TTC winter weather plan

When winter weather hits the city, the following activities will be done to help keep the TTC moving: 

Bus routes

• Staff will monitor specific routes and may:
  • take some or all of these bus stops out of service in areas where heavy snow and freezing rain cause buses to get stuck.
  • replace articulated buses with regular buses;
  • adjust service on express routes to have Operators stop at all stops along the route so customers are not left waiting for another bus (except the 900 Airport Express and 927 Highway 27 Express routes).

Streetcar network

• Anti-icing will be sprayed on tracks, switches and the overhead wires across the streetcar network to prevent ice from forming.
• Streetcar tracks will be plowed and salted to keep the streetcars moving.
• Staff will monitor routes and may:
  • supplement or replace streetcar service with buses on select routes, to allow more streetcars to operate downtown. This will help prevent ice buildup on switches and overhead wires.
  • operate select streetcars overnight to prevent snow and ice from building up on switches and tracks.
• Streetcar yard tracks, switches and overhead wires will be monitored to ensure they remain free of ice so streetcars can travel to their routes.

Stations

• Snow and ice will be cleared in front of the stations and salt will be applied to the ground, to ensure there is a clear path at the entrance and exit.
• Sand will be applied on outdoor subway platforms and wet areas of the stations will be cleared, to prevent people from slipping.

Subway system

• Anti-icing will be sprayed on subway switches throughout the system to keep them free of snow and ice.
• Power rail heaters may be turned on, if required.
• Select subway trains may be:
  • operated overnight to keep the power rail and tracks clear of snow and ice.
  • stored in tunnels throughout the system to make it easier for them to enter service in the morning.

Wheel-Trans

• Customers will be encouraged to take essential trips only, if possible.
• Staff will move all Family of Services trips to door-to-door, if required.

Collaboration with the City of Toronto

• TTC staff will communicate with the City of Toronto’s Transportation team to keep crews aware of any issues on the surface routes that may require extra plowing or salting.

Plan ahead

At any time of the year, plan your trip in advance using our Trip Planner on our website, follow @ttcnotices and check our Live Service Alerts for up-to-date information.