TTC: Other Items (catch all)

[CMQSD402F9011]

Question, didn’t TTC at least looked into starting a Transit museum in like let’s say the 1980s to the early 1990s(?) similar to what the MTA NYCTA has since 1976. For NYC’s transit museum, it was created after lobbying by transit historians. Had TTC created their own transit museum, we would’ve seen buses preserved like the GM New Looks, GM/MCI Classics, Flyer D901s, NFI D40HFs, Orion Vs, Orion IIIs, Novabus RTS and the D40LF. If only our city valued our history btw.

 

[McGillicuddy]

Question, didn’t TTC at least looked into starting a Transit museum in like let’s say the 1980s to the early 1990s(?) similar to what the MTA NYCTA has since 1976. For NYC’s transit museum, it was created after lobbying by transit historians. Had TTC created their own transit museum, we would’ve seen buses preserved like the GM New Looks, GM/MCI Classics, Flyer D901s, NFI D40HFs, Orion Vs, Orion IIIs, Novabus RTS and the D40LF. If only our city valued our history btw.

It comes up every few decades or so, but nothing has ever materialized.

Part of the problem is that there's no such thing as a "small" transit museum: you either have the space and the specialization necessary to accommodate streetcars and buses and subway cars, or you don't have much of a museum. This presents a real challenge, since usually you would start with a smaller facility (perhaps even run by volunteers) and seek to grow and professionalize it, while in this case you really need to be in a huge premises with a big and expensive collection from day 1.

That makes it difficult to get anything rolling without sustained public support, which has never been forthcoming. And given that there isn't much of an economic argument for the museum (the MTA and the London Underground are globally significant properties; the TTC, god love it, is not), I would not hold my breath about this changing.

 

[Jonny5]

Question, didn’t TTC at least looked into starting a Transit museum in like let’s say the 1980s to the early 1990s(?) similar to what the MTA NYCTA has since 1976. For NYC’s transit museum, it was created after lobbying by transit historians. Had TTC created their own transit museum, we would’ve seen buses preserved like the GM New Looks, GM/MCI Classics, Flyer D901s, NFI D40HFs, Orion Vs, Orion IIIs, Novabus RTS and the D40LF. If only our city valued our history btw.

I have a vague recollection somewhere around 2010 the TTC made plans to abandon the Davisville office and have a new tower constructed at, maybe Yonge and York Mills I think, and there were some roughly sketched out plans that made the provision for a museum there at ground level. But then someone said that was too much gravy for the TTC to have a new building, so they remain in the decrepit and crumbling office they have now.

 

[81-717]

the MTA and the London Underground are globally significant properties; the TTC, god love it, is not

This is likely sadly true, and quite backwards if you ask me. London doesn't necessarily deserve it more than the TTC, and the TTC had literally the most perfected subway car design platform in existence, such that it makes even MTA designs seem sloppy in comparison, not to mention the most unique & iconic design features on some (but not all) subway car types within this platform. Then again, I wouldn't necessarily expect anyone on the world stage to be able to find Toronto on a map, unlike NYC or Moscow.

I would not hold my breath about this changing.

At this point, it wouldn't be worthwhile anyway.

 

[cplchanb]

View attachment 730546


To get this type of info in the future, check here: https://www.ttc.ca/service-alerts?accessibility

Well its apr 24 today.... Noone has even touched the escalators... so much for their schedule.... or do they mean apr 24 2027?? thanks ttc for wasting our time and tax dollars they never cease to disappoint

 

[DSCToronto]

Well its apr 24 today.... Noone has even touched the escalators... so much for their schedule.... or do they mean apr 24 2027?? thanks ttc for wasting our time and tax dollars they never cease to disappoint

Clearly you have not got much experience of contractors and the now constant 'supply chain problems'. An end date for a project is an estimate - a few (Richmond DVP ramp for example) are early, many are late.

 

[Northern Light]

Well its apr 24 today.... Noone has even touched the escalators... so much for their schedule.... or do they mean apr 24 2027?? thanks ttc for wasting our time and tax dollars they never cease to disappoint

Its all good that you report his here; but you should also take it up with the TTC, This escalator is no longer listed as being out/down.

 

[drum118]

TC rolls out real-time information on buses and at stops ahead of busy summer travel

April 24, 2026

The TTC is launching a major upgrade to how customers get service information, introducing clearer, more accessible real-time displays on buses and piloting new digital screens at stops across the city.

The improvements are designed to make it easier for customers to plan trips, understand delays, and move confidently through the transit system, especially during peak summer travel and ahead of Toronto hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026TM.

“As we prepare to welcome the world to Toronto during the FIFA World Cup this summer, it's especially important that we make sure that visitors and newcomers, who may be less familiar with the city, can easily navigate our transit system,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “Improvements like these will help everyone move through the city with confidence.”

“Everyone who uses the TTC, regardless of their familiarity with the system or their ability, should be able to navigate the system with ease and confidence, and that’s what these two projects will support,” said TTC Chair Jamaal Myers. “We want to make getting around the city seamless and intuitive, and these new projects will make the bus network more useful and more accessible – a huge win.”

TTC CEO Mandeep S. Lali said the projects reflect a shift toward more customer-focused, real-time service information.

“Our customers consistently tell us that clear, reliable information is one of the most important parts of a good transit experience,” said TTC CEO Mandeep S. Lali. “These upgrades make it easier to navigate the TTC, especially during service disruptions or when travelling on unfamiliar routes.”

More than 240 buses are already displaying redesigned next-stop screens that provide customers with real-time information, including estimated arrival times at upcoming stops and terminals, along with live subway service alerts. The TTC will expand the upgrade to all 1,153 buses equipped with digital displays over the coming months.

In addition, the TTC will pilot new real-time information screens at bus and streetcar stops this summer. The six month pilot will see 75 screens installed at busy stops and outside select stations, giving customers arrival times, service updates and disruption notices before their vehicle arrives.

The new stop screens use e-Paper technology that is easy to read in direct sunlight and low-light conditions, with high-contrast displays and audio announcements for customers who rely on auditory information. Because the units are solar- or battery-powered, durable and compact, they can be installed at stops that don’t have access to electricity.

More information about this pilot will be shared ahead of its launch this summer.

Both projects are part of the TTC’s new Wayfinding Strategy, which the TTC Board approved in October 2025.

 

[KhalilHeron]

TC rolls out real-time information on buses and at stops ahead of busy summer travel

April 24, 2026

The TTC is launching a major upgrade to how customers get service information, introducing clearer, more accessible real-time displays on buses and piloting new digital screens at stops across the city.

The improvements are designed to make it easier for customers to plan trips, understand delays, and move confidently through the transit system, especially during peak summer travel and ahead of Toronto hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026TM.

“As we prepare to welcome the world to Toronto during the FIFA World Cup this summer, it's especially important that we make sure that visitors and newcomers, who may be less familiar with the city, can easily navigate our transit system,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “Improvements like these will help everyone move through the city with confidence.”

“Everyone who uses the TTC, regardless of their familiarity with the system or their ability, should be able to navigate the system with ease and confidence, and that’s what these two projects will support,” said TTC Chair Jamaal Myers. “We want to make getting around the city seamless and intuitive, and these new projects will make the bus network more useful and more accessible – a huge win.”

TTC CEO Mandeep S. Lali said the projects reflect a shift toward more customer-focused, real-time service information.

“Our customers consistently tell us that clear, reliable information is one of the most important parts of a good transit experience,” said TTC CEO Mandeep S. Lali. “These upgrades make it easier to navigate the TTC, especially during service disruptions or when travelling on unfamiliar routes.”

More than 240 buses are already displaying redesigned next-stop screens that provide customers with real-time information, including estimated arrival times at upcoming stops and terminals, along with live subway service alerts. The TTC will expand the upgrade to all 1,153 buses equipped with digital displays over the coming months.

In addition, the TTC will pilot new real-time information screens at bus and streetcar stops this summer. The six month pilot will see 75 screens installed at busy stops and outside select stations, giving customers arrival times, service updates and disruption notices before their vehicle arrives.

The new stop screens use e-Paper technology that is easy to read in direct sunlight and low-light conditions, with high-contrast displays and audio announcements for customers who rely on auditory information. Because the units are solar- or battery-powered, durable and compact, they can be installed at stops that don’t have access to electricity.

More information about this pilot will be shared ahead of its launch this summer.

Both projects are part of the TTC’s new Wayfinding Strategy, which the TTC Board approved in October 2025.

Glad to see e-paper adopted at bus stops. Curious how much information will be displayed. Hopefully it includes some route or local maps like the example bellow

 

[Bordercollie]

Glad to see e-paper adopted at bus stops. Curious how much information will be displayed. Hopefully it includes some route or local maps like the example bellow
View attachment 731752

Within a year half of them will be broken and will never get repaired.

 

[KhalilHeron]

Within a year half of them will be broken and will never get repaired.

yea probably won't be repaired in anything resembling a timely matter, though a benefit of e-paper over the existing dot matrix displays is reliability and durability. They should not break as often as existing screens

 

[Bordercollie]

yea probably won't be repaired in anything resembling a timely matter, though a benefit of e-paper over the existing dot matrix displays is reliability and durability. They should not break as often as existing screens

It's not that. They will get smashed by side walk snow plows, extreme weather and vandalism.

 

[lastcommodore]

TC rolls out real-time information ... at stops ahead of busy summer travel

Thank God!! I am consistently amazed at how not a single transit agency feels as though live next bus info is important... It is key for new users especially who are nervous about whether or not their bus is actually coming, and it serves as a warm reminder that yes, its on its way, don't worry. No, texting a number doesn't count! TTC having NO next vehicle screens for the streetcars especially, and even when they sometimes do, they write to text a number instead of just telling you!

This is also a cheap win... These components combined should cost relatively next to nothing in the world of transit

The new stop screens use e-Paper technology that is easy to read in direct sunlight and low-light conditions, with high-contrast displays and audio announcements for customers who rely on auditory information. Because the units are solar- or battery-powered, durable and compact, they can be installed at stops that don’t have access to electricity.

It is interesting to me they decided to go with e-paper display. Objectively the right decision here and good on the TTC, however I wonder what information they will display.
Unfortunately, knowing the TTC, i fear a great deal of the benefits of choosing an e-paper display over an led matrix will be lost... Here's hoping I am wrong.

Within a year half of them will be broken and will never get repaired.

If done even half-competently to protect it, it should be fine. Next-vehicle screens are not new... anywhere, including the TTC. Viva and Mi. Transitway have them too (MT with matrix screens, Viva with e-paper)

 

[CMQSD402F9011]

It comes up every few decades or so, but nothing has ever materialized.

Part of the problem is that there's no such thing as a "small" transit museum: you either have the space and the specialization necessary to accommodate streetcars and buses and subway cars, or you don't have much of a museum. This presents a real challenge, since usually you would start with a smaller facility (perhaps even run by volunteers) and seek to grow and professionalize it, while in this case you really need to be in a huge premises with a big and expensive collection from day 1.

That makes it difficult to get anything rolling without sustained public support, which has never been forthcoming. And given that there isn't much of an economic argument for the museum (the MTA and the London Underground are globally significant properties; the TTC, god love it, is not), I would not hold my breath about this changing.

In Poland, bus preservation is very common, compared to other places. Here I don’t think any transit fans in Toronto will even try to save a bus from scrap and restore it. Hence no GM/MCI Classics, Flyer D901s, NFI D40HFs, Orion IIIs, Orion Vs (with the exception of one), Novabus RTS and the NFI D40LFs were saved unfortunately.

 

[drum118]

Starting Mon., Apr. 27, 501/301 Queen streetcars will resume regular service on Queen St. E. between Broadview Ave. and Parliament Ave., following successful testing and commissioning of the newly completed track infrastructure. 503 Kingston Rd buses will also return to regular routing, operating on King St. E. between River St. and Parliament St.

In February, the TTC adjusted service on the 501 Queen, 504 King, and 503 Kingston Rd routes to accommodate the renewal of aging streetcar tracks and overhead upgrades along Queen St. E. between Broadview Ave. and Davies Ave.

504B/304 King streetcars will remain shortened to Distillery Loop, and the 504D King bus replacement will continue to operate until Sun., May 3, 2026.

The TTC resumed bus service on Queen St. E. on Sat., Mar. 28, as overhead and track replacement work was completed ahead of schedule, while it continued to test and commission the newly installed streetcar tracks.