TTC canceling weekend subway closure, deploying extra bus service for winter storm

The TTC is canceling the planned weekend subway closure and is adding extra bus service to key routes across the city as a winter storm is forecast to arrive in Toronto tonight.

Regular weekend subway service will run on Line 1 and approximately 50 additional buses will be called into action tonight and into Saturday. This will ensure a good level of service is maintained during the storm and its aftermath. Torontonians needing to travel during the storm are encouraged to use transit to reach their destination safely and reliably.

The TTC is prioritizing the extra buses on 11 routes and corridors that see higher ridership on weekends. The corridors offer essential connections to shopping and medical facilities and are primarily located in Neighbourhood Improvement Areas, where public transit is the sole means of transportation for many people.

Corridors and routes that are being prioritized are primarily in Scarborough, the west end of Toronto and North York. Corridors include Jane St., Finch Ave. W, Dufferin St., Lawrence Ave. east and west, and Markham Road among others.A full list will be available at ttc.ca

The following additional measures, part of the TTC’s enhanced Severe Weather Plan, will also be implemented:

• Line 3 Scarborough SRT will run until 7 p.m. this evening before being replaced by bus shuttle service. Storm trains will operate overnight to keep the tracks clear, allowing the line to open as soon as possible tomorrow. Customers will be notified when full SRT service resumes.
• Forty-one bus stops located in hilly areas were taken out of service early this afternoon. The full list is available at https://www.ttc.ca/riding-the-ttc/Updates/Service-changes-in-the-event-of-winter-weather/Stops-out-of-service
• Anti-icing and snow clearing protocols are in place in all bus, streetcar and subway divisions.
• Some subway trains will be stored in tunnels along the main lines to avoid issues getting out of the yards.
• The entire streetcar overhead network and vehicles have been treated with an anti-icing application. Should any issues arise on 512 St Clair, the route will be serviced with replacement buses.
• Private contractor tow trucks are ready to assist with any trapped vehicles and the TTC’s fleet of snow-clearing equipment will be deployed as conditions progress.
• The TTC will stay in regular communication with the City to ensure crews are aware of issues on transit routes.
• Social media and web updates will be pushed out frequently to keep customers informed.

As always, the TTC is committed to safe and reliable service in the most extreme weather, but operations can be impacted by adverse road conditions.

Customers are advised to follow @TTCNotices on Twitter or check ttc.ca for updates and to leave extra time for their trips if conditions are particularly bad.