The future of TTC’s Line 3 Scarborough (SRT)

 

Transit and Rail Planning Assessment Process (TRPAP)

The Notice of Completion (PDF) of the Environmental Project Report for the Line 3 Busway has been issued. The Environmental Project Report is available for a 30-day public review period from October 3 to November 4, 2024. View the EPR in the Environmental Project Report by clicking here. Interested persons can provide written comments and questions regarding interim bus replacement plan directly to the project’s Senior Community Liaison, Arjun Sahota via e-mail, arjun.sahota@ttc.ca. 

There are circumstances where the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has the authority to require further consideration of the project or impose conditions on it. These included if the Minister is of the opinion that:

  • The project may have a negative impact on a matter of provincial importance that relates to the natural environment or has cultural heritage value or interest; or,
  • The project may have a negative impact on a constitutionally protected Aboriginal or treaty right.

Before exercising the authority referred to above, the Minister is required to consider any written objections to the project that they may receive within 30 days after the Notice of Completion of the Environmental Project Report is published.

If you have discussed your issues with the proponent and object to the identified change to the project, you can provide a written submission to the Minster of the Environment, Conservation and Parks no later than November 4, 2024 to the address provided below. All submissions must clearly indicate that an objection is being submitted and describe any negative impacts to matters of provincial importance (natural/cultural environment) or Aboriginal rights.

Environmental Assessment Branch
Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
135 St. Clair Avenue West
Toronto ON M4V 1P5
Attention: Cindy Batista, Special Project Officer
Tel: 416-314-8001/1-800-461-6290
Fax: 416-314-8452
Email: EABDirector@ontario.ca
If not already provided, a copy of the objection will be forwarded to the proponent by the ministry.

 

Scarborough Busway (Line 3 Bus Replacement)

The Line 3 Busway is a proposal to construct a dedicated bus corridor serving as a replacement for the Toronto Transit Commission's Line 3 Scarborough Rapid Transit system, which was decommissioned in 2023. The Busway is intended to provide continuous and reliable bus service in Scarborough.

Key Details about the Line 3 Busway:

  • Route: The Busway will operate along a 4-kilometere area of former Line 3 right-of-way, following the same general route as the former Line 3 train service. This route will begin at Kennedy Station, stopping at Tara Avenue/Mooregate Avenue, Lawrence East Station, and Ellesmere Station. At Ellesmere Station, buses will depart the Busway, using Ellesmere Road’s priority bus infrastructure to connect to Scarborough Town Centre.

  • Dedicated Infrastructure: The Busway will operate on dedicated lanes or corridors, designed to avoid regular traffic congestion, ensuring faster and more reliable transit times for passengers.

  • Service: Multiple TTC bus routes will utilize the busway, providing frequent express eservice to accommodate the significant passenger demand that previously relied on Line 3 train service.

  • Passenger Experience: Although buses typically have a lower capacity than the Line 3 trains, the TTC will continue to have an increased frequency of bus service to manage the higher ridership demand, aiming to minimize disruptions for commuters.

The Line 3 Busway is an important project, bringing meaningful improvements to surface network transit in Scarborough, and creating more transit options in eastern Scarborough by connecting to other rapid transit services.

 

Background

In July 2023, the TTC decommissioned service on Line 3, SRT. An on-street bus replacement service is now operating southbound via Midland Avenue and northbound via Kennedy Road between Scarborough Centre and Kennedy stations. The interim bus replacement plan not only addresses Line 3's reliability issues but also allows the TTC to deliver AODA compliant service. The transit priority measures that have been implemented include: dedicated, red-painted bus lanes; transit signal priority; and adjustments to curbs, pavement markings, and turn restrictions at key locations.

Service Update Effective February 18, 2024

The official Line 3 On-street Bus Replacement Plan with full transit priority measures and full priority routing went into effect on November 19, 2023. The Line 3 Bus Replacement Plan reduces travel times and improves the quality of service for customers travelling between Kennedy and Scarborough Centre stations. Learn more about all of the service changes regarding the Line 3 Bus Replacement Plan here.

As of February 18, 2024, the north side of Kennedy Station’s Platform A has been closed for construction related to Metrolinx’s Scarborough Subway Extension project. Most routes using bus bays on the north side of Platform A will be reassigned to new bus bays on the east side of Platform B. For more information and full details of the changes coming to Platform A, click here.

  • Consultation - Line 3 Bus Replacement Plan (2020 - 2021)

    The consultation:

    • Provided detailed information about bus service alternatives as well as the traffic impact and mitigating measures
    • Received customer and community input to inform alternatives for bus service in the SRT corridor for 2023-2030 to optimize implementation; and,
    • Reported back to customers and the community to explain how their input improved planning, including through a report to the TTC Board in April 2021.

    Round 1 engagement summaries

    Round 2 engagement summaries

    On April 14, 2022, the TTC Board directed staff to proceed with Options 1 and Options 4 of the proposed plans. Details are available below:

    Option 1 Hybrid Line 3 Right-of-Way. This is the recommended option. Parts of the existing Line 3 right-of-way, between Ellesmere and Kennedy stations, will be converted into a busway for buses to operate exclusively on. This will take up to two years to construct after the closing of the trains on Line 3.

    Option 4 Kennedy and Midland Couplet. This is recommended as the interim option while the busway option is constructed. Buses would operate southbound via Midland and northbound via Kennedy between Scarborough Centre and Kennedy stations.

  • Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities (AODA)

    TTC has a strong organizational commitment to make Toronto’s transit system accessible and providing universal benefits to the millions of customers who use TTC annually.

    Four of the six Line 3 stations were not accessible. The bus replacement plan not only addresses Line 3's reliability issues, it provides AODA-compliant service and ensures AODA standards are met, providing accessible transportation options for riders in this corridor of the city.

    With the end of Line 3 train service and the move to on-street bus replacement service, all stops and the connection between Kennedy and Scarborough Centre stations are accessible.

    Read more about the TTC’s Accessible Transit Services Plan

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    SRT Operations 

    What were the key challenges to keep the SRT running safely to 2030?

    There were a number of challenges in keeping the SRT running, which is why it was decommissioned in 2023. The key challenges included:

    • Aging vehicles: The SRT vehicles were designed to be retired in 2010. They operated over 10 years past their design life of 25 years.

    • Maintenance reliability: The SRT vehicles became increasingly more difficult to maintain. Reliability degraded, and parts are becoming were becoming difficult to find.

    • Service reliability: The SRT's service was reduced by 50% from peak in the Fall of 2020 due to technical issues. There were limited spare trains, which are unable to maintain reliable service standards and continue to make service reliability vulnerable.

    • Inclement weather: The SRT was susceptible to inclement weather including overheating in the summer and service suspension in the winter due to snow and ice.

    • Accessibility: All TTC stations and vehicles must be AODA compliant by 2025. Lawrence East, Ellesmere, Midland and McCowan stations were not barrier-free and not included in the capital plan to receive accessibility upgrades.

    • Cost: The overhaul to keep the SRT safely running until 2030 was estimated to cost over $520 million, this was unfunded. This was the bare minimum and would not have guaranteed reliable service.

     

    What is the process to convert sections of the SRT into a busway?
    The TTC in partnership with the City of Toronto is currently seeking provincial funding for the construction of the Busway.  Negotiations are expected to conclude by June 2024. The TTC will report back on the outcome of negotiations and the status of funding, and if necessary, on options for consideration to fund the Busway’s construction.

    Has the TTC secured the outstanding funds for the SRT busway, when will the project be completed? 
    Toronto City Council approved funds to construct the Line 3 Busway on February 14, 2024. The TTC intends to begin construction on the Line 3 Busway in 2025, and have the Busway begin operation in 2027.

    Transit Service

    What routes have changed since SRT service was discontinued? 

    The following major bus routes have been adjusted, extending from Scarborough Centre to Kennedy Station:

    • 38 Highland Creek – currently Scarborough Centre Station to University of Toronto Scarborough Campus, through the Rouge Hill community to Rouge Hill GO Station

    • 129 McCowan North – currently Scarborough Centre Station to Steeles Avenue and into York Region

    • 131 Nugget – currently Scarborough Centre Station to Malvern Town Centre and Morningside Avenue

    • 133 Neilson – currently Scarborough Centre Station to Centenary Hospital, Malvern Town Centre, and Finch Avenue East

    • 903 Scarborough Express – Kennedy Station to Centennial College via Progress Avenue and Kennedy Road

    • 939A/B Finch Express – currently Scarborough Centre Station to Finch Station and Finch West Station

    • 954 Lawrence East Express – from Lawrence East Station to Starspray Loop via Lawrence Avenue East, extended to Kennedy Station via Midland and/or Kennedy

    • 985A Sheppard East Express – from Scarborough Centre Station to Don Mills Station

    These buses run express from Scarborough Centre Station to Kennedy Station, all routes serving an intermediate stop at Lawrence Avenue East. The buses operate via transit priority measures on Midland Avenue, Ellesmere Road, and Kennedy Road.

    Does on-street bus service mimic the SRT schedule? (First train, last train and headways?)

    The bus replacement service is operating the same hours as Line 3, from approximately 6 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. on all days. The bus replacement plan offers headways at better than 1 minute during peak periods, and up to 2 minutes in the late evening period.

    Which Line 3/SRT stations permanently closed in 2023?

    Kennedy Station and Scarborough Centre Station remain open for buses. The remaining four stations are permanently closed, and customers are being served by buses on street.

    I live near a former SRT station. How do I access transit now?

    The buses are running express from Scarborough Centre Station to Kennedy Station, with all of the routes serving an intermediate stop at Lawrence Avenue East and Ellesmere Road.

    For customers near Ellesmere Station, the 95 York Mills bus will continue to serve Ellesmere Road, and north-south bus routes on Kennedy (43) to Scarborough Centre (B branch only) and Kennedy Station, and Midland (57) to Kennedy Station.

    Customers near Midland Station can use the 43B Kennedy to reach Scarborough Centre Station, and the 43B Kennedy and 57 Midland to reach Kennedy Station.

    Customers near Lawrence East Station will continue to be served by 54 Lawrence East and 954 Lawrence East Express. To reach Kennedy Station, customers can use 43 Kennedy and 57 Midland. To reach Scarborough Centre, customers can use 43B Kennedy.

    Customers at McCowan Station are a short walk to Scarborough Centre Station where frequent bus service to Kennedy Station is available. Customers around McCowan Station will continue to be served by 9 Bellamy, 16 McCowan, and 134 Progress.

    Customer/Community Experience

    I am a former SRT transit customer, how has my trip changed as I am now on a bus?

    The updated bus routes are saving our customers the transfer in their journey at Scarborough Centre Station and offer more reliable service. Travel time change that has occurred is captured in the graphic below.

    Graphic showing that travel time from Malvern Station to Kennedy Station will take up to 48 minutes by bus when the SRT is decommissioned, versus the current travel time of 40 minutes 

    Do the additional buses create added congestion and pollution?

    The TTC is purchasing hybrid buses in a commitment to greening our fleet and some of these vehicles will operate in this corridor. These eco-friendly vehicles incorporate hybrid technology and run off power generated onboard that is fueled by diesel engines. Though the vehicles are still using fuel to produce energy, they consume up to 30 per cent less than other non-hybrid buses.

    Is there a possibility of widening the RT corridor to allow for uses such as cycling, since some sections will already need to be widened?

    The TTC is a committed partner to ensuring all active modes of travel are considered and will review the potential opportunities of pursuing cycling facilities as a separate initiative and engage with the stakeholders concurrent to the existing project. Based on the current assessment of the corridor, there simply is not enough space between Ellesmere and Lawrence stations to incorporate cycling facilities within the existing transit right of way. The TTC’s main priority at this time is to minimize the time in which customers are without a fast and efficient higher-order transit connection. 

    Kennedy Station Parking-Lot Closures

    Where am I supposed to park now?
    The nearest commuter parking is available at Warden Station North Commuter Lot (920 spaces) and Victoria park Station Commuter Lot (173 spaces).

    Why is this lot being closed early?
    The north commuter lot was planned to be closed in 2024 for CreateTO development. To address safety and congestion concerns in the bus terminal, it is necessary to retire approximately 200 parking spaces early and convert the parking into a layover area until the opening of the second terminal, currently under construction at the site of the former south commuter parking lot.

    Will parking become available again at Kennedy Station?
    No. Commuter parking will no longer be available at Kennedy Station after August 21, 2023.

  • News Releases, Reports & Community Updates

    February 4, 2021:

    TTC Board to discuss options for continued service along the Scarborough Rapid Transit Corridor

    February, 10, 2021:

    TTC Board approves decommissioning of the SRT in 2023 and providing safe and accessible interim bus service until the Scarborough Subway Extension (SSE) is opened by the Province of Ontario in 2030.

    September 15, 2021:

    The TTC Board approved received a report containing the evaluation framework to assess replacement service options.

    April 14, 2022:

    Line 3 Bus Replacement Study Final Recommendations report.

    April 14, 2022:

    Line 3 Bus Replacement Study Final Recommendations presentation to the TTC Board.

    May 8, 2023:

    Line 3 Bus Replacement Community Update - May 2023

    May 24, 2023:

    TTC opens its doors to transit history

    August 24, 2023:

    TTC, City improving Line 3 Scarborough bus shuttle routes as train service set to permanently end

    September 21, 2023:

     

    September 26, 2023:

     

    November 16, 2023:

     

    December 11, 2023:

    Line 3 Busway Community Consultation Presentation

    Line 3 Busway Community Consultation Summary Notes - Round One Public Consultation

    December 15, 2023:

    Consultant Report – Systra Canada – Independent Review – Report SRT Line 3 Incident

    January 25, 2024:

    Scarborough Rapid Transit (SRT) Line 3 Bus Replacement and Busway Status Update to TTC Board

  • Service Changes and Update

    November 19, 2023:

    Line 3 Bus Replacement Plan takes effect Sunday, November 19

    October 8, 2023:

    903 Kennedy-Scarborough Centre Express
    954 Lawrence East Express

    September 3, 2023:

    903 Kennedy-Scarborough Centre Express service service replaces Line 3 shuttle buses

    McCowan Station closed
     Ellesmere Station closed 
    Midland Station closed 
     Lawrence East Station closed

    August 24, 2023:

    TTC Confirms Train Service on Line 3 will not restart following July 24 derailment

    August 21, 2023:

    Kennedy Station Commuter Lot – Parking Reduction

    October 9, 2022:

    Important GO Transit, TOK and Megabus service changes

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