Link to TTCriders report: www.ttcriders.ca/line3report
(Toronto, ON) -- A new report from transit user group TTCriders warns that the majority of Scarborough RT users are not aware that Line 3 will close permanently in 2023. The group is calling for urgent action to prevent Scarborough residents getting stuck on replacement shuttle buses for 7+ years before a planned subway replacement opens.
“Politicians must act now to keep Scarborough connected by installing bus lanes on the street and transforming the decommissioned Line 3 corridor into a rapid busway with frequent service to match current SRT service levels,” said TTCriders spokesperson Zain Khurram. “Premier Ford and Mayor Tory owe it to Scarborough to invest in these solutions now because we’ll be riding buses between Scarborough Town Centre and Kennedy Station for at least seven years. Seven years of replacement buses is unfair and unacceptable!"
The group says that the provincial government should foot the bill for additional buses, operations funding for frequent service, and free transfers between the TTC and GO network to immediately create more rapid transit options in Scarborough. The TTC Board will vote soon on options to replace the Scarborough RT.
KEY REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Transform the decommissioned Line 3 (SRT) corridor into a rapid busway with green space for walking and cycling;
- Implement transit priority measures like bus-only lanes and traffic signal priority for any segments of on-street replacement bus service;
- Subsidize free transfers between GO Transit and TTC;
- Include a cycle track alongside the bus replacement service in the SRT corridor;
- Fully fund the Eglinton East LRT and expand Scarborough’s rapid transit network;
- Keep the corridor and concrete structures in public hands so this historic Scarborough landmark can be used for public-use infrastructure.
KEY REPORT FINDINGS & BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
- Of nearly 300 Scarborough residents surveyed by TTCriders at transit stops in the summer of 2021, 63% were not aware that Line 3 is closing in 2023. 91% support keeping the SRT corridor for bus travel and other community uses.
- TTC staff recommended a 2023 SRT closure in February, 2021.
- The $4.4 billion Eglinton East LRT would connect Kennedy Station to Malvern via Centennial College and the University of Toronto - Scarborough Campus, but is not fully funded. The City of Toronto has allocated $1.2 billion to the line.
- In 2019, Premier Ford announced a change in alignment and added two stops to the planned Scarborough subway extension, which delayed its opening until at least 2029.
QUOTES:
“Scarborough needs a more modern, rapid transit option to connect our community to the TTC network with more than just buses. The Eglinton East LRT would connect Kennedy Station to Malvern via Centennial College and the University of Toronto – Scarborough Campus. The City of Toronto has committed $1.2 billion to the project and with the support of the Provincial and Federal governments, construction could begin as early as 2022 and be completed in 4-6 years. It’s time to make Scarborough a transit priority and Keep Scarborough Connected!”
- Councillor Paul Ainslie, Ward 24 - Scarborough-Guildwood
“Premier Ford and Mayor Tory both promised to connect Scarborough students to Kennedy Station with the Eglinton East LRT, but now we’re being left with even less transit than before. All levels of government must commit to funding the Eglinton East LRT, and acting now to mitigate the impact of the Line 3 Scarborough closure in 2023.”
- Sarah Abdillahi, President, Scarborough Campus Students’ Union
"Scarborough residents will need safe transportation options during the Line 3 SRT shutdown without adding more cars to the road. Taking a complete streets approach to connect Scarborough Town Centre and Kennedy Station will give people viable options while the corridor is under construction and beyond, with the ability to walk or bike safely for some of their trips. In addition to its practicality, transforming the SRT corridor to include a walking and cycling trail would create an attractive outdoor destination for Scarborough residents that enhances the public realm and helps people to stay active outdoors."
- Kevin Rupasinghe, Campaigns Manager, Cycle Toronto
“Politicians must act now to keep Scarborough connected by installing bus lanes on the street and transforming the decommissioned RT corridor into a rapid busway with frequent service to match current SRT service levels. Premier Ford and Mayor Tory owe it to Scarborough to invest now in solutions like free TTC-GO transfers and bus service because we’ll be riding buses between Scarborough Town Centre and Kennedy Station for at least seven years, which is unfair and unacceptable."
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Link to TTCriders report: www.ttcriders.ca/line3report