TTC prepared for snowfall and low temps; urges motorists to avoid blocking streetcars

The TTC has activated its winter weather plan as Environment Canada issues a yellow warning for 10 to 20 centimetres of snow and extreme cold temperatures expected from late tonight through Thursday afternoon. The transit agency is taking decisive steps to keep customers and employees safe while maintaining service.

Motorists are encouraged to leave their cars at home and use transit for a safer way to travel. Drivers are reminded that all streets with streetcar tracks are designated City of Toronto snow routes, where parking restrictions apply. Vehicles parked against snowbanks can block streetcars, causing delays, diversions, and significant inconvenience for thousands of customers.

As the weather moves in, the TTC is taking proactive measures to ensure people can travel safely. Extra employees and maintenance vehicles are deployed across the system to spread salt, clear snow, keep signals, switches, and overhead power operating, and respond to any weather‑related issues.

Other measures to ensure service continuity include:

• Running anti-icing trains to keep the power rail and tracks clear of snow and ice.

• Spraying anti-icing on the entire streetcar overhead network, as well as on the ground at all bus, streetcar, and subway divisions, to ensure our vehicles can operate safely.

• The TTC will stay in regular communication with the City to ensure crews are aware of issues on transit routes.

• Social media and web updates will be pushed out frequently to keep customers informed.

To maintain safe bus operations, some bus stops in hilly areas may be taken out of service during the storm. Stopping on steep grades in slippery conditions can compromise bus control and customer safety.

Winter weather information signs are installed at certain stops to help customers stay safe and informed. These signs include details about service changes and the nearest in-service stop. By scanning the QR code, customers can check if their stop is affected.

The TTC is committed to providing safe and reliable service during extreme weather, but conditions can change quickly. Customers are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and check real-time updates before leaving home. 

Customers are advised to follow @TTCNotices on X or visit www.ttc.ca for updates, and to allow extra travel time in bad weather.