Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit

We're working on a plan to transform the way the region moves

Part of this plan is to bring more frequent and reliable transit service to Durham Region and the City of Toronto, through the Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit project. The proposed Bus Rapid Transit project builds on the existing PULSE service along Highway 2 in Durham Region and Ellesmere Road in the City of Toronto.

Overview

Metrolinx is working with Durham Region, Durham Region Transit, City of Toronto and the Toronto Transit Commission on the planning and design of this rapid transit corridor.

With rapid growth in the past decade, and an expectation for this growth to continue into the future, travel demand along the corridor will continue to increase and higher capacity transit will be needed to link communities and employment on both sides of the Toronto-Durham boundary.

Bus Rapid Transit was identified as the preferred transit technology to link Durham and Scarborough through the 2041 Regional Transportation Plan, and the Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit Initial Business Case.

Connected

The Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit corridor proposes approximately 36 kilometres of Bus Rapid Transit infrastructure along Highway 2 and Ellesmere Road connecting downtown Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering and Scarborough. The corridor will improve connections between TTC, DRT and GO Transit services, allowing transit riders to get where they are going faster than before.

Growth

The corridor is expected to grow by approximately 215,000 residents and 66,000 jobs by 2041. Higher capacity transit is needed to strengthen connections between communities and employment in Durham Region and the City of Toronto.

Environment

As the population grows, so will traffic and congestion. Rapid transit provides an alternative to car use, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion. Since many rapid transit trips start and end with an active mode of transportation, the Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit project will help to improve the environment and our health.

What is Bus Rapid Transit?

• Dedicated Lanes for buses, where feasible, resulting in shorter travel times and more reliable transit service.
• Frequent Service with a bus every 5 minutes or less during peak hours.
• Smart Signals on Highway 2 are already installed and will adapt to support smoother traffic flow for all commutes - on buses, in personal vehicles, and on bicycles.
• Better Connections: TTC, DRT and GO Transit routes can use the dedicated lanes and share the same stops, making it easier to travel throughout the region.
• Reliable Service with buses that are separated from general traffic in most areas.

Quick Facts

Source: Durham-Scarborough BRT Initial Business Case, 2018