Most residents understand that the city needs to maintain and construct new infrastructure to keep the lights on and water running and to get residents to work and back. However, Torontonians rightfully expect this work to be done properly, quickly, on budget and with as minimal disruption to their lives as possible.
I requested TTC CEO Andy Byford to meet our expectations when he recently informed me that the Yonge subway line would require a temporary closure between St. Clair and Eglinton stations for track repairs within the next year or two.
Given that this closure would shut down a portion of our city’s busiest transit route, it has the potential to affect thousands of transit riders. It is absolutely imperative that the TTC is fully prepared well in advance to accommodate everyone who needs to travel in the area.
In a letter to Mr. Byford, I urged him to proactively take the substantive steps necessary to keep Toronto moving. I have asked him to consider whether the track work could be done overnight and on weekends or, at the very least, in August, when fewer people are working. I also asked him to consider whether a complete shutdown is necessary.
With transportation capacity significantly reduced, I have asked the TTC to explore whether prioritizing shuttle buses (perhaps with shuttle bus-only lanes) is a feasible option. I have requested the strategy the TTC develops to be open and transparent and include residents’ feedback.
Toronto does not have to grind to a halt during this temporary subway track closure as long as the TTC works with us all proactively to address the situation.