Metrolinx is exploring expanding rapid transit along Sheppard Avenue in Toronto, both west from the current western terminus at Yonge Line 1 to University Line 1 and from the current eastern terminus at Don Mills Road to the future McCowan/Sheppard station, the Danforth Line 2 extension currently under construction.
Map of the area covered by the study, image courtesy of Metrolinx
The Sheppard Line 4 subway has been operating well below capacity since it opened in 2002. At peak times it carries just under 3,000 passengers per hour, while it could easily carry 10,000 per hour and, after some structural modifications, up to 30,000 per hour. It is only five stations long and is jokingly called the “Sheppard Stubway”, a reference not only to its supposed lack of utility, but also to the fact that there has long been an intention to extend rapid transit further east. The line was first conceived and built. For most of this time, the city’s stated intention has been to eventually build an LRT line east from Don Mills station to Scarborough and to convert the existing subway to LRT service at that time as well, to reduce the time and inconvenience to avoid a transfer point for passengers.
A recent community survey on expanding rapid transit along Sheppard Avenue, image by Craig White
Recently, an initial business case study determined that it was worth re-examining the various options for improving transit along Sheppard. Following funding from the province, Metrolinx is now gathering the public’s comments on what they would like to see in terms of transit along Sheppard.
While three public meetings have been held at community facilities along the route over the past two weeks, all information presented at the meetings remains available online and the public has until December 7 to provide input by completing a 10-point -Questionnaire. From this round of feedback, Metrolinx will develop concepts for the expansion, which will then be submitted for a second public feedback round.
Where we are in the Sheppard Extension process, image courtesy of Metrolinx
Only two of the many pieces of information about the study are presented here, but much more can be found online. The welcome page can be found here, detailed information can be found in this PDF. After reviewing the information, click the green “Join Event” link at the bottom of this page to provide your feedback. The opportunity for feedback ends on December 7th.
You can also join the discussion on this line in UrbanToronto’s dedicated thread here, where you can simply read the posts or leave comments if you’re a member.
* * *
UrbanToronto has a research service, UrbanToronto Pro, that provides comprehensive data on construction projects in the Greater Toronto Area – from proposal to completion. We also offer instant reports, downloadable snapshots based on location, and a daily subscription newsletter, New Development Insider, that tracks projects from the first application.