Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride
Event details:
This immersive experience will feature performances of singing and drumming, as well as moments of reflection on the significance of Emancipation Day.
Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025
Starting location: Transit Park (100 New Park Place, outside Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station, Vaughan)
- Opening remarks (10:45 p.m.): Outside of Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station at Transit Park
- Train departure (11:45 p.m.): Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station, southbound platform. Train will travel non-stop* to Union.
- Train arrival (12:30 a.m., August 1): Union Station. People leave once train arrives.
*If you need to exit before Union Station, please take the train after the one leaving at 11:45 p.m.
Background
The Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride is symbolic of the great sacrifice and risks that were made by formerly enslaved people during their journey to Canada. This event is presented in partnership with the Blackhurst Cultural Centre and celebrates the significance of the Underground Railroad, the largest anti-slavery movement in North America. Our collaboration aims to highlight and honour the strength of those who faced and conquered systemic barriers to find opportunity, freedom and a place to call home. We are proud to show our support in confronting anti-black racism and celebrating cultural diversity.
Fares
Attendees can pay by tapping their PRESTO, debit, credit card, or device on a reader on the fare gate, or by depositing cash into the fare box at the Collector booth. Your tapped PRESTO, debit, credit card, or mobile device is your Proof-of-Payment. Be sure to get a paper transfer from the Transfer Machine, if paying by cash. Keep these with you and be prepared to show them to a TTC employee if asked.
Accessibility assistance
TTC staff will be on-site to escort attendees with accessibility needs to the elevators and down to the platform level for boarding. All other attendees can use the stairs or escalators to the platform.
Freedom Train capacity
The maximum capacity of the Freedom Train is 1,200 people. Once the train is full, additional attendees will need to take the next regular service train heading south to Union station. This train will stop at all stations between Vaughan Metropolitan and Union stations.