Upgrades to TTC streetcar power system on Queens Quay and Fleet Street start Sept. 3

Starting Sept. 3, the TTC will begin modernizing the streetcar power network on Queens Quay and Fleet St. Spanning almost three kilometres between the Harbourfront Tunnel and Strachan Ave., the project will involve the replacement and reconfiguration of overhead wires, as well as upgrades to the underground power systems along the corridor.

The approximately four-month project will be completed in stages, involving changes to streetcar service and the use of bus replacements. As part of the plan, harbourfront streetcars will be restored for Taylor Swift concert dates in November, with increased service on multiple routes to accommodate an influx of visitors to Toronto.

When complete early next year, streetcars along Queens Quay and Fleet St. will use an optimized and improved pantograph overhead contact system that is fully compatible with the TTC’s modern and growing fleet, enhancing the reliability of service along the waterfront. This work is part of a larger power upgrade program that included work on Spadina and St. Clair avenues this year.

“As a city, we are investing over $200 million to expand the TTC’s fleet of fully accessible low-floor streetcars,” said Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow. “The work being done along Queens Quay and Fleet Street is integral to ensuring that the right infrastructure is in place to run these streetcars, and to deliver a safe and reliable TTC service for many years to come.”

“While there will be some short-term adjustments for riders who use the Queens Quay streetcar, the modernization work is essential for ensuring a more reliable and efficient service,” said TTC Chair Jamaal Myers. “As we expand the TTC’s fleet of new, low-floor streetcars to meet the needs of a growing ridership, these upgrades are crucial for maintaining a high level of service along the waterfront.”

“Thanks to the configuration of the Queens Quay streetcar right-of-way, eastbound replacement buses on part of the route can operate there, maintaining more consistent travel times,” said TTC CEO Rick Leary. “I want to acknowledge and thank the hardworking TTC crews and engineers who will be working day and night to ensure this project is completed quickly and with minimal disruption. We certainly appreciate the understanding and patience of our customers during this period of necessary upgrades.”

The first stage of the work, between the Harbourfront Tunnel and Spadina Ave. will start on Tues., Sep. 3 until early October. During this time buses will replace 509 Harbourfront streetcars between Union Station and Exhibition Place. Eastbound buses will operate within the Queens Quay streetcar right-of-way from Spadina Ave. to York St., while westbound buses will serve curbside stops. At Union Station, customers will take the 509 Harbourfront replacement buses at street stops located on Bay St. at Front St.

The second stage of work will commence in early October. This stage will focus on completing the upgrades between Spadina Ave. and Bathurst St. During this period, 509 Harbourfront streetcar service will be restored between Union Station and Spadina Ave. A modified branch of 510 Spadina replacement buses will be extended west, and serve stops between Spadina Ave. and Exhibition Place.

Beginning in November through early 2025, a third stage of work will complete overhead work west of Bathurst St. along Fleet Street. During this phase of work, 509 Harbourfront streetcar service will continue to operate between Union Station and Spadina Ave., and 511 Bathurst streetcars will be extended to run along Queens Quay to Union Station.

A project page with information and updates is available at https://www.ttc.ca/about-the-ttc/projects-and-plans/Queens-Quay---overhead-upgrades 

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