Improving LRT and Streetcar Speed and Reliability

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The decision

2026-04-16 · Toronto Transit Commission Board · amended

As filed

It is recommended that the TTC Board: 1. Direct staff to continue to: implement enhanced Transit Signal Priority strategies on Lines 5 and 6 and streetcar routes; review and implement operating rule changes related to Light Rail Transit and streetcar operating speeds; implement and expand Transit Signal Priority in the city to improve transit travel times; and perform a network-wide review of streetcar stop spacing informed by international benchmarks, service standards, and accessibility best practices.

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2. Request that staff report back to the TTC Board in Q1 2027 with an update on LRT and streetcar speed, reliability initiatives and communications plans for any changes. 3. Direct the TTC to request the City of Toronto and Transportation Services to develop strategies to address delays and congestion at surface transit terminus hubs to improve on time performance and reliability, and consider implementing measures such as turn restrictions, signal priority, and modifying or installing new stop lights to prioritize access and egress for transit vehicles at station entrances. 4. That TTC staff investigate, at busier stops, raising streetcar stop levels to improve speed along streetcar lines.

On the agenda

As the city filed it

As directed by the TTC Board through TTC11.8 and TTC11.9, staff are reporting back on ongoing initiatives to improve the speed and reliability of the TTC's streetcar and Light Rail Transit (LRT) networks. These initiatives are central to TTC's core mission of providing customers with reliable and efficient service, and supporting the 2026-2028 Ridership Growth Strategy. To improve streetcar and LRT speed and reliability, TTC is advancing a suite of operational and infrastructure measures summarized in Figure 1.

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Compared to the initial opening, average afternoon peak round-trip travel time has improved by approximately 10 minutes on Line 5 and approximately 20 minutes on Line 6. 1. Surface Transit Priority Measures Toolkit: In partnership with Toronto Metropolitan University, a comprehensive framework is being developed to identify congestion and delay issues. This includes guiding a coordinated implementation of transit priority solutions, including curb regulations, transit lanes, turn restrictions, transit signal priority (TSP), and stop balancing. 2. Streetcar Switch Modernization: TTC continues to upgrade the current obsolete electrically controlled switches as part of an ongoing multi-year signaling modernization program with a focus on eliminating "stop-check-go" where feasible and safe to do so. 3. Operating Rules Review: A systematic review of speed-related operating rules is underway for streetcar and LRT. 4. Transit Signal Priority Enhancements: Recent TSP enhancements, including green extensions, red truncations, lagging left-turns, and phase rotation, have delivered travel time savings of up to 42% per intersection. In 2026, the TTC and the City project at least 70 new or updated installations, with long-term plans to expand TSP to over 800 intersections. Additional staffing and resources are expected to be modest and will be addressed through future capital and operating budget submissions, subject to board approval. 5. Streetcar Stop Balancing: A network-wide review of streetcar stop spacing is in progress, informed by international benchmarks and accessibility best practices. Recommendations will align with future updated Service Standards. 6. Line Management Enhancements: Interventions including dwell time reduction, improved line supervision, and terminal procedures, have reduced travel time and improved service reliability. The TTC plans to report back on the progress of these initiatives in Q1 2027.

Staff recommended

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2. Request that staff report back to the TTC Board in Q1 2027 with an update on LRT and streetcar speed and reliability initiatives.

On the record

The item as the City filed it · the meeting video

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