Toronto is removing streetcars from Queen Street
If you were planning to take one of the streetcars that runs along Queen St. West today, you'd be wise to make alternate plans.
Earlier this afternoon, the TTC announced they'd be removing all streetcar service from the routes on Queen St. and west of Roncesvalles and replacing it with buses until further notice.
That includes the 501 streetcar, the 501L and the 508.
According to the TTC, they've found damage to the brake system on seven streetcars on these routes and they're pulling service "in an abundance of caution."
We are pulling streetcar service from the routes operating on Queen St. and west of Roncesvalles (501, 501L and 508) and replacing with buses until further notice.
— TTC Service Alerts (@TTCnotices) November 27, 2019
We’ve found damage to the brake system on seven streetcars on these routes. This is in an abundance of caution. 1/2
"Crews are investigating causes, including possible track damage making contact with the brake system," TTC Service Alerts tweeted.
"We recommend customers normally using 501, 501L and 508 seek alternative routes where possible. Buses will likely be crowded."
Frustrated commuters have already taken to social media to vent their grievances with Toronto's transit system.
"Oh man..... that sucks. You're gonna need lots of buses. Not going to be fun heading home from work...and going to work...if it's not fixed by tomorrow and on," one Twitter user wrote.
"How do you guys charge the fares you do and keep a straight face lol," another wrote.
Meanwhile, TTC media relations person Stuart Green tweeted his apologies while emphasizing the need for precaution.
"We apologize for this inconvenience," he said, "but as always, it's safety first!"
