Toronto city staff are considering scaling back plans to install priority bus lanes on Dufferin and Bathurst streets, according to a new report, as backlash from local businesses continues to grow.
The report comes from the General Manager of Transportation Services, and recommends installing bus lanes on sections of Dufferin between Bloor Street West and King Street West, scrapping previous plans to extend the lanes further north to Eglinton Avenue West.
In addition, the report recommends installing priority streetcar lanes on Burthurst from Bathurst Station to Lake Shore Boulevard. Original RapidTO plans also included installing bus lanes from Eglinton Avenue West to Bloor Street West.
This new plan for Bathurst will impact the 511 streetcar which serves more than 15,000 daily riders. According to the report, commute times in the morning for riders are 82 per cent longer than it would be by driving the same distance.
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As for Dufferin, the lanes would be used for the 29 and 929 bus routes which serve over 40,000 daily riders, with commute times being 65 per cent longer than it would be by driving during weekday morning and evening hours.
The plans to install bus lanes on both Bathurst and Dufferin were being carried ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to help speed up travel times and reduce congestion, as people travel to and from the games at Exhibition Place and events in the surrounding areas.
@nowtoronto TTC riders are reacting to the city’s plan to install rapid bus lanes on Dufferin St. #TTC #Dufferin ♬ original sound – Now Toronto
While the plan was met with open arms from transit advocates, it faced intense backlash from local businesses owners along the corridors who feared that the removal of on-street parking would lead to less foot traffic and business.
Groups known as ‘Protect Bathurst’ and ‘Protect Dufferin’ quickly launched social media pages and campaigns fighting against the proposed lanes, while offering alternative solutions.
TRANSIT ADVOCATES DISAPPOINTED BY THE REPORT
Local transit advocacy group TTCriders quickly took to social media to express its disappointment with the report, and to once again highlight the need for the lanes.
“More than 75,000 people rely on these lines every day, they deserve better,” the group said in a statement. “Dedicated transit lanes aren’t just paint on the road, they’re a proven tool to make transit faster, more reliable, and more attractive.”
The group says the lanes are especially needed to get people to and from Exhibition Place during the World Cup next year, and says that installing lanes is the “bare minimum” when restoring confidence in the TTC.
“We should not still be fighting for something that was promised in 2019. Mayor Chow and nearly every member of her Exec signed a pledge to deliver 10 corridors this term. That commitment must be honoured,” the group said.
The group added that the city approved and accelerated proposed RapidTO lanes on Lawrence East, Jane, Finch East, Steeles and the full length of Bathurst to Eglinton and Dufferin to Wilson.
“Transit riders are watching, it’s time to deliver,” the group said.
The report will be considered by the city council’s executive committee later this month.
