TTC Subway Map and what the future has in store
When you think about the go-to methods of transportation in Toronto, it’s Subway system, the TTC, is at the top of the list. The TTC is used by thousands each day as it is convenient for those that need to commute to school, university, work and all over parts of Toronto for less than $4. This makes it the most popular option for those that need to get around Toronto.
Source: TTC.ca
While the TTC is used frequently today, the subway line was not always as extensive as it is now. In fact, only nine of the stations today were available when the TTC Subway line was first established.
How the TTC has evolved from when it first opened:
Early days: The TTC first opened in March of 1954, where approximately 206,000 passengers decided to try the subway out. Although this was just the beginning of success for the TTC. Later on in 1963, Toronto had its first subway expansion with the opening of the University line. The University line had altered the TTC map by forming a U-shape and made it easy for riders to travel from and to upper and downtown Toronto.
The TTC then continued to gain popularity until 1966, when the first east-west subway line, the Bloor-Danforth line, was opened. This resulted in another heavy surge in popularity as riders had even more options to get to the locations that they desired. Then in 1968, the East-West line was further extended with nine new stations being added. This expansion allowed trains to be taken to Islington and Warden and into parts of Etobicoke and Scarborough.
1970s-1990s: Throughout the 1970s, the TTC continued to expand both of its subway lines. The Yonge-University line was extended to York Mills, then Finch both of which are located at the top of the subway line. The Spadina line also opened up in 1978 on the west end of the TTC subway line. Transitioning to the 1980s, Kipling and Kennedy stations began to open in 1981. Then the Scarborough RT began to open in 1985, opening stations going from Kennedy to McCowan. Then for the rest of the 1980s and 1990s the TTC would only be tweaked minorly as it added North York Centre Station in 1987 and Downsview Station in 1996.
Early 2000s to now: In 2002, the Sheppard line opened up with the goal of linking Sheppard and Downview areas. However, the line was simplified after it was released, throughout the years. Over the next 15 years the TTC would not undergo any major changes until December 2017, where Line 1 was extended from Downsview Station (known as Sheppard West today) to the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre.
What the future has in store:
The TTC has many different subway extensions and LRT projects that are currently in the planning and construction phases. Here are each of the projects:
Graphic of proposed Eglinton Crosstown LRT, Source: Metrolinx.com
Eglinton Crosstown LRT: Depending on how everything plays out, the TTC may be able to release its biggest subway expansion since the 1960s. This expansion, known as the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, will occupy 19km of Eglinton Avenue and it will consist of 25 new stations in total. The line targets to reduce commuting time by 60%. This is one of the largest projects the TTC has conducted to date and it is unknown when construction will be completed, although it was projected to be completed by 2022 before the pandemic.
Graphic of the proposed Finch West LRT, Source: Metrolinx.com
Finch West LRT: the Finch West LRT project is a $1.2 billion dollar project that is set to create 18 different stops between Finch West station and Humber College’s North Campus. This project is currently in the pre-construction phrase and is not expected to carry passengers until 2023. It is expected to carry more than 40,000 passengers a day, while also having GO Train connections.
Graphic of the proposed Hurontario LRT, Source: Metrolinx.com
Hurontario LRT: The Hurontario LRT project is set to link Mississauga and Brampton through Hurontario St (Hwy 10). The project has a budget of $1.4 billion and targets to open in 2024. The line will contain 19 lines over 18km of total distance and will go from Port Credit GO station to Brampton Gateway Terminal. It is designed to replace the MiWay 19 Hurontario which is one of the busiest bus routes in the GTA.
Graphic of the proposed Scarborough Subway Extension, Source: Metrolinx.com
Scarborough Subway Extension: One of the smaller proposed projects, the Scarborough Subway Extension was proposed to replace the old Scarborough RT instead as an expansion of Line 2. However, with a projected cost of more than $5 billion, the project has been questioned on whether its benefits truly match up with its costs. In fact, Metrolinx released a business case study determining that the project can generate a net present value of -$2.4 billion, meaning that the project may not be as effective as once thought.
Graphic of the proposed Ontario Line, Source: Metrolinx.com
The Ontario Line: The Ontario Line is a proposed subway project that is mainly designed to relieve the overcrowding on TTC Line 1. The project will run through around 15 subway stations over a distance of 15.5km from Exhibition (Ontario Place) all the way up to the Ontario Science Centre. With a budget of $11 billion, the new line is expected to gain 389,000 daily riders and provide 17 connections to GO lines, TTC Lines 1,2,5 and multiple streetcar connections.
Yonge Subway Extension: The Yonge Subway Extension is a project that would create 6 new subway stations over a 7.4km distance. The project was proposed to expand Line 1 from Finch Station into the York Region. The project is still in its early stages and it is projected to open in 2030.
Graphic of proposed Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, Source: Metrolinx.com
Eglinton Crosstown West Extension: The Eglinton Crosstown West Extension is a project that was proposed to connect Etobicoke and Mississauga from Mount Dennis to Renforth Drive and Pearson International Airport. The line will create up to 10 new subway stops over a span of up to 14km and is expected to cost approximately $4.7 billion. This has resulted in another buildup of controversy similar to the Scarborough Line extension, as a business case conducted by Metrolinx indicates that the project can result in a loss of more than -$2.5 billion.
With main different projects set to take place over the next decade, all we can do is wait to see what the future of the TTC subway holds. Want to learn more about Toronto’s landscape? Check out some more of our blogs.
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