Ontario Construction News staff writer
The new Scarborough Busway is on track to open Sept. 30, more than six months ahead of its original projected completion date.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, TTC chair Jamaal Myers and TTC CEO Mandeep S. Lali provided an update on the project recemtly, saying the new route is expected to serve more than 118,000 riders each week.
The main contractor for the Scarborough Busway conversion was Clearway Construction Inc. The TTC awarded the contract in 2025 for about $28.7 million.
The four-kilometre dedicated bus corridor will run along part of the former Line 3 Scarborough RT route between Kennedy and Ellesmere stations, providing a faster connection to Scarborough Centre while work continues on the Scarborough Subway Extension.
“We are on track to open the Scarborough Busway on September 30, more than six months earlier than originally projected,” said TTC CEO Mandeep S. Lali. “The Busway will provide a fast, reliable connection between Kennedy Station and Scarborough Centre Station, saving riders more than an hour a week on their commute.
“The TTC estimates trips between Kennedy Station and Scarborough Centre Station will take about 15 minutes, with riders saving more than an hour each week compared with current travel times.
Full testing of the Busway is expected to begin in early September to identify and address any issues before passenger service begins.
Several TTC routes will use the corridor, providing frequent express service to replace capacity lost when Line 3 closed in November 2023.
The TTC has operated an interim bus replacement service with transit-priority measures since the Scarborough RT was shut down.
The new Busway will include stops at Tara Avenue/Mooregate Avenue, Lawrence East and Ellesmere. From Ellesmere Station, buses will use existing priority infrastructure along Ellesmere Road to continue to Scarborough Centre.
“Transit riders in Scarborough deserve high-quality, reliable transit service that works for them,” said TTC Chair Jamaal Myers. “The Busway will serve thousands of TTC customers while the subway extension is being completed and will continue to expand and enhance transit in the city.”
