Taylor Swift in Toronto: TTC makes service changes for Eras | Life

The TTC will increase its service and deploy dozens of additional staff on the nights Taylor Swift performs in Toronto next month.

Swift's six shows are scheduled for November 14-16 and November 21-23. 60,000 fans are expected at each performance. The TTC expects an additional 20,000 attendees for overlapping events each evening.

The TTC said it spent months coordinating with the city, emergency service providers and other transit agencies to move the huge crowds “safely and quickly.”

On concert days, Line 1 trains run approximately every three minutes from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and from 11:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., while Line 2 trains run every four minutes at the same times.

509 Harbourfront streetcars will resume regular service between Union Station and Exhibition Loop, with at least four additional streetcars operating on Eras Tour nights.

The replacement bus 510D Spadina runs as usual, and an additional 15 buses run regularly on concert days. After the shows, these additional northbound buses travel directly to Spadina Station, stopping at King, Queen, Dundas and College Streets only for drop-offs.

The 511 Bathurst streetcars will run from Bathurst Station to Union Station on concert nights through November 17th, then return to Union as scheduled.

19 Bay will receive an additional 10 buses to supplement service on concert days. After the shows, they head directly north to Bay Station, stopping only at King, Queen, Dundas and College streets.

The TTC said it is also looking to provide additional overload service where possible, including additional buses in the event of a suspension of subway service.

As for Wheel-Trans, the TTC said WT buses will be located at key downtown locations from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. on concert days to allow anyone requiring immediate access during an unplanned closure to utilize the service.

The TTC also said it plans to station WT buses at Rogers Center “given the likelihood that road closures will occur.”

Signage will be installed along the routes and the TTC will issue a special driving guide for the Eras Tour events.

The TTC said it is closely monitoring the post-fair surge. Deploying dozens of additional personnel along all routes in the Rogers Center and Union Station area, including special police officers and other first responders.

Meanwhile, TTC employees at street-level locations will assist with directions and monitor crowds.

The TTC also plans to monitor and control access to the Union Station subway entrance to avoid overcrowding on the platform after shows.

“We know the Eras Tour concerts were major events with tremendous economic benefits in other cities, and we are doing everything in our power to ensure the Toronto shows are a success for everyone,” said Mayor Olivia Chow in the press release.

“Nearly a quarter of a million people are expected in our city during this tour stop. Public transportation will be the best way to get to the shows and other events, and I would like to thank the TTC for doing its best to provide more service and safer service.

Elissa Mendes is a breaking news reporter based in the Star's radio room in Toronto. Reach her via email: [email protected]