As we move into the autumn, today’s column is all about transit. Specifically, surface transit. Buses. In the next little while, and especially once the Eglinton Crosstown LRT goes into service, we’ll all notice big changes in the way the TTC moves us around the city.
Of particular interest to Leasiders, there will be fewer buses travelling along Eglinton Avenue between Bayview Avenue and Laird Drive. Several current routes (such as the 56 Leaside and several Don Mills-oriented buses), which now overlap each other on Eglinton and deliver riders to Line 1 at Yonge Street, will be rerouted to the new Line 5 LRT stations instead.
The result? More connectivity to subways for people heading north-south, but fewer buses heading east-west for those of us who rely on the frequency we currently enjoy.
How frequent will Leaside’s local bus service remain once these changes take place? How long might a passenger standing at a bus stop on Eglinton at Rumsey Road have to wait for an eastbound or westbound bus to stop there? Certainly, longer than is currently the case. Those estimated statistics have not yet been released. When they are, the Leaside Residents Association will be paying close attention.
Another consideration is how far apart bus stops will be located for convenience on foot. According to Apple Maps, the distance between Bayview and Laird stations is one kilometre. TTC Surface Route Stop Spacing Guidelines indicate a standard 300-400 m. If bus stops are located at more distance, there will be fewer riders.
The hope – and assumption – is that the reduction of overlapping surface transit will help to ease congestion. It may very well, but the wild card is figuring how many residents might instead choose to abandon transit and drive their cars instead. We need to see the actual estimates to adjust (or not) to the new transit regime.
It would be beyond ironic if Leasiders, having lived through LRT construction hell for so many years, ended up with less access to local transit.
Good news
I do have some positive news to report this month. My recent Leaside Life columns have referred to the upcoming construction closure of Beth Nealson Drive and the TTC’s plan to adjust Leaside’s Route 88, cutting off continuous travel between Leaside and Thorncliffe Park.
The original intention would also have required transfers and reduced or removed bus service in the area around Leaside Library, inconveniencing many. Last week I was notified that, instead, the TTC has accepted the alternative hybrid route proposed by Thorncliffe’s Jason Ash and me a few months ago, which will maintain good – and regular – service during the roadwork. Details will be revealed closer to that date. Good news indeed! We thank Councillor Chernos Lin, her staff, and the TTC for their support.
The next monthly meeting of the LRA board is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Wed., Sept. 3rd. It will be in person, at the Trace Manes building on Rumsey and Millwood. We hope you will join us and join in!
