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How will SmartTrack connect to the TTC? Although planning for the ameliorated GO Regional Express Rail (RER) service is still in its relatively early—and somewhat uncertain—stages, the issue of integrating the line with existing TTC services is a clear priority. During the meeting of the City's Executive Committee on October 20th, TTC Staff brought forward a preliminary report outlining SmartTrack and GO RER's potential TTC connections, presenting a list of route connections and a number of integration strategies.
However, with Metrolinx CEO Bruce McQuaig recently declaring a SmartTrack service separate from GO as "unaffordable and unworkable", the ultimate implementation of Mayor John Tory's showpiece project is uncertain. Furthermore, since the outcome of proposed fare integration between SmartTrack and the TTC remains unknown—with a regional fare policy also currently under review—the viability of SmartTrack as a commute option for 416 residents remains unclear. In short, the issue of smoothly integrating provincially-owned tracks and GO operations with City-run services has not been resolved. Nonetheless, a look at potential service connections provides a valuable early insight into future services.
The Study examined which existing (mostly bus) TTC services should be re-routed to provide direct connections with the the new electrified rail line. The preliminary candidate routes were identified based on their ability to generate local travel without diverting vital existing connections. Taking into account duplication of services, frequency, and planned network changes, a list of preliminary connections has been compiled.
As seen below, the proposed service connections are a combination of new and re-configured routes. Connections to both new and existing GO Stations are planned. With the RER/SmartTrack service expected to provide a substantial ridership boost to the line, the addition of new connections could precipitate significant increases in the popularity of connected TTC routes.
In addition to bus routes, connections to the Crosstown LRT (referred to above as 5 Eglinton LRT) and a new East Bayfront streetcar are also included in the plan. The TTC hopes to integrate the new GO RER/SmartTrack into existing and future services, knitting together a cohesive and user-friendly transit network for GTA residents.
Three types of potential connections are outlined in the report: on-street connection, off-street connection, and off-route connection. Which of the three types of connection is used for each station would depend on the streetscape, existing/future TTC routes, and station configuration.
On-street connections would see surface stations designed to ensure simple and efficient connections between services at street level, with station entrances designed to facilitate easy transfer to surface TTC routes. More costly off-street connections, meanwhile, entail separate bus bay or underground connections, creating a convenient and centralized system where simpler on-street connections are inefficient or unfeasible. Finally, off-route connections would see bus routes significantly diverted in order to facilitate direct station connections in cases where on-street and off-street connections are impossible.
While these plans give us an indication of how service integration could develop, these proposals reflect a preliminary stage in the planning process. In fact, the exact configuration and confluence of service is unlikely to be finalized until 12-18 months before GO RER/SmartTrack launches in some form. We will keep you updated as the plans develop.
