Toronto's Line 1 subway extension takes TTC into Vaughan

Building.ca
Dec. 18, 2017

Six new stations are now lit up on the Toronto Transit Commission's (TTC) electronic subway map, with yesterday's opening of the Line 1 'Toronto Yonge Spadina Subway Extension' (TYSSE) pushes service past the boundaries of the City of Toronto for the first time.

Terminating at Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, the 8.6-kilometre, $3.2 billion Line 1 extension represents the first expansion of subway service in 15 years - with service last enhanced when the Sheppard Line opened in 2002. Running northwest from the previous terminus at Sheppard West Station (formerly known as Downsview), the Line 1 extension provides York University with a crucial to the subway, before continuing to Highway 407 and the rapidly developing Vaughan Metropolitan Centre.

Opening day festivities were marked by a day of free rides on the TTC, funded by the Ontario government. The inaugural day was attended by Toronto mayor John Tory, as well as TTC Chair Josh Colle, Vaughan mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, and Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne.

Sunday's opening day also marked the end of TTC CEO Andy Byford's tenure as head of the Toronto transit agency. "This my final act as CEO of the TTC but I am also very proud of my team because a huge amount of effort goes into opening a subway extension," Byford said on Sunday. "I couldn't be prouder of my team today. This is the culmination of many years of work."

Toronto mayor John Tory was equally optimistic. "Today's rapid transit milestone benefits Toronto residents, students and businesses. This opening is another example of all levels of government working together cooperatively to deliver billions of dollars in transit infrastructure and our ongoing commitment to getting Toronto moving," the mayor said.

"This is the first subway extension we've opened in 15 years and we're determined we won't be waiting another 15 years to expand the transit system. Beyond this subway extension, we have a transit plan that will make sure we get on with building SmartTrack, the Relief Line, the Scarborough Subway Extension and to expand the City's LRT network. More transit is a good thing for our city, our province and our country."