The TTC will be hosting the annual Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride Monday evening.
The public is invited to participate in the event, which was organized in collaboration with the Blackhurst Cultural Centre. The ride recognizes the role that the Underground Railroad had in abolishing slavery in Canada and marks Emancipation Day on Aug. 1. The city’s “Underground Freedom” train ride was first established in 2013.
Starting at 11:45 p.m., the train will be travelling non-stop on Line 1 from Union Station to Downsview Park Station, where an Emancipation Day event will follow. The event will include singing, drumming, moments of reflection, and remarks from organizers and dignitaries.
“The TTC is proud to host the annual Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride, which marks an important part of Canadian history,” TTC Chair Jon Burnside said in a statement. “On behalf of the Board, I thank Blackhurst Cultural Centre and the TTC team for organising this meaningful and engaging experience, celebrating freedom, and supporting our ongoing efforts to confront anti-Black racism.”
The timeline of the event is below:
- 11:25 p.m. – Attendees should arrive at Union Station on the University platform
- 11:45 p.m. – The Freedom Train will be departing from Union Station
- 12:15 a.m. – The Freedom Train will arrive at Downsview Park Station
- 12:15 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. – Closing procession at Downsview Park Station
Those boarding the train are expected to pay their fare upon entering Union Station. The maximum capacity on the Freedom Train is 1,200 people. Once the train is full, people will have to take the next regular service train, but these trains will stop at all stations between Union and Downsview.
The TTC says all attendees must leave Downsview Park Station by 1 a.m.
