The TTC and the City of Toronto are opening the Scarborough Busway tomorrow, Wednesday, September 30, more than six months ahead of the originally projected date, “bringing faster, more reliable transit” to passengers.

The TTC has been testing the busway since early September to identify and correct any issues before service along the bus-only corridor begins. Buses serving many TTC routes will use the busway, offering frequent express service to accommodate the significant passenger demand that Line 3 Scarborough trains previously provided.

The TTC and City originally planned to complete the project in 2027. The busway features dedicated lanes and corridors to bypass regular traffic congestion. It replaces service along the TTC’s former Line 3 Scarborough. The transit agency ended service along Line 3 in 2023.

Since November 2023, the TTC has been operating an interim bus-replacement service with full transit priority measures — southbound along Midand Avenue and northbound along Kennedy Road — after the transit agency closed Line 3.

Starting September 30, buses will operate over about four kilometres of the former Line 3 right-of-way.

Southbound buses that operate along the busway leave Scarborough Centre Station bus terminal:

westward along Triton Road;
southward along Brimley Road; and then
westward along bus-only lanes on Ellesmere Road.

The buses then enter service roads into the former Line 3 Scarborough’s Ellesmere Station, then proceed southwards toward Kennedy Station. They stop in the former Line 3 Lawrence East Station and at a new stop at Mooregate Avenue / Tara Avenue before reaching Kennedy.

Northbound buses reverse the southbound path.

Buses that operate along the entire busway include:

• 38 Highland Creek;
• 129 McCowan North;
• 131 Nugget;
• 133 Neilson;
• 903 Kennedy Stn - Scarborough express;
• 904 Sheppard - Kennedy express;
• 938 Highland Creek express; and
• 939 Finch express.

^ Map of local routes along the Scarborough Busway. Image: TTC via Steve Munro.

^ Map of express routes along the Scarborough Busway. Image: TTC via Steve Munro.

Buses along this route also operate along the busway, but only south of Lawrence East Station:

• 154 Curran Hall.

Buses along these routes divert from their regular path to connect with the busway at Lawrence East Station:

• 54 Lawrence East; and
• 954 Lawrence East express.

^ Map of platform layout at Lawrence East Station. Image: TTC via Steve Munro.

The new bus corridor provides transit riders with faster travel options while Metrolinx works to extend Line 2 Bloor - Danforth to Sheppard Avenue East and McCowan Road. The TTC and City expect that trips between Scarborough Centre and Kennedy stations will only require 15 minutes — seven minutes less than current trips.

The former Line 3 station buildings remain closed to passengers.

Last December, the TTC and City announced that they were speeding up construction of the new roadway.

Early plans for what would eventually become Line 3 Scarborough included a stop at Tara and Mooregate avenues.

^ Possible alignments initially proposed for Scarborough RT line. Map by Frank P. Teskey; originally appeared in the Toronto Star, Wednesday, January 29, 1975.

From the Transit Toronto archives: “The Rise and Fall of the Scarborough RT,” by James Bow (reviewed by Steve Munro), here.

The TTC is operating Line 1 Yonge - University subway trains in both directions along a single track only between Vaughan Metropolitan and Finch West stations after 11 p.m. from Monday, September 28 until Thursday October 1.

During single-track operation, both south- and northbound trains may operate along a single set of tracks, while crews work on the opposite tracks. Expect delays of as long as 15 minutes at stations between Vaughan and Finch West. Trains also operate more slowly than usually between these stations.

Southbound trains entering Highway 407, Pioneer Village, York University and Finch West stations arrive on the opposite side from where they normally arrive — on the northbound platform. When you arrive at Finch West Station you’ll have to transfer trains to continue your southward trip.

All stations on this section of Line 1 remain open so you can buy or load PRESTO fare cards, buy PRESTO tickets and connect to TTC, Brampton Transit, GO Transit or York Region Transit buses.

TTC staff will be available on-site in each station to help and direct you to various services. Wheel-Trans is also available.

The TTC explains that single-track operation allows “TTC crews to complete work on the opposite track… [and in] the tunnel near York University Station. Crews will also be performing maintenance on the communications equipment at Highway 407 Station… This work is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen service reliability and support a better [passenger] experience.”

The TTC is closing Line 1 Yonge - University subway between St Clair and College stations earlier than usually, Monday September 28 until Friday, October 2. Line 1 trains operate only between Vaughan Metropolitan Centre and College stations and between Finch and St Clair stations after 11:59 p.m. those days.

Shuttle buses partially replace subway service. The buses drop off or pick up passengers at stops near each station on the closed section of the line. TTC staff are available in each to station to direct you to the shuttle-bus boarding and offloading locations.

(Or, consider a shuttle-bus alternative.)

Most stations on the closed section of Line 1 remain open so you can pay fares, buy or load a PRESTO card or PRESTO ticket and connect to TTC buses and streetcars and Line 2 Bloor - Danforth trains. However Summerhill and Rosedale stations are closed. Note that the TTC is also closing the Dundonald Street access to and from Wellesley Station after 11:59 p.m.

While this section of Line 1 is closed, TTC crews are maintaining the tracks.

According to a TTC news release, ” While most subway maintenance is completed overnight when the system is closed, some larger projects require early nightly and weekend closures to allow crews safe and uninterrupted access to complete critical infrastructure improvements.”

The TTC is closing Line 1 Yonge - University subway between Finch and Sheppard - Yonge stations from 12:01 a.m. Saturday, September 26 until the end of service Sunday, September 27. Line 1 trains operate only between Sheppard - Yonge and Vaughan Metropolitan Centre stations that day.

Shuttle buses partly replace subway service, while this section of Line 1 is closed. (Or, consider a shuttle-bus alternative.)

All stations on this section of Line 1 remain open so you can buy fares or connect with TTC Line 4 Sheppard trains and TTC, GO Transit and York Region Transit buses.

Although all shuttle buses are accessible, Wheel-Trans service is also available from all stations. Ask TTC staff in each station for information about Wheel-Trans.

While this section of Line 1 is closed, TTC crews maintaining the signals.

According to a TTC news release, “While most subway maintenance is completed overnight when the system is closed, some larger projects require early nightly and weekend closures to allow crews safe and uninterrupted access to complete critical infrastructure improvements.”

• on St. Clair Avenue West between Vaughan Road and Bathurst Street.

The transit agency explains that, “These essential repairs are part of TTC’s preventative maintenance program to ensure safe and reliable streetcar operations.”

Buses replace streetcars along these routes, while crews work in the streetcar right of way:

• 312 St Clair overnight; and
• 512 St Clair.

Buses replace the cars along both routes.

The work zone blocks bus access into St Clair West Station terminal. Buses along the replacement route and along these routes drop off or pick up passengers on the street beside the station:

• 33 Forest Hill;
• 90 Vaughan;
• 126 Christie.

Track repairs on St. Clair Avenue West between Vaughan and Bathurst and the resulting TTC service changes continue until October 3 (4 a.m.).

(Note that buses are already replacing streetcars along routes 312 / 512 west of Lansdowne Avenue during construction on the railway bridge between Keele Street / Weston Road and Old Weston Road.)

Crews work only in the track area — the centre lanes — on St. Clair West to

• saw-cut concrete;
• break and remove the old concrete;
• replace the old rail with new rail; and
• install new concrete.

The crews break and remove concrete only during daytime. However, they will conduct some activities “around-the-clock” to ensure “quality installation of new rail and concrete.”

Expect to hear noise and see lights from construction vehicles and machinery.

The City of Toronto may prohibit street parking near the work zone. And, the work zone may restrict motorists from turning onto or off of St. Clair West.

“Paid-duty” Toronto Police Service officers or flag persons may be on site to help direct pedestrians, cyclists and motorists near the work zone.

Metrolinx continues to upgrade the Stouffville rail corridor as part of the GO Expansion Program.

This Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, GO Transit is cancelling train service along the 71 Stouffville line due to construction.

GO buses replace the trains between Old Elm and Unionville GO stations and operate express — without stopping — between Unionville and Union Station Bus Terminal.

• GO buses along the 71C Uxbridge / Stouffville / Toronto route drop off or pick up passengers at all stops between Old Elm and Unionville, then proceed without stopping to Union terminal.
• GO buses along route 71E drop off or pick up passengers at all stops between Mount Joy GO Station and Unionville, then proceed without stopping to Union terminal.

GO isn’t providing any service at Milliken, Agincourt or Kennedy GO stations. Board TTC trains or buses to travel to and from those stations. York Region Transit buses also operate to and from Milliken.

Regular train service resumes Monday, September 28.

GO explains that, “During the planned service disruption on the Stouffville Line, crews will be carrying out important construction work for the Finch-Kennedy grade separation, which will support faster, more frequent service.

Crews are also rehabilitating the level crossing at Elgin Mills Road.

And, this weekend, Metrolinx crews are continuing to work in the rail corridor for the Ontario Line subway project.

GO is also replacing trains with buses along the 09 Lakeshore East line this weekend.

Metrolinx and GO plan to accommodate more passengers and increase service along the Stouffville line line, as part of the GO Expansion Program (formerly “regional express rail”).

Metrolinx continues to upgrade the Lakeshore East rail corridor as part of the GO Expansion Program.

Due to the ongoing Metrolinx construction, GO Transit trains along the 09 Lakeshore East line only operate between Durham College Oshawa and Ajax GO stations Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 25. Buses replace the trains between Ajax and Union Station. GO is also adjusting schedules late Friday, September 25.

Friday, September 25

• GO is cancelling the westbound trains that usually start their trips in Durham College Oshawa GO Station for Union at 11:09 and 11:39 p.m.

• GO buses along along the 90B Lakeshore East route replace the trains. The buses start in Oshawa at 11:15 and 11:25, drop off or pick up passengers at Whitby, Ajax and Pickering GO stations, then operate express — without stopping — to Union.

• GO is cancelling the eastbound trains that usually start in Union for Oshawa at 11:50 p.m. and 12:20 and 12:50 p.m.

• GO buses along route 90B replace the trains. The buses start in Union Station Bus Terminal at 11:55 p.m., midnight and 12:25, 12:40, 12:55 and 1 a.m., operate express to Pickering, serve passengers in Ajax and Whitby, then end in Oshawa.

• GO isn’t providing any service to Rouge Hill, Guildwood, Eglinton, Scarborough or Danforth GO stations after 11 p.m. Board TTC trains, streetcars or buses to travel to and from those stations.
• If you’re connecting to or from GO buses along the 88 Peterborough / Oshawa route in Oshawa, your connection times may be later than usual.

Saturday, September 26
Sunday, September 27

• GO trains operate hourly between Oshawa and Ajax.
• GO buses along route 90E operate between Ajax and Pickering and then express to Union terminal.
• GO isn’t providing any service to Rouge Hill, Guildwood, Eglinton, Scarborough or Danforth GO stations. Board TTC trains, streetcars or buses to travel to and from those stations.

Regular service resumes Monday, September 28.

GO says that this weekend crews are “carrying out important construction work and necessary maintenance along the corridor to expand GO and build the future Ontario Line subway.”

GO is also replacing trains with buses along the 71 Stouffville line this weekend.

Metrolinx and GO plan to accommodate more passengers and increase service along the Lakeshore East line, as part of the GO Expansion Program (formerly “regional express rail”).

The TTC is closing Line 1 Yonge - University subway between St Clair and College stations earlier than usually, Monday September 21 until Thursday, September 24. Line 1 trains operate only between Vaughan Metropolitan Centre and College stations and between Finch and St Clair stations after 11:59 p.m. those days.

Shuttle buses partially replace subway service. The buses drop off or pick up passengers at stops near each station on the closed section of the line. TTC staff are available in each to station to direct you to the shuttle-bus boarding and offloading locations.

(Or, consider a shuttle-bus alternative.)

Most stations on the closed section of Line 1 remain open so you can pay fares, buy or load a PRESTO card or PRESTO ticket and connect to TTC buses and streetcars and Line 2 Bloor - Danforth trains. However Summerhill and Rosedale stations are closed. Note that the TTC is also closing the Dundonald Street access to and from Wellesley Station after 11:59 p.m.

While this section of Line 1 is closed, TTC crews are maintaining the tracks.

According to a TTC news release, “While most subway maintenance is completed overnight when the system is closed, some larger projects require early nightly and weekend closures to allow crews safe and uninterrupted access to complete critical infrastructure improvements.”

(Updated — Tuesday, September 22, 8:32 a.m.) The TTC is advising passengers that, from starting 9 p.m. Monday, September 21 until 4 a.m. Tuesday, September 22 and continuing overnight nightly, it’s detouring streetcars along these routes between Roncesvalles Avenue / King Street West and Shaw Street:

• 301 Queen overnight; and
• 501 Queen.

The transit agency says it’s detouring the cars “due to hydro work,” but has not announced the exact site where crews are working. However, the work zone is likely at or near the intersection of Queen West with Abell Street.

(In fact, Toronto Hydro contractors are working to upgrade underground power-supply infrastructure between Gladstone and Lisgar avenues, blocking the eastbound traffic lanes.)

Shuttle buses replace the cars between Roncesvalles / King West and Shaw.

Hydro work at Queen West / Abell and the resulting TTC detours continue until October 15 (4 a.m.)

While the streetcars are detouring during Toronto Hydro work near Abell Street, TTC crews are repairing the rail and concrete

• on Queen Street West between Sorauren and Brock avenues.

Crews start working Monday, September 21 near Brock and continue to progress along the street toward Sorauren.

The transit agency explains that, “These essential repairs are part of TTC’s preventative maintenance program to ensure safe and reliable streetcar operations.”

Crews work only in the track area — the centre lanes — on Queen West to

• saw-cut concrete;
• break and remove the old concrete;
• replace the old rail with new rail; and
• install new concrete.

Traffic continues to flow in both directions along the curb lanes.

The crews break and remove concrete during daytime. However, they will conduct some activities “around-the-clock” to ensure “quality installation of new rail and concrete.”

Expect to hear noise and see lights from construction vehicles and machinery.

The City of Toronto may prohibit street parking near the work zone. And, the work zone may restrict motorists from turning onto or off of Queen West.

“Paid-duty” Toronto Police Service officers or flag persons may be on site to help direct pedestrians, cyclists and motorists near the work zone.

• Yonge Street, northbound lanes, north and south of Pleasant Boulevard and
• Pleasant Boulevard, eastbound lanes, east of Yonge Street

to accommodate contractors who are repaving the roadways after recent sewer construction.

The work zone restricts southbound traffic on Yonge from turning left onto eastbound Pleasant and westbound traffic on Pleasant from turning right onto northbound Yonge.

The TTC is detouring buses along this route, while the traffic lanes are closed:

• 97 Yonge.

Construction at Yonge / Pleasant and the resulting TTC detours continue until September 25.

Metrolinx continues upgrading the 31 Kitchener line as part of the GO Expansion Program.

Due to the residual effects of last weekend’s construction, GO continues to adjust schedules for trains along the 31 Kitchener line, Monday, September 21 and Tuesday, September 22.

Monday, September 21:

• Trains arrive in and leave stations as much as ten minutes earlier or later than usually.
• The eastbound train that usually starts its trip Bramalea GO Station for Union Station at 9:56 a.m. won’t stop in Etobicoke North GO Station.
• The westbound train that usually starts in Union at 4:05 p.m. for Bramalea won’t stop in Etobicoke North.

Tuesday, September 22:

• Trains arrive in and leave stations as much as ten minutes earlier or later than usually.

Regular service resumes Wednesday, September 23.

Metrolinx and GO plan to accommodate more passengers and increase service along the Kitchener line, as part of their GO Expansion Program (formerly “regional express rail”).

The TTC is closing Line 1 Yonge - University subway between Sheppard - Yonge and St Clair stations Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20. Line 1 trains operate only between Vaughan Metropolitan Centre and College stations and between Finch and St Clair stations those days.

Shuttle buses partially replace subway service. The buses drop off or pick up passengers at stops near each station on the closed section of the line. TTC staff are available in each to station to direct you to the shuttle-bus boarding and offloading locations.

(Or, consider a shuttle-bus alternative.)

Most stations on the closed section of Line 1 remain open so you can pay fares, buy or load a PRESTO card or PRESTO ticket and connect to TTC buses and streetcars and Line 2 Bloor - Danforth trains. However Summerhill and Rosedale stations are closed. Note also that the TTC is also closing the Dundonald Street access to and from Wellesley Station after 11:59 p.m.

While this section of Line 1 is closed, TTC crews are maintaining the tracks.

According to a TTC news release, “While most subway maintenance is completed overnight when the system is closed, some larger projects require early nightly and weekend closures to allow crews safe and uninterrupted access to complete critical infrastructure improvements.”

The TTC is closing this section of Line 1 at least once more during September:

• Monday, September 21 until Friday, September 25 — St Clair to College — close early — track work.

Now, the City of Markham is closing Proctor between Bayview and Henderson avenues to accommodate water-main construction.

Starting Monday, September 21, YRT is further detouring the buses.

Construction on Proctor Avenue and the resulting YRT detour continue until October 2.

A full slate of street festivals fills the agenda this weekend, resulting in many detours for transit services throughout the Greater Toronto Area, including the Roncesvalles Polish Festival and the Toronto Ukrainian Festival in central Toronto.

Other weekend events affecting transit services take place in Brampton, the Brooklin area of Whitby, Burlington, the Cooksville area of Mississauga, the East York area of Toronto, Hamilton, the North York area of Toronto and Oshawa.