Toronto set to open new elevated Scarborough busway by end of September

Toronto residents are set to benefit from improved public transit as the city's transit agency announces the early opening of its new elevated busway along the former Scarborough Rapid Transit (RT) line. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) confirmed the busway will open on September 30, a date that comes six months earlier than initially projected.

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Scarborough residents are getting faster, more affordable transit.

Mayor Olivia Chow highlighted the significant advantages for commuters, stating, "Scarborough residents are getting faster, more affordable transit." She anticipates that over 118,000 weekly riders will save more than an hour on their journeys using the new busway. The initiative aligns with upcoming fare capping policies, which will make evenings and weekends free for eligible full-time workers using the TTC.

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By September 30, more than 118,000 riders each week will save over an hour travelling on the speedy Busway. With fare capping also coming into effect in September, the more you ride, the less you pay. Most evenings and weekends will be free for people who work five days a week and take the TTC.

The conversion of the decommissioned Scarborough RT, which was permanently shut down after a derailment in July 2023, into a busway was a favored alternative by city hall. Staff projected that buses using the old rail corridor would reach Scarborough Town Centre seven minutes faster than if they navigated regular traffic. Despite initial concerns about the project's budget and timeline, the TTC managed to accelerate construction.

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Transit riders in Scarborough deserve high-quality, reliable transit service that works for them.

TTC chair Jamaal Myers emphasized the importance of reliable transit for Scarborough commuters, noting, "The Busway will serve thousands of TTC customers while the subway extension is being completed and will continue to expand and enhance transit in the city." The four-kilometer busway runs along the route of the old Scarborough RT, with a journey from one end to the other expected to take approximately 15 minutes. This development offers a crucial transit solution during the ongoing construction of the subway extension.

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The Busway will serve thousands of TTC customers while the subway extension is being completed and will continue to expand and enhance transit in the city.