Editorial Archive

Office of the Chief Executive

ATC now extends to Rosedale from Vaughan Metropolitan Centre

As you may know, this past weekend’s (November 21-22) subway closure on Line 1 from Bloor-Yonge to Union stations was cut short by a day thanks to crews completing the installation and testing of Automatic Train Control (ATC) signalling earlier than scheduled.

ATC signalling is now fully activated from Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, around the downtown “U” and all the way up to Rosedale. ATC now covers about 75 per cent of Line 1 Yonge-University.

The modernization of our signalling system will allow the TTC to improve existing service and customer flow with real benefits to our customers. In addition to reducing signal-related delays, ATC increases the safety of the subway and improves travel times. The ATC project team did an incredible job co-ordinating and executing this extension, while Safety and the Operations Training Centre were highly involved in preparation activities leading up to the cutover weekend. Taking ATC through the Yonge side of the downtown “U” is a major milestone for this project as well as for customers travelling in this area, and I’m proud to share the achievement with everyone.

I’m also grateful for the safe and tremendous work by staff and crews in the Infrastructure and Engineering Group – and the collaboration from numerous departments and teams in Operations and Vehicles – on completing this phase of ATC construction, as scheduled.

Along with the improved reliability that comes with modernizing the signal system, we will also be able to take advantage of an additional turn-back location near College Station, which provides more flexibility in the event of an operational issue on the line.

This is a huge piece of work and it’s hard to capture and thank all the groups that made this happen – from Transit Control, Vehicles, Subway Operations, Closures and Diversions, Communications, Customer Experience – the list is long. I’d like to thank all employees for their skill and commitment to advancing this project and our service.

Stay safe and well.