TTC increases bus service on 14 routes, starting on Sunday

The TTC is increasing bus service on 14 routes in North York, Etobicoke and Scarborough starting on Sunday, officials announced Tuesday.

Twelve bus routes will have Monday to Friday service increase, while eight routes will have service increased on weekends, most along the Steeles Avenue W. and Wilson Avenue corridors.

Mayor Olivia Chow announced the changes at the Steeles Ave. W. and Weston Rd intersection, where Saturday afternoon bus services will be increased to match weekday service levels. 

"Today's service changes will also help stop buses from bunching, making the trips more reliable," said Chow. "I know that's an issue right here at Steeles and Weston, especially at the 165 Steeles bus, and we're going to fix that."

TTC interim CEO Greg Percy said at the announcement that the changes will mean a 2.5 minute wait time decrease for weekend commuters taking 165 Steeles, as well as a higher frequency of service for commuters across the city — especially on weekends, where demand is "outgrowing capacity."

Chow told reporters Tuesday that this year's TTC Budget is funding "more frequent, reliable, and affordable public transit that connects Torontonians to schools, jobs, and each other." 

The TTC will also increase subway service on Line 4 Sheppard, cutting wait times by up to two minutes and improving connection to Line 1 for over 40,000 daily riders on Line 4, Chow said. 

Streetcar service, meanwhile, will be increased on Saturdays for customers on popular routes, including the 505 Dundas and 506 Carlton, the TTC says.

Here's the full list of changes:

• Monday to Friday service increase on the 16 McCowan, 39 Finch East, 57 Midland, 60 Steeles West, 84 Sheppard West, 89 Weston, 116 Morningside, 927 Highway 27 Express, 944 Kipling South Express, 960 Steeles West Express, 984 Sheppard West Express, and 989 Weston Express.

• Weekend service increase  on the 16 McCowan, 60 Steeles West, 84 Sheppard West, 89 Weston, 96 Wilson, 116 Morningside, 165 Weston Rd North, 927 Highway 27 Express, and 960 Steeles West Express.

• Daily subway service increase on Line 4 Sheppard, which will deliver service every five-to-six minutes, a 33 per cent increase, according to the TTC. 

• Frequent streetcar service on the 505 Dundas on Saturday mornings, and service increase on the 506 Carlton on Saturday afternoons and early evenings. Daily increases to the 310 Spadina Night.