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Signs that the HOT Lanes, LRT & TTC Subway Extensions Are Coming Soon

Posted by Auto Loan Solutions

What’s going on with the GTA transit system and infrastructure changes? Seriously? You probably haven’t heard much about them recently, especially with all the other news headlines taking precedence, such as the attacks in Brussels, the passing of former Toronto Mayor, Rob Ford, and the Marco Muzzo trial. So we’re here to update you. The extension of the TTC subway lines, installation of LRT and the addition of HOT lanes are still in the making. Whether you’re ecstatic or irritated by these developments, you most likely want to know what’s going on with our roads and railways. And we’ve got the details right here.

HOT Lanes Development

Let’s begin with those “high-occupancy toll” (HOT) lanes. Currently, they’re at the centre of controversy since many people see them as a waste of taxpayer dollars, and an ineffective means of solving traffic issues. However, the government of Ontario is confident that these lanes will reduce a host of problems by adding in these HOT lanes on other major highways throughout the province.

Goals of HOT Lanes

  • Generate revenue to fund infrastructure development

When the HOT lanes take effect, there won’t be any toll booths installed since drivers will use a permit, or pay electronically by means of a transponder or licence-plate recognition (like they do for the 407).

Coming to a Highway Near You…

QEW: The QEW pilot project will receive HOT lanes this summer. They will run a distance of 16.5 Km, stretching from Trafalgar Road to Guelph line, which happens to have some of the heaviest traffic in Ontario. Drivers with green plates and carpools of 2+ passengers can use the lanes without permits, while single occupants will have the option to buy a permit for HOT use.

The QEW will receive HOT lanes this summer.

427: Highway 427 will also receive HOT lanes, but at a much later start date of 2021. They will span a distance of 15.5 Km, running from the south of Highway 409 up north past Rutherford Road. These lanes will rely on an electronic system, where route fees for each driver will be determined by the use of a transponder or license-plate recognition (such as what’s currently used for the 407).

Highway 427 will receive electronic-based HOT lanes in 2021.

Other Details: As it stands, the government will introduce just 1,000 permits for the QEW pilot project, as a means of testing the demand for HOT lane use. They will only be visible to law enforcement. Also, there’s no need to worry about the loss of general purpose lanes – only HOV lanes will be converted into HOT lanes.

TTC Subway Extension

Next up is the TTC subway extension. It seems like we’ve been hearing about this expansion for ages now, never sure how it’s going to turn out. And after the cancellation of the Eglinton West line in 1995, it’s hard to know if the city will keep its promises. But the government is making progress from what we can see. If you are a regular or occasional TTC rider, you will see some major changes in the near future.

Spadina subway extension

The main highlight of the TTC subway extension, is the addition of stops after Downsview Station up to Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (which will be a subway stop itself). The project is 85% complete, and testing will commence in April 2017. The original budget for the construction was set at $2.6 billion, but that has since increased to $3.2 billion. TTC CEO, Andy Byford, expressed his enthusiasm for the expansion stating, “At the end of 2017, when this railway opens, it will be spectacular.”

A Look at the Line Extension

The Spadina extension will add six new stops, servicing portions of North Toronto and York Region. Here’s a look at the map below:

The TTC subway extension on the Spadina line will service north Toronto and York region.

The physical appearance of the extension looks quite spectacular as well. Now that the project is nearing completion, more photos of the underground work continue to surface (excuse the pun). Have a look at what’s taking place:

 Inside the tunnel of the subway extension on the spadina line.

Courtesy: Corbin Smith

Construction workers lay down track work for the spadina line extension.

Courtesy: Andrew Francis Wallace

York University Subway Station

York University station - under construction.

Progress by Each Stop

The construction of the six subway stops are progressing steadily as well as the tunnels and tracks. A recently released newsletter from the TTC details all of the extension. Some of this info includes the status of the subway station availability. Take a look at where they stand.

Spadina Subway Status (as of February 29, 2016)

  • Downsview Park Station – 87%
  • Pioneer Village Station – 85%
  • Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station – 83%
  • Finch West Station – 81%
  • Highway 407 Station – 79%
  • York University Station – 63%

LRT Expansion

Finally, there’s the LRT installation – the ongoing transit plan that leaves all of us confused as to whether it’s happening or not. In the past, artist renditions and maps of the speculative LRT system hit the net (as well as the subway), giving us an idea of what Metrolinx (LRT’s owner) has planned. However, the project has been shrouded in tons of rumours, giving rise to confusion as to what’s actually going on. But there confirmations regarding the project, and they’re signs of the LRT’s progress.

Confirmed LRT Lines

  • Eglinton Crosstown LRT – This 19 kilometre line will run from Kennedy Station to Mount Dennis (Weston Road). The Eglinton LRT line will run from Kennedy station to Mount Dennis in west Toronto. There are 25 stops, and it has an underground section spanning from Laird to Keele station. Construction of this line is expected for 2021.The Sheppard East LRT will carry passengers from the outskirts of Scarborough to North York.
  • Sheppard East LRT – This 13 kilometer line will run from Sheppard Avenue to Don Mills subway station, with 26 planned stops. The original in-service date was 2013, but that has since been pushed back to 2024.
  • Finch West LRT – This 11 kilometer line will run along Finch Avenue, from the upcoming Finch West station (whichThe Finch West LRT will service passengers who live in the west end of Toronto. will also serve as the new Spadina subway extension) to Humber College. It will have 19 stops, and the completion date has been slated for 2021.

LRT vs Buses, Streetcars & Subway

In similar vein to the addition of HOT lanes, there’s quite a bit of apprehension regarding the installation of LRT routes along major roadways in the GTA. So far, the project has reached a $8.1 billion funding total through Metrolinx, which includes the cost of public consultation, design and construction costs. A significant number of people have doubts about the LRT’s effectiveness, believing they won’t add much more value beyond what current buses, subway trains and streetcars already offer. But the light rail cars will differ from other transit vehicles.

LRT differences

  • LRT cars will travel faster and carry more people than buses and streetcars
  • Running in their own lane, they won’t affect automotive traffic
  • They will be more accessible for wheelchairs, strollers and shopping carts since passengers can board them at ground level

Just as there are photos of the Spadina subway extension, there are quite a few pics showing the construction of the LRT lines. Here are a few below:

Eglinton Crosstown Dig Site

Construction workers are busy in the Eglinton Crosstown dig site.

Construction workers stand near massive tunnel-boring machines at a Eglinton Crosstown site.

They’re on the Move

We all know that news comes and goes – it’s part of the cycle. Unless you have closely followed these developments by reading online articles or newsletters, updates surrounding the HOT lanes, TTC subway extension and LRT may have fallen off your radar. But Metrolinx, the TTC, the government of Ontario and the numerous organizations involved with these infrastructure and transit changes are making progress. So stay tuned. In the following months and years, you’ll see more in the news about these additions as well as physical signs out on the road.

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