Record breaking snowfall in Toronto has significantly disrupted public transit throughout this snowy Monday, forcing agencies to adjust schedules and deploy crews as they work to clear snow and ice from tracks, switches and platforms.
The heaviest snowfall ever recorded in Toronto created many challenges for transit systems across the city, specifically ground level routes.
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) said most services are restored even though weather-related issues caused many disruptions throughout the day, including a streetcar derailment on Queen Street.
“It does seem to be weather related, with the switches being full of snow and ice which caused an issue,” said TTC spokesperson Samantha Tisi.
Tisi said crews were sent out to address problems, specifically snow-packed switches that prevented streetcars and trains from moving safely.
Most TTC routes were back in service by the early evening as snow was cleared throughout the day. There was no service on Line 2 between Kipling Station and Jane Station earlier in the day. That was the only remaining area affected.
“The west end of Line 2 is all clear so service is good in there,” said Tisi. “We only have one remaining issue on Line 2, that’s Victoria Park to Kennedy - there’s no service.”
Shuttle busses were also implemented to accommodate riders during the service interruptions, though they have a smaller capacity than trains.
“We have a specific matrix that we follow when there is disruptions, so we will just be following whatever is called for,” said Tisi. “Obviously busses can’t completely overtake the subway but we try to get as many as we can to obviously supplement the service.”
Metrolinx which operates GO Transit and UP Express said to expect delays as heavy snowfall has affected their operations.
“With the heavy snowfall from yesterday, customers can expect some delays today and should take extra care when travelling, give themselves extra travel time and plan ahead,” Metrolinx said in a statement.
UP Express service is reduced to trains running every 30 minutes, while GO Transit is operating on special schedules due to the winter storm.
“We are running on a special schedule today due to the winter storm,” GO Transit said in an alert on their website. “We recommend allowing yourself extra time to get where you are going.”
Transit agencies are also encouraging riders to use caution when navigating platforms and stops as surfaces can be snow covered and icy.
Both TTC and Metrolinx encouraged riders to check websites and sign up for real time service alerts as conditions are being monitored.
