Screen Recording 2022-03-28 at 11.13.07 PM.mov

• Video Transcript

The Team: **Carina Chiu, Noshin Chowdhury,** Eric Olivier, and Martina Scaini.

Summary

Problem Summary

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is decommissioning the light rapid transit (RT) line in Scarborough in 2023 while the new subway extension is being built [1]. However, the extension is expected to be completed in 2030, leaving commuters to rely on shuttle buses for seven years. The interim service is expected to run 50-80% slower than the existing RT line [2]. This time loss disproportionally affects regular riders who commute during peak hours.

The key stakeholders our solution needs to address are:

1. Scarborough Commuters
   1. Scarborough has a transit-dependent population, with most commuters taking the SRT to school or work [3]. With this in mind, commuters need reliable, affordable, and time-efficient service [1].
2. The TTC & The City of Toronto
   1. The TTC is an agency owned by the City of Toronto and is funded by taxes and government subsidies [4]. The TTC and the City have a budget of $421-469 million set aside to ensure operational conditions while the extension is under construction [4].
3. Other road users
   1. With the influx of buses on mixed roadways, our solution must mitigate the adverse effects, like congestion, on other road users.
4. Pedestrians
   1. The most common mode of transport immediately after entering or exiting the bus is walking, meaning there is always a large presence of pedestrians around bus routes.

Figure 1: Current TTC Subway Map; Line 3, Scarborough Rapid Transit, shown in blue [5].

<aside> 🚍 TTCriders is an advocacy organization that gives voices to the people who depend on public transportation in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area [6]. Visit TTCriders.ca to get up to date on the latest transit news in the city and to take action to improve public transit for all!

</aside>

Figure 2: Crowded TTC shuttle bus [7].