There's a very real vision to build a new express subway line in Toronto

There's a renewed push to rethink one of Toronto's most congested transit corridors, with a bold proposal for a new express subway route running the length of the Yonge line and beyond.

The concept was pushed forward by Underground Consulting Incorporated and its president, Gary E. Benner, who has logged several emails to city councillors and TTC staff members over the years.

The company was founded in 1988 and offers engineering and dispute resolution services, including project feasibility and construction inspection, to municipal, contractor, developer, and legal clients.

On its website, Underground Consulting Inc. details a preliminary plan and construction feasibility report for a proposed Yonge Street Express (YES) transit line, which would stretch all the way from downtown Toronto to Richmond Hill.

According to the proposal, the 26-kilometre express line could be constructed as either a full subway or LRT-style line, with connections at existing transit points, including Davisville and York Mills stations.

Station names would include High Tech, Bridge, Royal Orchard, Steeles, Hoggs Hollow, Davisville, and Downtown. The report also details a potential expansion to the Toronto Islands, Billy Bishop Airport, Exhibition Place, and Ontario Place.

The proposal also outlines the tunnel shafts, working areas, and closures that would be necessary to make way for the line. For example, Yonge Street would have to be closed at several intersections for approximately three years for construction, including at Lake Shore Boulevard, York Mills Road, and Steeles Avenue.

Underground Consulting Inc.

"The provincial government has committed to building a subway to Richmond Hill. The initial concept was to extend the existing subway from Finch Avenue, however this concept will just increase congestion on the existing subway to the point of dysfunction at peak times," the proposal notes.

"Extending the Express Line from Steeles Avenue to Richmond Hill will provide a local subway to satisfy the province's requirement while also resolving the congestion problem in the City of Toronto for the foreseeable future."

Underground Consulting Inc.

While the proposal also assesses business, resident, and traffic impacts the express line would have during its construction stage, it notes that the potential Yonge Street Express would bring a "significant reduction" in travel times for commuters along the congested corridor.

Although the proposal has gained some traction through a petition, it's not currently part of any approved City of Toronto TTC capital plan.