TTC prepared for snowfall and low temps – urges motorists to avoid blocking streetcars

The TTC is prepared for afternoon snowfall today and the potential for a wintry mix with low temperatures into the weekend.

As the city braces for challenging weather conditions, the TTC reminds motorists that all streets with streetcar tracks are designated City of Toronto snow routes and subject to parking restrictions. In recent weeks there have been dozens of incidents where cars parked against snowbanks have blocked streetcars, leading to delays, diversions, and inconvenience for thousands of customers. Motorists are encouraged to leave their cars at home and take transit to get around the city.

As the weather moves in, the TTC is taking proactive measures to safely get those who need to travel to and from their destinations. Extra TTC employees and maintenance vehicles have been deployed throughout the system spreading salt and clearing surfaces of snow, keeping signals, switches, and overhead power operating, and attending to any weather-related challenges.

The TTC will be actively monitoring 56 local bus stops in areas where heavy snow and freezing rain are known to impact bus service. Some individual stops serve multiple local bus routes. Customers are advised to check if their bus stop is in service before they travel by visiting: https://www.ttc.ca/riding-the-ttc/Updates/Service-changes-in-the-event-of-winter-weather. QR codes displayed on signs at each of the 56 stops allow customers to check in real-time if their stop is in service.

Other measures to ensure service continuity include:

• Running anti-icing trains to keep the power rail and tracks clear of snow and ice.

   

• Spraying anti-icing on the entire streetcar overhead network, as well as on the ground at all bus, streetcar, and subway divisions, to ensure our vehicles can operate safely.

   

• 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.

The TTC is committed to providing a safe and reliable service in the most extreme weather, but operations can be impacted by road conditions.

Customers are advised to follow @TTCNotices on X or visit www.ttc.ca for updates, and to allow extra travel time in bad weather.