People are already using the new TTC express lane as their own illegal shortcut

A new solution aimed at curbing severe delays along a TTC route has become an illegal fast lane for scofflaw motorists.

The TTC's 510 Spadina streetcar was replaced by shuttle buses on June 23 to allow electrical upgrades along the route's designated right-of-way, resulting in effectively tripled travel times for commuters and pressure on city council to forge a solution.

That fix was approved in late July when council voted in favour of designating a temporary express bus-only lane along the most congested stretch of the thoroughfare.

The bus-only lane went into effect on Monday, but it didn't take much time at all for selfish motorists to take advantage and treat the restricted area as their own illegal shortcut through traffic.

During a live CP24 hit covering the new bus lane on Monday, cameras caught multiple drivers barrelling through the off-limits zone with little regard for the rules of the road.

And people are not in the least bit surprised.

Toronto drivers gonna Toronto. https://t.co/rAysVglPwb

— Mandie🍉 (@penderbat) July 31, 2024

Many commenters have called out a lack of enforcement for drivers in Toronto.

Without enforcement ppl just do whatever they want. That's what happens when enforcement of drivers is basically nothing.

— Ryan Abcede (@RyeABC) July 30, 2024

Several people directed their anger at the police following the force's funding battle with the city and continued investment of resources in ticketing speeding cyclists.

Sure glad Toronto city council didn’t give the cops all that extra money the demanded for increased services …. oh wait! 🙄#Toronto

— Beachlover 🇨🇦 (@BeachLoverOnt) July 30, 2024

Others suggest that the lane should be shared with traffic when not in use by buses. One user argues, "it should come down to effectively using the space for traffic when NO buses are using the lane."

The temporary bus lane was estimated to cost approximately $240,000, including $78,586 to install and remove it and $162,000 in lost parking revenue.