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The first extension of Toronto's streetcar network in 16 years will open on Saturday, June 18th with the launch of the 514 Cherry Streetcar service.
The new line runs mostly along King Street but starts near Exhibition Place at the Dufferin Gate and ends at the new Cherry Street loop near the Distillery District, serving two under-served growth areas; Liberty Village at the west end, and the West Don Lands/Corktown on the other. Some of the cars running along the line will be the new Flexity streetcars, which have double the capacity of older cars and are wheelchair accessible.
The route will run every eight to nine minutes during peak periods, and 15 minutes or better at all other times, all day, every day. This will improve streetcar frequencies along the central portion of King Street: the 504 streetcar is the busiest surface transit route in Toronto. The City has started public consultations about a pilot project along King Street in mid-2017 which would give transit priority along the road (possibly including closure of part or all of it to traffic). UrbanToronto will have a story focusing on the plan soon.
Along with the debut of the new streetcar route, there are some changes to TTC bus routes in the area. The 121 Fort York-Esplanade replaces the 172 Cherry Street bus route, maintaining service along The Esplanade to the Distillery District, while extending service to Fort York and CityPlace. The 72B Pape bus route will restore direct bus service from Pape Station to Downtown Toronto. Service will also be increased at most times on the 72 Pape bus route, north of Eastern Avenue.
The launch event with the Mayor John Tory and provincial and federal officials in attendance starts at 10 AM at the new Cherry Street/Distellery loop Saturday the 18th, ending at noon. Several vintage streetcars will be on display there including the two below. Passengers will also be able to ride one of the new low-floor Toronto Flexity cars along all or part of the route free of fare.
Join the discussions in our Forum about the Cherry Street streetcar extension, the King Street transit corridor, Flexity streetcars and more, or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.
