The Scarborough Shortcut: TTC's New Busway to Open September 30
AI-generated image · Bay Street Wire
Opening more than six months ahead of schedule, the new four-kilometre corridor promises faster commutes as an interim solution for east-end riders.
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is preparing to open the new Scarborough Busway on September 30, arriving more than six months ahead of schedule, as first reported by CityNews Toronto.
The four-kilometre busway will operate between Kennedy and Ellesmere stations, connecting to Scarborough Town Centre via priority bus infrastructure on Ellesmere Road. City officials project that travel times between Scarborough Town Centre and Kennedy will be 15 minutes, serving over 118,000 riders and reducing weekly travel times by more than an hour.
The project serves as a critical interim solution following the July 24, 2023, derailment of a Line 3 Scarborough RT train, which led to the early closure of that corridor and a shuttle bus plan in November 2023.
Eight different TTC bus routes will utilize the Busway to provide frequent express service intended to match previous Line 3 passenger demand. Once in service, the TTC will remove the replacement bus lanes currently located on Kennedy Road and Midland Road.
Mayor Olivia Chow described the investment as a "win-win situation," noting it will speed up commutes and ease general congestion. TTC Chair Jamaal Myers added that Scarborough riders deserve reliable, high-quality service while awaiting the Scarborough subway extension.
The subway extension, which will bring Line 2 Bloor-Danforth to McCowan Road and Sheppard Avenue East, is not expected to open until 2030. To prepare for the launch, the TTC will conduct operational testing in early September.