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Jane LRT
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Jane LRT
Overview
StatusInactive[1]
LocaleToronto, Ontario
Termini
Service
TypeLight rail
SystemToronto subway
Operator(s)Toronto Transit Commission
Technical
Line length16.5 kilometres (10.3 mi)
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in)
Route map

 Pioneer Village
Murray Ross
Steeles Avenue
Jane Street
 Steeles
Shoreham
Driftwood
York Gate
Jane–Finch
Yewtree
Yorkwoods
Grandravine
Rita
Sheppard
Giltspur
Black Creek
 Exbury
Heathrow
Wilson
Ontario 401 crown.svg Highway 401
Falstaff
Black Creek
Black Creek Drive
 Maple Leaf
John
Lawrence
Trethewey
Kitchener line
 Weston
Jane–Eglinton
Outlook
Black Creek
 Woolner
St. Clair/Dundas
Milton line
 St Johns
Annette
Ardagh
Jane
Handicapped/disabled access All stations are accessible
This diagram:

The Jane LRT is an inactive proposal for a light rail line in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It was originally proposed in 2007, cancelled in 2010, and later revived in the 2013 "Feeling Congested?" report by the City of Toronto, where it was labelled as a "Future Transit Project".[2] However, in April 2019, Ontario premier Doug Ford announced the province's plans for rapid transit development and funding for the Greater Toronto Area that omitted the Jane LRT.[1]

The transit corridor is currently served by the TTC bus routes 35A/B Jane, 335 Blue Night Jane and 935 Jane Express within Toronto and York Region Transit's 20 Jane buses north of Steeles Avenue.

History

[edit]

It was originally part of the Transit City proposal announced in March 2007, to be operated by the Toronto Transit Commission. It was expected to cost approximately CA$630 million, with construction to begin in 2013 and opening in 2017. It was planned as the sixth of the seven Transit City lines to be completed.

The Jane LRT was cancelled by Rob Ford in December 2010 when he announced the cancellation of the entire Transit City project.[3][4] While LRT lines on Sheppard East, Finch West, and Eglinton were revived through a new agreement between the City of Toronto and Metrolinx, the Jane LRT was not included at the time.[5]

The Jane LRT is still included in Metrolinx's proposed regional transportation plan. In February 2016, City of Toronto planners and the TTC also recommended implementing the Jane LRT within 15 years.[6] In January 2018, the Jane LRT was tentatively listed as "Line 8" in the TTC's 2018–2022 corporate plan.[7] Aspects of the Jane LRT are currently incorporated into the 935 Jane Express bus which follows the LRT routing.[8]

On April 10, 2019, Ontario premier Doug Ford outlined the province's plans for rapid transit development and funding for the Greater Toronto Area. These plans did not include the Jane LRT.[1]

Route layout

[edit]

According to initial Toronto Transit Commission planning, the Jane LRT line would have run for 16.5 kilometres (10.3 mi) between Jane station on Line 2 Bloor–Danforth, and Pioneer Village station on Line 1 Yonge–University. Ridership was estimated to be 24 million trips in 2021.[citation needed]

Instead of turning onto Steeles Avenue towards Pioneer Village, The Big Move illustrates the Jane LRT running north into York Region and terminating at Vaughan Metropolitan Centre station.

Proposed stops/stations

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jane LRT

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Jane LRT was a proposed transit line in , , , designed to serve the densely populated Jane Street corridor with an approximately 14.5-kilometre route extending north from Jane station on the Bloor–Danforth subway (Line 2) toward a connection with the Yonge–University subway (Line 1) near . Introduced in March 2007 as one of seven lines in the TTC's plan to expand surface rail capacity amid growing ridership demands, the project envisioned dedicated tracks, multiple stations, and integration with existing bus routes 35 Jane and 60 Steeles West to alleviate chronic and travel delays. The initiative faced significant political opposition, culminating in its cancellation in 2010 by the newly elected municipal administration under Mayor , which prioritized subway extensions over lower-cost LRT options amid budget constraints and debates over transit mode efficacy. Despite periodic revival discussions driven by persistent high demand—evidenced by Jane Street buses ranking among Toronto's busiest—the line remains unbuilt as of 2025, with no allocated funding or construction timeline from or the TTC. Current infrastructure enhancements, such as the RapidTO bus priority program implementing queue jumps, transit signal priority, and potential dedicated on Jane Street, serve as interim measures that could facilitate future rail upgrades but have drawn criticism for insufficiently addressing long-term capacity needs.

History

Proposal and Early Planning (2007–2009)

The Toronto Transit Commission's Transit City Light Rail Plan, announced on March 16, 2007, by TTC Chair Adam Giambrone and Mayor David Miller, proposed seven new light rail lines to enhance suburban connectivity and increase ridership through higher-capacity surface transit. The Jane LRT was designated as one of these corridors, targeting the north-south Jane Street alignment due to its established demand from the busy 35 Jane bus route, which carried over 50,000 daily passengers by the mid-2000s and strained existing bus infrastructure during peak hours. The initiative built on prior TTC studies, including the 2003 Ridership Growth Strategy, which identified Jane as a priority for rail investment to support population growth in northwest Toronto and York Region. The proposed Jane LRT spanned approximately 17 kilometers along Jane Street, extending from Jane station on the Bloor–Danforth line (Line 2) northward to the planned Steeles West terminal on the proposed Spadina subway extension (now ). Early design concepts envisioned mostly at-grade tracks with potential street median alignment to minimize disruption, integrating with existing bus services and future regional links, such as the Etobicoke–Finch West LRT at potential interchanges. Planning emphasized electric low-floor vehicles for accessibility and efficiency, with projected daily ridership exceeding 100,000 based on preliminary demand modeling that factored in land use densities and travel patterns along the corridor. A 2008 TTC evaluation of all Transit City corridors, including Jane, affirmed the line's viability through detailed ridership forecasts and operational simulations, projecting strong performance with diversion of auto trips and support for near stops. This analysis confirmed Jane LRT's alignment with broader goals of reducing congestion on parallel arterials like Highway 427 and fostering economic growth in underserved areas, though it noted challenges like potential extensions into York Region requiring inter-municipal coordination. By 2009, preliminary engineering and environmental assessments advanced, with TTC reports seeking initial capital allocations amid provincial funding commitments for select lines, positioning Jane for phased implementation pending full network prioritization.

Cancellation and Political Shift (2010)

In the October 25, 2010, Toronto municipal election, Rob Ford was elected mayor after campaigning explicitly against the Transit City light rail plan, which had been advanced under his predecessor David Miller, promising instead to prioritize subway extensions as higher-capacity rapid transit. Ford's platform criticized surface-level LRT lines for their potential to worsen street-level congestion in suburban corridors, positioning subways as a superior alternative funded through alternative means like public-private partnerships. On December 1, 2010, shortly after taking office, Ford announced the cancellation of , instructing TTC general manager Gary Webster to cease all preparatory work on the seven proposed LRT lines, including the Jane LRT. The Jane LRT, a planned 17-kilometer surface route along Jane Street from Humber College to Blaydon Avenue north of , was fully scrapped as part of this decision, with no immediate funding or contracts reallocated to it. This marked a abrupt pivot from the province-backed LRT-focused expansion, which had secured $1.53 billion in provincial funding by mid-2010, toward Ford's "subways everywhere" agenda aimed at extending existing lines like Line 1 Yonge-University and Line 2 Bloor-Danforth. The cancellation reflected a broader in , driven by suburban voter priorities for reduced property taxes and aversion to perceived downtown-centric planning under Miller's administration, which had emphasized LRT for cost efficiency in medium-density corridors. Ford's move, while lacking formal TTC board approval at the time, aligned with his mandate from wards outside the core where Jane LRT was targeted, though it drew immediate pushback from transit advocates and provincial officials who warned of contract penalties and lost momentum. By year's end, preliminary engineering costs for projects, including Jane, had already exceeded $40 million, with further sunk expenses emerging in subsequent audits.

Post-Cancellation Reviews and Alternatives (2011–2020)

Following the cancellation of the plan in December 2010 by Mayor , who favored subway extensions over surface , the Jane LRT received no dedicated funding or construction commitment during the subsequent decade. The project was absorbed into 's broader "The Big Move" regional plan but classified as lower priority, with resources directed toward surviving LRT lines like Eglinton and Finch West. Periodic reviews highlighted persistent demand along the Jane corridor, which served high ridership bus routes connecting to Bloor-Danforth subway and , but lacked actionable progress. A analysis by transit advocates CodeRedTO identified the Jane LRT as an unfunded project with an estimated cost of $1.5 billion, noting that no provincial or federal commitments had materialized post-cancellation. Similarly, a 2015 TTC update on expansion plans described the corridor as stalled, with ongoing reliance on express buses amid growing congestion. By 2016, the City of Toronto's Transit Network Plan Phase 1 referenced the alongside other potential expansions like Eglinton East and Steeles BRT, recommending it for future study based on ridership projections exceeding 100,000 daily boardings, though without timeline or budget allocation. Metrolinx's regional transport plan updates that year similarly listed it as a candidate LRT but deferred implementation amid competing priorities. Alternatives explored in feasibility studies, such as the Western Corridor review, considered hybrid alignments integrating Jane with nearby corridors like Eglinton, including potential short branches or transfers at Jane-Eglinton, but these remained conceptual without environmental assessments or cost modeling. No shift to or subway was formally advanced for , as political emphasis under both Ford and later administrations prioritized higher-capacity underground options elsewhere, leaving surface enhancements like bus priority lanes unbuilt. Enhanced bus operations, including articulated vehicles and limited-stop services, continued as the alternative, handling peak loads of over 15,000 passengers per hour in the corridor's peak direction by mid-decade.

Recent Discussions and Stagnation (2021–Present)

In the years following the 2020 reviews, the Jane LRT proposal has seen no substantive advancement toward revival, remaining unfunded and absent from active TTC or project pipelines as of 2025. Discussions within Toronto's transit planning have occasionally referenced the corridor's potential but prioritized fiscal constraints and competing priorities, such as subway expansions and operational recovery from the , over reinstating the line. Instead, incremental bus service enhancements have dominated recent initiatives along Jane Street. The TTC's RapidTO program, aimed at improving bus speeds and reliability without dedicated rail infrastructure, identified Jane as a priority corridor in 2024. Step 2 public consultations occurred in fall 2024, focusing on designs for bus priority measures from Steeles Avenue West to West, including the conversion of one general traffic lane into a bus lane between Lawrence Avenue West and West to reduce delays from mixed traffic. TTC staff reported back to the TTC Board in early 2025 with refined designs, but these enhancements fall short of the capacity and permanence of the original LRT concept, reflecting a pattern of deferring capital-intensive rail projects amid provincial funding shortfalls. North of Toronto in Vaughan, regional planning has advanced a separate 6.3-kilometre bus rapid transit (BRT) corridor along Jane Street from Steeles Avenue northward, designated as a top priority in 2024-2025 updates, but this does not extend into the TTC's jurisdiction or revive the LRT alignment. Broader TTC network expansion reports through 2024, including those to City Council, list Jane LRT among dormant lines without timelines for resumption, underscoring stagnation driven by escalating construction costs and reallocation of resources to operational needs. Transit advocates, such as Steve Munro, have critiqued this inertia, noting that pre-pandemic ridership forecasts for the corridor justified rail but face unaddressed demand growth without dedicated funding. Overall, the lack of political momentum or dedicated provincial support has perpetuated the proposal's shelved status, with bus-priority measures serving as a stopgap rather than a pathway to LRT implementation.

Route Description

Overall Alignment

The proposed Jane LRT would follow a primarily north-south alignment along Jane Street, extending 14.5 kilometers from the Jane station on the Bloor–Danforth subway line (Line 2) at Bloor Street West to near the northern boundary of . This corridor serves as a key arterial road in west and northwest , linking established residential areas south of with higher-density communities in the Jane-Finch vicinity further north. The route would operate in a dedicated right-of-way to prioritize transit reliability, with planning documents from 2007–2009 contemplating surface-level tracks for most of the length, though short underground segments were evaluated near to address topographic challenges and integration with the Eglinton Crosstown LRT (Line 5). Intersections with east-west rapid transit lines would facilitate transfers, notably at Jane-Eglinton station for Line 5, enabling connectivity across midtown Toronto, while proximity to Line 1 Yonge–University stations like Lawrence West would support broader network access via bus feeders. The alignment avoids major deviations from Jane Street's rectilinear path, reflecting the street's consistent north-south orientation from the Humber River valley northward, though early studies considered minor deviations or elevated options at bridges over ravines like the Humber. This straightforward routing aims to capture demand along a corridor underserved by subways, with projected daily ridership exceeding 100,000 based on 2008 TTC estimates tied to population growth in adjacent wards.

Proposed Stations and Stops

The proposed Jane LRT would span approximately 14.5 kilometres along Jane Street, featuring a series of stops in a dedicated surface right-of-way to connect high-density residential neighbourhoods in west Toronto and North York. The southern terminus would integrate with Jane station on Line 2 Bloor–Danforth subway, allowing seamless transfers for riders from central Toronto. At the northern end, the line would link to Pioneer Village station on Line 1 Yonge–University subway at Steeles Avenue and Jane Street, facilitating access to York Region and Vaughan. Intermediate stops were envisioned at major intersections to capture demand from local bus feeders and commercial hubs, with spacing designed for efficient travel times of around 20–25 minutes end-to-end. Key proposed locations included Eglinton Avenue West (near future Eglinton Crosstown connections), Lawrence Avenue West, the area adjacent to Highway 401 (such as York Gate Boulevard), Wilson Avenue, Finch Avenue West, and Sheppard Avenue West, serving over 100,000 residents in the corridor. Exact configurations, including potential park-and-ride facilities or elevated sections, remained preliminary as the project advanced only to feasibility studies before cancellation. The design prioritized accessibility and integration with existing TTC bus routes like the 35 Jane, which currently operate frequent service along the alignment.

Technical and Design Specifications

Line Length and Capacity

The proposed Jane LRT was planned as a 14.5-kilometer route primarily along Jane Street, connecting the Bloor–Danforth line (Line 2) at Jane station northward through high-density residential areas toward the vicinity of Highway 427 and on Line 1. This alignment aimed to serve corridors with existing high bus ridership on routes like the 35 , which currently operate at capacities exceeding standard bus limits during peaks. As part of Toronto's initiative, the line would have utilized dedicated rights-of-way where feasible to enable higher speeds and frequencies compared to mixed-traffic bus service, with low-floor vehicles (LRVs) measuring approximately 30 meters in length and designed for 150–175 passengers per vehicle under seated and standing loads. Trains could consist of two or more coupled LRVs, potentially achieving capacities of 300–500 passengers per trainset, though exact peak-hour headways (targeted at 3–5 minutes for lines) and overall line capacity in passengers per hour per direction were not finalized prior to cancellation, limiting direct comparisons to operational systems like (designed for up to 15,000 pphpd). Surface segments would constrain ultimate throughput relative to fully grade-separated subway lines, prioritizing cost-effective expansion over maximum theoretical subway-scale capacity.

Infrastructure and Technology

The Jane LRT was planned as a surface line utilizing dedicated median rights-of-way along Jane Street, with tracks embedded in the roadway to minimize surface disruption while providing priority over mixed-traffic segments at intersections. The infrastructure would employ the TTC's proprietary of 1,495 mm (4 ft 10+7/8 in), consistent with the streetcar network to support potential shared operations or maintenance facilities. Electrification was to occur via overhead wires delivering 600 V DC power, drawing from TTC-standard substations adapted for higher-capacity LRT loads. Vehicles were envisioned as low-floor, articulated cars capable of bi-directional operation without turning loops at terminals, facilitating efficient service on the 14.5 km route from West to . These LRVs would feature modular designs for , with level boarding platforms at stops to reduce dwell times and improve passenger flow, aligning with standards for rapid transit-like performance. No specific manufacturer or model was contracted before cancellation, but procurement plans targeted vehicles compatible with TTC gauge and power systems, potentially expandable to train consists of multiple units during peak hours. Signaling and control systems were to incorporate transit signal priority (TSP) at signalized intersections, allowing LRVs to preempt traffic lights for extended green phases and reduce delays from cross-street volumes. Basic and wayside signals would manage movements at junctions, such as the proposed interface with the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, though gauge differences ultimately complicated studies. Stations would integrate simple canopies, , and real-time passenger information displays, without advanced features like due to the at-grade configuration.

Economic and Operational Rationale

Ridership Projections and Demand

Projections for the Jane LRT, originally developed under the TTC's plan in 2007, estimated annual ridership of approximately 19 million passengers by 2021, based on travel demand models incorporating , employment density, and integration with existing subway lines at Jane station. Updated forecasts extending to 2031, accounting for anticipated development in the corridor such as intensified residential and commercial uses north of , suggested potential increases beyond this baseline, though specific figures were contingent on land-use assumptions and network effects from complementary projects like the Line 1 extension. Current demand along the Jane corridor underscores the line's rationale, with TTC route 35 Jane consistently ranking among the system's busiest bus services; pre-pandemic data from indicated high utilization, with the route handling substantial peak-period loads that frequently exceeded vehicle capacity, leading to and unreliable travel times. This demand stems from the corridor's role as a key north-south artery serving diverse communities from to north of Avenue, including immigrant-heavy neighborhoods with limited access, and connecting to high-demand origins like and destinations downtown via transfers. The route's express variant (935 Jane) alone carried 13,500 daily riders in , while the full service experienced chronic bunching and delays averaging over 30 minutes end-to-end during peaks, signaling latent demand for higher-capacity modes. These projections have not been formally revised since the project's 2010 cancellation, amid shifts toward subway advocacy, but interim measures under RapidTO—implemented on Jane Street in phases starting 2023—have aimed to capture similar demand with bus lanes and priority signals, yet fall short of LRT's projected throughput of up to 3,000–5,000 passengers per hour per direction, comparable to other LRT corridors. Model assumptions relied on TTC's regional travel demand forecasts, which have historically overestimated short-term growth but aligned with long-term trends in similar high-density radials; however, without recent peer-reviewed validation, figures remain indicative rather than definitive, particularly given post-2010 stasis in corridor development.

Cost Estimates and Funding Challenges

The Jane LRT's initial capital cost estimate, developed as part of the TTC's plan in the mid-2000s, stood at approximately $630 million for a proposed 17-kilometre route from Bloor Street West to . This figure reflected early planning assumptions prior to detailed engineering and did not incorporate later lessons from cost escalations in comparable projects, where factors like issues, labor disputes, and design changes have driven budgets higher. For context, Toronto's Finch West LRT, a shorter 11-kilometre line, has faced ongoing funding pressures within Metrolinx's portfolio, highlighting systemic challenges in securing stable provincial and federal contributions for surface rail initiatives. Funding for the project was envisioned through a tripartite model involving federal, provincial, and municipal governments, with the government under initially pledging support for as a whole in 2007. However, the line encountered insurmountable barriers following the 2010 election of as mayor, who prioritized subway extensions over LRT due to arguments that surface lines offered insufficient capacity relative to their expense and disruption. The provincial government subsequently cancelled the Jane LRT and other non-Eglinton corridors, citing fiscal prudence amid the post-2008 recession's lingering effects on budgets; this decision incurred approximately $49 million in sunk costs across the cancelled plans for environmental assessments, design work, and consultations. Critics, including transit advocates, attributed the halt to political shifts favoring higher-capacity underground options despite LRT's lower per-kilometre cost—typically $100 million versus $300 million for subways—exacerbated by inadequate risk allocation in public-private partnerships observed in surviving projects. Revival efforts have stagnated due to persistent funding gaps in Ontario's transit budgets, with no dedicated allocation for the Jane LRT in Metrolinx's 2024-25 annual report or the TTC's 2025 capital plan, which prioritize operational shortfalls and overdue projects like the Eglinton Crosstown over dormant proposals. As of 2025, the line remains unfunded and inactive, reflecting broader challenges in Canadian transit delivery, including political micromanagement and reliance on volatile intergovernmental transfers that have delayed or inflated costs in lines like the Ontario Line, now projected at $27.2 billion against an original $10.9 billion. These dynamics underscore a pattern where surface LRTs, intended as cost-effective expansions, compete unsuccessfully against subway advocacy amid taxpayer resistance to overruns, as evidenced by provincial subsidy cuts to Metrolinx operations exceeding 30% in some years.

Controversies and Criticisms

Political Opposition and Subway Preference

The Jane LRT proposal encountered political opposition primarily from conservative leaders who prioritized subway expansions over surface light rail projects. On December 1, 2010, newly elected Mayor Rob Ford announced the cancellation of the Transit City initiative, which encompassed the Jane LRT, declaring "Transit City is over" and redirecting focus to subway extensions. Ford's decision, enacted on his first day in office, stemmed from his campaign emphasis on subways as superior for managing high ridership volumes and minimizing long-term street-level traffic interference, contrasting with LRT's at-grade operations that could prolong congestion on arterials like Jane Street. This move incurred approximately $65 million in termination costs for existing contracts and preparatory work across Transit City lines. Ford's subway preference reflected a broader conservative of LRT as insufficiently robust for Toronto's growth, viewing it as an extension of slower streetcar service rather than true . Proponents of this stance argued that underground subways enable higher speeds and frequencies without competing for road space, potentially better accommodating projected demand along north-south corridors underserved by existing Line 1 Yonge-University service. The cancellation halted all planning for the 17-kilometer Jane line, which had been slated to connect from southward, leaving the corridor reliant on buses. This opposition echoed in subsequent administrations, including Premier Doug Ford's Progressive Conservative government, which in 2018-2019 scrapped the Scarborough LRT replacement in favor of a Line 2 Bloor-Danforth subway extension, citing LRT's vulnerability to delays and lower throughput as evidenced by emerging issues with the Eglinton Crosstown project. While the Jane LRT did not advance to provincial funding stages, recent municipal consultations for RapidTO bus improvements on Jane Street in May 2025 revealed ongoing public and stakeholder suggestions for a subway alternative from West to Highway 407, underscoring persistent preferences for heavier rail amid debates over surface transit's practicality.

Fiscal and Practical Concerns

Critics of the Jane LRT highlighted potential fiscal burdens, noting that similar projects have experienced substantial cost escalations; for instance, the Eglinton Crosstown LRT's budget increased by approximately $1 billion due to delays and scope changes, raising doubts about the Jane corridor's ability to avoid comparable overruns given its street-level design requirements. Funding dependencies posed additional risks, as the project under the 2007 initiative required tripartite support from federal, provincial, and municipal governments, but provincial commitments faltered amid shifting priorities, culminating in cancellation by Mayor in 2010 to prioritize subway expansions perceived as higher-capacity investments. Practical implementation faced constraints from Jane Street's variable corridor widths, which in several segments preclude straightforward installation of dedicated LRT tracks without narrowing sidewalks, eliminating vehicle lanes, or acquiring , thereby risking prolonged disruptions and heightened operational conflicts with auto traffic on this busy north-south arterial. The format's reliance on at-grade operations would likely yield average speeds of 15-20 km/h amid frequent intersections and signal priority limitations, undermining reliability compared to alternatives like the ongoing RapidTO enhancements, where public consultations revealed persistent worries over and capacity shortfalls even with dedicated lanes. Capacity mismatches further amplified concerns, as the corridor's demand—driven by the high-ridership 35 Jane bus route—forecasted up to 19 million annual boardings by 2021, potentially overwhelming standard LRT vehicles (typically handling 5,000-10,000 passengers per hour per direction at peak) without costly , an approach infeasible in densely built areas due to subsurface utilities and elevation challenges. Opponents, including transit analysts favoring , contended that these limitations would perpetuate and inefficient land use, especially as interim bus improvements fail to fully mitigate peak-hour strains observed in TTC data.

Current Status and Alternatives

Inactivity and RapidTO Interim Measures

The Jane LRT proposal, part of the TTC's plan announced in 2007, was cancelled in December 2010 by Mayor as part of the broader scrapping of seven LRT lines, with subway expansion prioritized instead. No subsequent environmental assessments, funding commitments, or construction tenders have advanced the project since its termination, leaving it inactive amid shifting municipal priorities toward subway extensions and other LRT corridors like Eglinton and Finch West. TTC and city planning documents as of 2025 do not list Jane LRT among active or phased initiatives, reflecting fiscal constraints and debates over viability in low-density northwestern corridors. In the absence of dedicated rail infrastructure, the TTC has pursued interim enhancements via the RapidTO program, targeting Jane Street from West to West due to high ridership exceeding 20,000 daily boardings and average travel times of 45-60 minutes amid . consultations launched in March 2023 evaluated options including bus-only lanes, queue jumps at signals, and transit signal priority to reduce dwell times and improve reliability on routes 35 and 60 Steeles West, which connect to Line 1 Yonge-University subway stations. By late 2024, approved permanent bus priority lanes on this segment, narrowing general traffic lanes by reallocating space without full road widening, aiming for 10-15% faster end-to-end trips once implemented in phases starting 2025. These measures serve as a low-cost bridge to potential future rail, leveraging existing bus infrastructure while addressing immediate demand growth from nearby developments.

Potential Revival or Competing Proposals

As of 2025, no official plans exist to revive the Jane LRT, which was cancelled in amid fiscal constraints and shifting priorities under the provincial government. Advocacy for revival persists among transit supporters, with a May 2025 analysis in GTA Weekly contending that the corridor's —projected to exceed 100,000 residents by 2031—and unreliable bus service (with Route 35 Jane averaging speeds below 15 km/h during peaks) necessitate dedicated right-of-way LRT from Jane station on Line 2 to on Line 1, spanning approximately 14 km. This view emphasizes LRT's capacity for 5,000–7,000 passengers per hour per direction, contrasting with current bus limitations, though proponents acknowledge integration challenges with the TTC's aging fleet and the need for $2–3 billion in , unavailable amid competing projects like . Competing proposals prioritize lower-cost (BRT) enhancements over rail. The of Toronto's RapidTO initiative designated Jane Street a priority corridor in July 2024 (EX11.8 report), targeting bus priority measures—including dedicated lanes, transit signal priority, and queue jumps—from Steeles Avenue West to Eglinton Avenue West, a 9 km segment serving over 40,000 daily boardings. TTC staff aim to implement initial improvements by 2026, with full design updates slated for review in summer 2025, potentially boosting speeds by 20–30% via physical separation from mixed traffic. These measures serve as an interim alternative, drawing on BRT's flexibility and $100–200 million estimated cost, far below LRT, while critics note BRT's vulnerability to without full-grade separation. North of in , Region's 6.3 km Jane Street BRT extension aligns as a complementary competing option, prioritized for construction post-2025 to connect with Line 1 at Pioneer Village and Highway 7 BRT, accommodating 2,000–3,000 peak-hour passengers with articulated buses. Politically, subway advocates, including some Conservative MPPs, have floated Jane as a Line 8 candidate in informal discussions since 2023, citing subway's higher capacity (up to 40,000 passengers per hour) for the corridor's density, but no feasibility studies or funding commitments have materialized, overshadowed by extensions like Richmond Hill and . BRT's prevalence reflects provincial emphasis on cost-effective solutions amid Ontario's $190 billion transit backlog as of 2024.

References

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  33. https://cdn.ttc.ca/-/media/Project/TTC/DevProto/Documents/Home/Public-Meetings/Board/2008/April-23/Transit_City_Light_Rail_Plan_Status_Update_For_April_2008.pdf?rev=463c527d80474fbabf842ed1410a8d4b&hash=8C46CC5DC87EB2EDA680CF992F65F5B2
  34. https://www.reddit.com/r/TTC/comments/18q2ldv/the_jane_street_subwaylrt/
  35. https://stevemunro.ca/2008/04/16/why-transit-city-is-an-lrt-plan-part-3/
  36. http://lrt.daxack.ca/LRTvsHRT/CapacityCompare.html
  37. https://stevemunro.ca/2013/07/02/an-interminable-debate-about-track-gauge/
  38. https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2024/ey/bgrd/backgroundfile-246202.pdf
  39. https://stevemunro.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/2018_riderstats_byriderspervehhour.pdf
  40. https://thelocal.to/the-35-jane/
  41. https://toronto.citynews.ca/2023/03/05/ttc-rapidto-jane-street/
  42. https://www.skyscrapercity.com/threads/jane-lrt-proposed-17-km-630-million-former-toronto-york-north-york.663478/
  43. https://thelocal.to/finch-west-lrt-metrolinx-northwest-toronto/
  44. https://www.torontoenvironment.org/faq_light_rail_transit_lrt
  45. https://stevemunro.ca/2019/06/26/ontario-supports-transit-metrolinx-subsidy-cut-by-30/
  46. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-canadian-transit-projects-mired-in-delays-and-cost-overruns-force-a/
  47. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/confidential-documents-eglinton-crosstown-lrt-1.6675131
  48. https://reecemartin.ca/140029971/the-many-problems-of-transit-city/
  49. https://www.ttc.ca/about-the-ttc/projects-and-plans/RapidTO
  50. https://toronto.skyrisecities.com/forum/threads/the-future-of-subway-and-rapid-transit-in-the-gta.42350/
  51. https://stevemunro.ca/2025/07/07/ttcs-2026-network-plan-round-one/
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