TTC marks milestone of revitalized Union Station
About 125,000 people use Union Station each day. The addition of a second subway platform and expansion of the concourse to include a single TTC fare-paid area and pedestrian by-pass routes, have helped to reduce overcrowding and improve passenger circulation.
Construction began in May 2011 and is part of the larger Toronto Waterfront revitalization.
New station features include:
- Second subway platform
- New concourse
New fareline and collector booth - New elevator and escalators to the new second platform
- Widened and improved access/exit to/from platforms and concourse
- Automatic entrance into the Brookfield tunnel
- Art wall
- Ceramic tiles
- Ramped walkways with glazed glass partitions
- Improved signage
Union Station remained open throughout the transformation, a challenge that called for a balanced customer-focused approach and close co-ordination with GO Transit and local businesses. The reduction of lanes on Front St. W., from Yonge to York Sts. was necessary to excavate to the existing tunnel structure and build the new platform. Crews were required to dig and temporarily support existing watermains, gas lines, sewers and other utilities.
The new Union Station features a spectacular 500-ft. glass art wall, created by Toronto artist Stuart Reid. The mix of black and white images, coloured glass and poetry are created from the artist’s observation and shared experiences with subway riders over the years.
The $137.5 million subway station portion of the project was funded by the City of Toronto, Province of Ontario and Government of Canada through Waterfront Toronto.
The TTC thanks its customers, partners at Metrolinx and the City of Toronto, businesses and residents for their patience during the construction period. Union Station opened in 1954 and the TTC is proud to add the completion of its renovation to a long list of modernization efforts under way today, as well as meeting a 2015 Customer Charter commitment to have Union Station finished before Toronto welcomes visitors for the 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games.
Quotes:
“Union Station is the hub of public transit in the GTA and so plays a pivotal role in Toronto's future. That is why our Conservative Government invested $133 million in the Union Station revitalization project. The upgrades include a new platform, track and signal improvements and accessibility and roof enhancements, new retail space, PATH connections and exterior design refinements. They will create a better traveling experience for everyone and help reduce traffic gridlock throughout the region.”
- Hon. Joe Oliver, Minister of Finance and Minister Responsible for the GTA
"I'm proud of our government's commitment to investing in public infrastructure to promote economic growth today and tomorrow. These investments are improving quality of life across the province and it's fantastic to see projects like this one - and the new Union Pearson Express - ready in time to welcome the world to the TORONTO2015 Pan and Parapan Am Games this summer."
- Hon. Michael Coteau, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport/Minister Responsible for the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games
"The new concourse and second platform at Union station will provide TTC customers with a modern, convenient and less-crowded subway station for their commute. Thanks to our federal and provincial partners and our hard-working TTC staff, over 100,000 TTC passengers who travel through Union subway station daily will have a more pleasant journey. Our customers deserve modern and convenient facilities and we are working hard to deliver that."
- Councillor Josh Colle, TTC Chair