Toronto set to open new elevated Scarborough busway by end of September
On Thursday, the Toronto Transit Commission announced it would open the busway on Sept. 30, noting the project is on track to wrap up half a year earlier than originally scheduled.
Toronto's transit agency, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), is set to open a new elevated Scarborough busway by the end of September, according to the city's mayor, Olivia Chow. The project, which completes the transformation of a decommissioned subway line, is projected to save riders an average of over an hour each week and provide free transportation for many on most evenings and weekends.
Mayor Chow praised the busway, stating that it would provide faster and more affordable transit for Scarborough residents. The TTC had been considering alternatives to the abandoned Scarborough RT following a derailment in summer 2023. Converting the old rail infrastructure into a busway was favored by the city hall, as buses on the new route would reach Scarborough Town Centre seven minutes quicker than if they were forced to travel through traffic.
Initially, there were concerns about the plan being over budget, unfunded, and taking three years to complete. However, the city later announced that the TTC had been able to speed up construction, with the route now set to open in September 2026 instead of 2027. TTC Chair Jamaal Myers emphasized the importance of the Busway in providing high-quality, reliable transit service for Scarborough's residents.
The four-kilometre route will run along the old Scarborough RT line and is estimated to take 15 minutes to travel from one end to the other.
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