The TTC is closing its Line 1 Yonge - University subway between Lawrence and Bloor Stations Sunday, October 27. Line 1 trains operate only between Finch and Lawrence stations and between Vaughan Metropolitan Centre and Bloor stations that day.
While this part of Line 1 is closed, TTC crews are installing the automatic train control (ATC) signal system.
Shuttle buses partially replace subway service. The buses stop on the street near each station on the closed section of the line.
(Or consider a shuttle-bus alternative.)
Most stations on the closed section of the line remain open so you can buy fares or connect to other TTC services. However, Summerhill Station is closed.
Wheel-Trans service is available for passengers needing accessible service. Ask TTC staff in any station about Wheel-Trans service from the station. Since Lawrence Station is not yet accessible, southbound passengers requiring an elevator should exit the subway at York Mills Station to connect with Wheel-Trans.
According to a TTC news release, “Portions of the TTC’s signal system date back to the 1950s when the subway first opened. When ATC is fully installed on Line 1, it will allow improved capacity on the line. ATC is currently installed on 50% of Line 1, the portion between Vaughan Metropolitan Centre and St Patrick stations. Customers travelling in the ATC area are already experiencing the increased reliability that comes with the modern signal system.”
The release continues, “While the TTC does most subway maintenance at the conclusion of service each night, it continues to require weekend and early weeknight closures to complete critical infrastructure and maintenance upgrades.”
The TTC plans to close all or part of this section of Line 1 at least four more times this year:
- Saturday, November 9 — St Clair West to King — ATC.
- Sunday, November 10 — Bloor to Osgoode — ATC.
- Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24 — York Mills to Eglinton — track work.
- Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1 — Lawrence to Bloor — ATC.
Shuttle-bus alternatives
One way that you can reduce the impact of the closure is by planning ahead, leaving earlier than usually and giving yourself more time to get to where you’re going.
Although shuttle buses replacing subway service will be frequent, they may also be crowded.
Regular TTC buses and streetcars provide less frequent, less direct, but, perhaps, less stressful alternatives.
Consider boarding westbound buses and street cars at subway stations on the Yonge branch to connect with the University branch of the subway line (or exit from eastbound vehicles at the University-branch station, instead of riding further eastward). This applies not just to the closed section of the subway, but to stations north and south of the closure, so you can avoid the Yonge branch entirely.
North of the closed section of the subway, ride:
- buses along the 36 Finch West or 939 Finch express routes to Finch West Station, instead of Finch Station;
- buses along the 84 Sheppard West or 984 Sheppard West express routes to Sheppard West Station, instead of Sheppard - Yonge Station;
- buses along the 96 Wilson or 165 Weston Rd North routes to Wilson Station, instead of York Mills Station.
At the closed section of the subway, ride:
- buses along the 52 Lawrence West route to Lawrence West Station, instead of Lawrence Station;
- buses along the 14 Glencairn route to Glencairn Station, instead of Davisville Station; or
- buses along the 32 Eglinton West route to Eglinton West Station, instead of Eglinton Station.
- streetcars along the 512 St Clair route to St Clair West Station, instead of St Clair Station.
South of the closed section of the subway, ride:
- streetcars along the 506 Carlton route to Queen’s Park Station, instead of College Station;
- streetcars along the 505 Dundas route to St Patrick Station, instead of Dundas Station;
- streetcars along the 501 Queen route to Osgoode Station, instead of Queen Station; or
- streetcars along the 504A / 504B King route to St Andrew Station, instead of King Station.
You can also ride the Line 2 Bloor - Danforth subway to connect with Line 1 at St George Station, instead of Yonge Station.
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