TTC scrambles to get streetcar network ready for pivotal FIFA World Cup transit role

Internal documents show there are concerns overhead cables may not be able to handle the massive ramp up in service required to use Bathurst Street as World Cup artery.

When hundreds of thousands of soccer fans descend on Toronto this summer, the city’s plan to get them to and from World Cup matches depends on its least reliable form of transit.

Exhibition Place, where matches involving countries like Germany, Senegal and Panama will be played in June and July, isn’t located on any of Toronto’s subway lines and is instead served by streetcar.

The streetcar on Bathurst Street feeds into the area beside BMO Field Stadium and is at the centre of Toronto’s plan to move thousands around. To do so, officials are looking to massively ramp up service along the line.

The route was designated as a RapidTO project, along with the Dufferin Street bus, last year to create red-painted priority lanes where transit can run without being interrupted by cars. Headways will also be increased so streetcars run roughly every five minutes during the FIFA celebrations.

The TTC, however, is in a race against time to ensure the overhead electrical cables and other core infrastructure can handle the increased service before fans begin to arrive in June.

An internal TTC presentation, obtained by Global News using freedom of information laws, shows assessments are underway to see how the line would cope with increased service — and new upgrades are likely needed.

“Network simulations indicate potential vulnerabilities; operational adjustments may be needed,” part of the presentation warned. “Limited time and infrastructure prevent capacity increases at all critical sites.”

The same document suggests implementing “subway-style scheduling” on the line and says engineers are “evaluating capacity limits” along Bathurst Street.