Toronto considering major changes for traffic-plagued artery

A new plan to help alleviate incredibly dense traffic along one of Toronto's busiest corridors is now open for the public to provide feedback.

The TTC and the City of Toronto are considering adding dedicated bus and streetcar lanes on Bathurst Street in an attempt to ease congestion and improve transit services on the frequently gridlocked artery.

These proposed "RapidTO" priority lanes would stretch approximately 7.5 km along Bathurst, from Eglinton Avenue West to Lake Shore Boulevard, according to the proposal. Priority bus lanes would be installed in the northbound and southbound curb lanes and streetcar lanes in the centre. All on-street parking, except for accessible parking spaces, would also be removed. 

We’re considering dedicated bus & streetcar lanes on Bathurst to ease congestion and improve TTC service. 🚎

Your feedback will help keep Toronto moving.

🗓️ Survey closes May 26
🔗 https://t.co/0iaY9gEfZt pic.twitter.com/CqkaVzF1YW

— City of Toronto 🇨🇦 (@cityoftoronto) April 23, 2025

As any Toronto commuter knows, Bathurst is notoriously traffic-clogged, with vehicle traffic mixing with the TTC's 7 route bus and 511 streetcar, which carry over 35,000 combined riders on weekdays. So what does that look like in real-time?

According to the city, buses and streetcars on Bathurst take a shocking 75 per cent longer than the average vehicle travel time. Even worse? Only 61 - 81 percent of streetcars and buses arrive on time.

And since this will only worsen as the city grows and hosts major events like the FIFA World Cup in 2026, this is the city's first hope to relieve some pressure before the situation boils over.

With time of the essence, the City is hosting a virtual survey where residents can leave their opinions, plus a virtual public meeting on May 12.

This move comes following the city council endorsement of the RapidTO: Surface Transit Network Plan back in February 2024, a "comprehensive roadmap" that outlines the planned investments in improving the transit network.