CANADA: Funding has been finalised for a major expansion of TTC’s Bloor-Yonge station, the busiest on the Toronto metro network. The scheme is valued at C$1·5bn, which is to be funded via a three-way split between the city, provincial and federal governments.
The expansion work is aimed at reducing overcrowding during rush hours and improving the station’s overall capacity; construction is planned to begin in 2024.
On the Yonge – University Line 1, both northbound and southbound platforms are to be widened and lengthened, while on the Bloor–Danforth Line 2, a second platform is to be built for eastbound services. The existing platform will be reconfigured to create more space for passengers to circulate.
Lifts, escalators and stairs are to be replaced, while an additional fully accessible entrance will be built on Bloor Street East. An extra electrical substation will be built to power the station facilities, and ventilation systems are to be enhanced.
Under the funding agreement confirmed on December 9, the national government is to spend up to C$500m on the project, while the province of Ontario is contributing C$449·2m and the city council C$564m.
The station is used by 220 000 passengers per day, but operator TTC expects patronage to increase substantially in the coming years, driven by a rising city population, regeneration around the station, and metro ridership growth linked to the extension of Line 1 to Richmond Hill Centre.
