Scarborough commuters face years-long wait for busway that is still unfunded

Commuters in Scarborough could be waiting years for a dedicated busway to replace their decommissioned rail link. The project is currently unfunded and not fully designed.

Commuters could be without any meaningful replacement for the decommissioned Scarborough RT for at least three more years, if they get another option at all.

Since decommissioning the Scarborough RT following its summer 2023 derailment, the Toronto Transit Commission has been considering alternatives to the rapid transit route.

Converting the now-abandoned rail infrastructure into a busway has been favoured by city hall, with staff suggesting buses running along the old route would get to Scarborough Town Centre seven minutes quicker than if they were forced to drive in traffic.

The plan, however, has three problems: it is over budget, unfunded and at least three years away from completion.

A new report presented to the TTC board on Thursday shows design work for the project is only 60 per cent complete and costs are escalating. The report said the projected cost to convert the old transit line into a bus route has skyrocketed to $67.9 million, an increase of $12.2 million over its original price tag.

In the report, staff admit that the number is likely to “fluctuate” until design work reaches completion.

Toronto hopes that Queen’s Park, which recently agreed to fund hundreds of millions of dollars to operate two light rail lines and buy new subway trains, will step in to help with the busway.

“The TTC in partnership with the City of Toronto is currently seeking provincial funding for the construction of the Busway as part of ongoing discussions,” staff said.