Scarborough RT to close before new subway line is finished: Tory

Dec 10 2020, 6:17 pm
Toronto Mayor John Tory confirmed that the Scarborough RT would shut down before the city’s subway extension is completed.

On Thursday, Tory likened the rapid transit line to an old car, telling reporters that no matter how much you repair it, you will eventually run out of options.

“There comes a point in time where you just can’t keep something like that running anymore,” the mayor said. “It will not be the case that we can keep the SRT going until the Scarborough subway is finished.”

Tory said that there are ongoing discussions between the TTC and Metrolinx on what alternative transit options will be provided to Scarborough residents in the interim.

The three-stop Scarborough Subway Extension was originally supposed to be a seven-stop LRT line with a proposed end date of 2015.

According to Metrolinx, the subway will extend eight kilometres farther into Scarborough, reducing travel times and improving access to “key destinations” throughout the city.

In March, Councillor Josh Matlow raised concerns with the project, noting that a three-stop subway line would cost more money, serve fewer people, and take longer to complete than the original seven-stop LRT.

“Scarborough residents deserve rapid transit that serves people rather than political interests,” Matlow said at the time.

Scarborough Subway Extension is expected to be completed by 2029-2030.

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