Bloor-Yonge Station Capacity Improvements
Background
Bloor-Yonge Station is located at the intersection of Yonge and Bloor streets and is the busiest station on the TTC. The original station opened in 1954 and now requires expansion and modernization to accommodate future TTC ridership and neighbourhood density. Line 1 and 2 passenger platforms are already experiencing overcrowding and queuing during both the morning and evening rush hours. Bloor-Yonge is an interchange subway station and a significant transfer point that provides access to both Line 1 and Line 2. In 2019, Line 1 had average daily weekday ridership of more than 825,000 riders, making it one of the busiest lines in North America. The TTC expects ridership to experience significant growth both from the increasing population in the GTA and from transit expansion, including the northern extension of Line 1 to Richmond Hill Centre, the opening of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT and the future Ontario Line.
What we’re doing
Bloor-Yonge Station will be undergoing a design retrofit and significant expansion to meet both current and future ridership demand. The Bloor-Yonge Station project includes the construction of a new Line 2 passenger platform and the expansion of both Line 1 passenger platforms, enhancements to the concourse level, entrances, exits and improved accessibility features.
- Expansion of Line 1 northbound and southbound platforms
- A new second platform to enhance capacity for eastbound passengers on Line 2
- Line 2 original platform reconfiguration to enhance capacity for westbound passengers
- A new barrier-free entrance
- A new exit to Bloor Street
- New escalators, elevators and stairs
- New public art and station finishes
- One new electrical substation to power new and existing areas of the station and ventilation systems
- New fan plants to improve ventilation
- Utility upgrades
The Bloor-Yonge Station Capacity Improvements project is being designed to enhance accessibility and safety in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and the Ontario Building Code.
Artist’s rendering of the future Bloor-Yonge Station expanded Line 1 Northbound platform. Design subject to change.
Artist’s rendering of the new Bloor-Yonge Station Line 2 eastbound platform. Design subject to change.
Artist’s rendering of the reconfigured Bloor-Yonge Station Line 2 westbound platform. Design subject to change.
Accessibility and Ridership
The design includes additional escalators, elevators and barrier-free entrances, which means more station accessibility and an enhanced and inclusive customer experience.
By the Numbers
2019
- Line 1 Ridership: 210,000 per day, or 65,000,000 annually.
- Line 2 Ridership: 180,000 per day, or 55,000,000 annually.
- Unique customers to Bloor-Yonge Station: 220,000 per day or 67,000,000 annually
- Morning rush hour ridership: 26,000
2029 (Anticipated 2029 Ridership)
- Line 1 Ridership: 270,000 per day, or 83,000,000 annually.
- Line 2 Ridership: 225,000 per day, or 69,000,000 annually.
- Unique customers to Bloor-Yonge Station: 280,000 per day or 86,000,000 annually
- Morning rush hour ridership: 31,000
Next Steps
- This project is at 30% conceptual design or Stage Gate 3.
- Stage Gate 3 or approximately 30% design was approved by the TTC Board in December 2021. The approval of Stage Gate 3 established the overall project performance baseline definition for project scope, schedule and cost, as well as determined the best project delivery strategy.
- Advanced construction is scheduled to begin in April 2023, and includes the removal of the buildings at 81 Bloor Street East and 40/42 Hayden Street to construct a new, accessible subway entrance.
- The TTC will remove the former carwash at 830 Church Street beside the Toronto Reference Library to build a future fan building to enhance air circulation at the station.
- Advanced utility relocation work on Bloor Street East is scheduled to begin in late Q2 2023.
- Major construction is planned to begin in 2024
- Specific timelines will be confirmed after engineering is completed and a contract is awarded.
Funding
The total cost for the Bloor-Yonge Station Capacity Improvements project is currently estimated at $1.5 billion, to be funded equally by the City of Toronto, the Province and the Federal government. City Council approved its funding share during the 2020 Budget process by allocating $500 million in new funding from the City Building Fund in the TTC’s 2020-2029 Approved Capital Budget and Plan. The City’s funding enables the TTC to begin the necessary planning and preparatory work for this project.
Reports
City Council Reports
- Toronto's Transit Expansion Program - Update and Next Steps (April 3, 2019)
- Attachment (April 3, 2019)
- Executive Committee Presentation (April 9, 2019)
- Advancing Planning and Design for the Relief Line and Yonge Subway Extension (Bloor-Yonge capacity addressed) (May 24, 25 and 26, 2017)
TTC Board Reports
- Bloor-Yonge Capacity Improvements – Procurement Amendment Authorization (July 14, 2022)
- Procurement Authorization for Bloor-Yonge Capacity Improvements Owner’s Engineer Consultant Services (May 19, 2022)
-
Bloor-Yonge Capacity Improvements – Early Works Property Acquisition Authorization (October 22, 2020)
- Bloor-Yonge Station Capacity Improvements – Procurement Amendment Authorization (February 25, 2020)
- Decision (February 25, 2020)
- Line 1 Capacity Requirements – Status Update and Preliminary Implementation Strategy (April 11, 2019)
- Bloor-Yonge Station Capacity Improvement Project – Stage Gate 3 (December 8, 2021)
- Bloor-Yonge Station Improvement Project Presentation (December 8, 2021)
Contact us
If you are interested in receiving updates about this project, please sign-up to our email list. If you require any information about the project, please email blooryongeproject@ttc.ca or call 416-472-2524.