Toronto — Route 501 to Split?

Rail Transit Online, June 2008

A study is getting underway to determine if the Toronto Transit Commission should create two routes out of the 501 Queen streetcar line, which is now plagued by bunching and unreliability. At 14.9 mi. (24 km), 501 is the TTC's longest streetcar route with average weekday ridership exceeding 43,500.

At present, many services have to be terminated early because traffic congestion — due mostly to motorists turning left — causes them to fall far behind schedule. There were two lines until 1995, the 501 and the 507 Long Branch, but they were consolidated to eliminate transfers for long-distance riders.

Pending a decision, expected this fall, six extra street supervisors have been assigned to monitor delays. TTC Chief General Manager Gary Webster said any changes won't happen until February at the earliest.

www2.ttc.ca/html/frameset.htm