inconvenience, dedicated TTC teams will be working hard to ensure the upgrades are finished on time or ahead of schedule by the end of this year. I am pleased that the TTC is actively engaging with customers, businesses, and residents to ensure everyone is aware of the temporary changes.”
“We are actively communicating these changes so that everyone is aware of what we doing and why these streetcar infrastructure upgrades on Spadina Ave. are necessary,” said TTC CEO Rick Leary. “This week, TTC staff are hosting pop-up sessions at Spadina Station to answer customer questions, and we have consulted with the Chinatown BIA and committed to ensuring that our work does not disrupt the upcoming Chinatown Festival in August. I want to express my gratitude to our customers and the local community for their patience and understanding as we complete these critical infrastructure improvements.”
The TTC has taken proactive steps to ensure customers and the wider community are informed about the upcoming service change. Over 23,000 mailers containing information in both English and Simplified Chinese have been distributed to residents and businesses in the Chinatown district. TTC staff have also been actively engaging with customers through various initiatives. Pop-up events at Spadina Station have offered customers the opportunity to speak directly with TTC representatives, ask questions, and gain a better understanding of project. Customer Service representatives will soon be stationed at key transfer points along the route to assist customers in finding the replacement bus boarding locations.
Spadina bus returns starting Sun., Jun. 23 until December:
• 510 Spadina streetcar service will be replaced with buses, operating both ways on Spadina Ave. between Spadina Station and Queens Quay W., and serving curbside stops.
• There will be no 510 Spadina streetcar service operating to or from Union Station. Customers travelling to or from Union Station will be able to transfer between the replacement buses and 509 Harbourfront streetcars at Queens Quay W.
• 509 Harbourfront streetcar service will be increased to provide frequent travel to and from Union Station.
The TTC is committed to keeping customers informed about work and events that impact service, as well as alternate route options. For the most up-to-date information, follow @TTCNotices on X or sign up for eAlerts.
posted by Terry Lankstead, SOURCE: TTC
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