As I write this on August 29, the TTC has still not issued the usual memo detailing service changes for the coming schedule changes on September 1. Although information has been published on their website, this is incomplete, and in some cases possibly inaccurate. In particular, the details of travel times and vehicle allocations are only available in the detailed memo, and these allow better understanding of how fleet and staff resources are being shifted around on the system.
Updated August 30 at 12:30 pm: I have received the detailed memo of service changes from the TTC and will be updating this article in stages. Changes in this update:
- The memo confirms that the originally proposed removal of 87 Cosburn service to East York Acres is not happening. Schedules on 87 Cosburn and 64 Main are revised to interline the routes during many time periods on a 10-minute headway.
- Changes in subway gap trains on Lines 1 and 2.
- Several maps added or updated.
- Fleet and service summary tables added.
- Construction project list added.
Updated August 31 at 9:45 am:
- The full spreadsheet showing details of headway, running time and vehicle allocation changes has been added at the end of the article. Note that some of the information in the original version proved to be incorrect when compared with the TTC’s detailed memo due to discrepancies in the TTC’s service change web page.
- A list of routes for which the Summer service cut was not restored in the Fall schedules has been added.
Updated September 1 at 4:25 pm:
- Headway information for the Sheppard corridor revised to match the service implemented, and to reduce complexity of the description.
Updated September 3 at 2:30 pm:
- A reader has pointed out that the TTC’s streetcar night service map incorrectly shows service on routes 303 and 304 heading straight west through Parkdale via King to Roncesvalles rather than via their Shaw/Queen diversion.
See:
- TTC Service Adjustments
- Service improvements for east and northeast Scarborough
- Important changes to 509 Harbourfront
At a recent press conference, Mayor Chow and the TTC announced that many changes were coming in September. Two key points were omitted:
- When the TTC speaks of service restoration relative to pre-pandemic levels, this is based on vehicle hours operated. However, on many routes so-called reliability adjustments extend the travel times and slow the scheduled speeds of buses. The result is that service arrives less frequently, but there is no change in vehicle hours operated.
- Many service increases in September are restorations after the Summer lull when service is normally reduced due to lighter demand, notably on routes serving post-secondary schools.