UMVA has learned that as the World Cup descends upon Toronto, the city is rolling out a bold plan to keep the influx of visitors on their toes – and off the roads.
The message from city officials is clear: leave the car at home and hop on transit, walk, or cycle instead. “The plan promotes a transit first approach, encouraging residents and fans to take transit, walk or cycle,” said Sharon Bollenbach, the city’s World Cup executive director.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is gearing up to meet the surge in demand, with increased service along select routes. “We are boosting service across all points, that includes more streetcar service on key routes such as the 509 Harbourfront, 511 Bathurst, the 29 or 929, Dufferin bus and the 504 King,” TTC chief operations and infrastructure officer Fortunato Monaco said.
The TTC will also be deploying over 600 special event ambassadors to help guide visitors through the city’s transit system. These ambassadors will be stationed at key locations, including Kipling, Dufferin, Bathurst, Union, and St Andrews stations.
Meanwhile, road restrictions will be in full swing, especially on game days. “There will be changes on the roads, especially near key venues like the Toronto Stadium and the FIFA Fan Festival as well as the waterfront,” said Andrew Posluns, the city’s chief congestion officer and executive director of strategic capital coordination.
Some neighbourhoods, such as Liberty Village and Fort York, will be limited to local access only on match days. And with road closures taking effect hours before scheduled games, drivers are urged to plan ahead to avoid gridlock.
The Toronto Police Service will be out in full force, with support from neighbouring police services. “Tens of thousands of officers will be deployed and, depending on the day and what else is happening in the city, you will see officers from neighbouring police services,” Toronto Police Deputy Chief Robert Johnson said.
The police are also cracking down on drones and pyrotechnics, with strict no-fly zones in place around the venue and a ban on fireworks. “Drones remain restricted in and around Toronto Stadium, FIFA Fan Festival, Centennial Park and Downsview Park,” Johnson added.
Metrolinx is also ready to roll, with a service plan in place to accommodate the influx of visitors. “The service plan is ready to go,” Metrolinx COO Sean Fuller said. “Metrolinx is ready to go, and it starts this coming Wednesday. From June 10 to July 5, we will be doing additional FIFA service for the duration.”
