Improving Capacity at Bloor-Yonge Station

In December, the TTC Board approved the next stage of the Bloor-Yonge Capacity Improvements project, Stage Gate 3, as we have now advanced to 30% design completion. This ambitious project is the result of a landmark joint funding agreement between all three levels of government.

Total traffic through Bloor-Yonge station is expected to increase from 507,900 daily trips pre-pandemic to 846,900 daily trips by 2056 – a 67% increase. The Bloor-Yonge Capacity improvements project will address existing and future platform congestion issues at this busy transfer point, as well as improve travel times and service reliability by minimizing train dwell time. Without these major capacity upgrades, the accessibility and safety of Bloor-Yonge station would be in jeopardy by the end of the decade and the TTC would need to contemplate bypassing the station on a regular basis due to unsafe overcrowding.

On December 8th, the TTC Board approved Stage Gate 3 of the Bloor-Yonge Station Capacity Improvement Project - enhancing capacity and accessibility at the busiest subway station in Toronto. Pictured: announcing intergovernmental funding for capacity improvements in 2019.

The project scope includes the following improvements:

  • New second platform on Line 2 eastbound;

  • Expansion of Line 1 northbound and southbound platforms;

  • New substation and fan plants;

  • New vertical circulation elements: elevators, escalators, and stairs;

  • Modified main entrance and fare line; and

  • New accessible entrance on Bloor Street East.

Bloor-Yonge Station will remain accessible and operational throughout construction, which is anticipated to begin in 2024. The second platform is expected to be substantially completed by 2030, with additional work continuing into 2033.

This project is a prerequisite for future expansion of the TTC subway network and, once completed, will result in significant benefits for Torontonians. The completed Business Case estimates that transit riders will realize $1.7 billion in travel time savings, reduced station crowding, and reliability improvements. The societal benefits – including emissions reduction and potential road safety improvements – are valued at $25 million, along with $118 million in road decongestion benefits.

The Bloor-Yonge Capacity Improvements project is just one of 19 key elements in the TTC's $9 billion plan to incrementally improve capacity on Line 1 – Yonge-University. With about 730,000 riders per weekday pre-pandemic, Line 1 is one of the busiest transit lines in North America. The TTC is continuing to invest in the long-term future of our transit network to ensure that we are prepared to meet forecasted ridership demand and support Toronto's recovery and rebuild over the years to come.

Jaye Robinson