The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) set a new 12-month ridership record. From Oct. 3, 2011 to Oct. 2, 2012, the TTC carried just over 510 million riders. By the end of this year, the agency expects to have carried 514 million riders, with a projected ridership of 528 million in 2013.
The TTC has taken steps to add extra service to meet the increase in ridership. In September and October, the TTC increased service on 77 subway, streetcar and bus routes, with approximately 50 of these increases during peak times. More service will be added in the new year to meet ridership demand.
In addition, the new Toronto Rocket subway trains continue to be pressed into service on the Yonge-University-Spadina line, adding an additional 10% passenger capacity. As well, a new signal system is being installed on the line that will allow for more trains and greater frequency of service, further increasing capacity.
In 2014, Toronto’s next generation of streetcars will begin serving TTC customers. The accessible, low-floor streetcars will be more comfortable, spacious and reliable, and equipped with air conditioning and the PRESTO smartcard system.
The TTC continues to take steps to improve customer service as well. The TTC Customer Information Center has extended hours of operation.
TTC customers will also be able to purchase Metropasses starting in November using debit and credit card payment at 28 stations, with all TTC stations offering debit and credit payment capabilities by the end of 2013. By 2015, the PRESTO smartcard will be substantially complete across the entire system, further addressing customer needs. Customers will begin to see more subway stations added with PRESTO in 2013, with buses and streetcars beginning to be added in 2014.
Construction continues on the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension from Downsview Station north to York Region. Work is also under way on the Metrolinx Light Rapid Transit lines across the city, all in the name of adding more transit options for more people in Toronto.