Toronto considering priority bus lanes on street notorious for traffic

The City of Toronto is considering the introduction of priority bus lanes along a corridor synonymous with frustrating delays and unreliable service.

Although many TTC bus routes suffer from delays caused by rush hour gridlock, construction and inclement weather, the TTC's 29 and 929 bus routes on Dufferin Street stand out as especially problematic. The 29 route has even earned the nickname "29 Sufferin" among riders thanks to its chronic unreliability and slow service.

The proposed changes that the City is considering could dramatically improve travel for the tens of thousands of daily commuters who use the bus routes on a daily basis, though.

"Dufferin Street is one of the busiest transit corridors in the city, with over 40,000 people riding the 29 and 929 Toronto Transit Commission buses every weekday — even more during major events," the City says.

In response, Toronto and the TTC are considering the implementation of dedicated bus lanes on Dufferin Street between King Street West and Eglinton Avenue West (a 7.1-kilometre segment) to increase speed and reliability.

According to the City's website, buses on Dufferin Street currently take 65 per cent longer than the average vehicle, and only 55 per cent of them arrive on time.

Priority bus lanes would help reduce delays, improve service and support Toronto's growing transportation needs, especially ahead of major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The City adds that Dufferin Street is being prioritized due to its "high ridership, long travel times and important role connecting Line 2 Bloor-Danforth (at Dufferin Station), the 512 St. Clair Streetcar (at Dufferin Street) and the future Line 5 Eglinton (at Fairbank Station)."

Dedicated bus lanes are being considered in the northbound and southbound curb lanes using new signage, red paint and pavement markings.

All on-street parking is also being considered for removal on Dufferin Street, from Eglinton Avenue West to Dufferin Gate Loop, including paid, overnight permit and unsigned spaces (accessible parking spaces would be maintained).

For years, transit advocates have been petitioning to get priority bus lanes on the congested street. In October 2022, just a few weeks before the Toronto municipal election, volunteers from the transit advocacy organization TTCriders used washable children's paint and pylons to transform a section of Dufferin Street into a temporary bus lane.

Guerilla activists installed an unsanctioned bus lane in protest of Toronto's mayor https://t.co/XG47tG70fJ #Toronto

— blogTO (@blogTO) October 12, 2022

The organization claimed at the time that the goal of the stunt was to install more bus and streetcar lanes, and to call on Toronto residents to pledge to vote for candidates committed to increasing TTC service, lowering fares, and prioritizing transit.

If you have any feedback for the City regarding the priority bus lanes, you can register for a virtual public meeting on May 13, attend the public drop-in events on May 15 and May 20, or complete the public survey before May 26.