There’s one proposed road change that has been kicking up more controversy in Toronto lately than even cycling paths and construction-related closures: bus lanes.
As part of its RapidTO project to prioritize the flow of transit vehicles, the City revealed plans for TTC-only lanes on Bathurst and Dufferin streets, two thoroughfares that, like most major roads in Toronto, are perpetually backed up with traffic.
While the dedicated lanes were recommended in light of the congestion that will inevitably come from the upcoming FIFA World Cup — for which we are hosting six matches at BMO Field next summer — they are something some residents have been requesting, at least on Dufferin, for years.
However, those who have gone to considerable lengths to advocate for the additions have now been met with equally strong dissent from locals, many of whom are business owners, who argue that the on-street parking that would be lost as a result is crucial to the streets’ storefronts and residents.
Now, as of this week, it looks like the City has slightly scaled back the scope of the project.
An amended motion headed to the City’s Executive Committee next week suggests that the lanes on both streets run between their respective southern terminuses and Bloor Street, at least at first, rather than going all the way up to Eglinton Avenue as originally planned.
Then, using FIFA as a test run, staff will determine whether the lanes should be extended further north. The option to scrap them altogether afterwards is also on the table, depending on how things go.
But, before anyone starts getting up in arms, the stated reason for the change is not the heated (and in some cases, suspicious) local backlash from select residents, but the lack of time left before the FIFA crowds arrive.
As the motion states, “the projects have been accelerated as critical routes to get people to and from the games. To meet the timelines for FWC26, it was proposed that studies and design for both routes prioritize the sections south of Bloor St. for connection with the Line 2 subway, while also reviewing the potential for extension to Eglinton Ave. to connect with the future Eglinton Crosstown LRT.”
If approved, construction on the lanes would start in the fall for a spring 2026 completion.
A total of 352 parking spaces will be removed for the project (75 on Dufferin and 277 on Bathurst), which accounts for $310,000 per year in City revenue.
The streets have been selected due to their high TTC ridership and currently slow service, with transit vehicles operating as slow as an average of 9 km/h (on Bathurst) and 14 km/h (on Dufferin) during peak periods.
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