Toronto is hoping that its most unreliable form of transit can beat the odds and deliver World Cup fans a smooth experience.
Driving the news: The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is assessing improvements the Bathurst streetcar line will need ahead of the FIFA World Cup in June, according to internal documents obtained by Global News. Toronto’s matches will be held at Exhibition Place, which isn’t connected to the subway, meaning many attendees will get there via streetcar.
The TTC is looking to increase service so that cars arrive once every five minutes, which will require bolstering the streetcar’s overhead electrical cables and other vital infrastructure.
Big picture: In case any non-GTA residents aren’t aware, the streetcar is the worst piece of transit in Toronto — a wellspring of rage for transit riders and drivers alike. According to recent numbers, streetcars have a measly 55% on-time performance, compared to 73% for buses and 82% for the subway.
To many, the idea that the streetcar can be fixed — even if it’s just one line — in a matter of months is laughable, as the issues plaguing it are deep-rooted (we recommend watching this video for a comprehensive explanation).
Why it matters: The Bathurst streetcar is just one of many concerns about whether Toronto’s infrastructure is ready to handle hundreds of thousands of footie fans. If the city buckles, it could create an embarrassment for the whole country on the world stage.—QH