1

April 2014

Relief Line Project Assessment Phase 1A Consultation

Presentation

2Today’s Session

Phase 1A Objective

• Gather feedback on the proposed study process (Terms of Reference) and proposed Public Consultation Plan

Future Sessions

• Consult / seek input on various study tasks:• Development of evaluation criteria• Station location review• Route alignment review

3

Relationship between the Metrolinx and City/TTC studies

Shared GoalRelieve crowding

on the Yonge Subway Line and

on the overall transit network

Regional ObjectivesYonge Relief Network StudyConsidering short, medium and long-term solutions:• Making better use of

what we have• New infrastructure• Innovative policies

Local ObjectivesRelief Line Project

AssessmentConsidering alternative designs for a new rapid transit line:• Station locations• Route alignment• Maximize benefit on

local neighbourhoods

• Improve access into Downtown Toronto

4

Background

5How Did We Get Here?

2008 - Metrolinx Big Move includes Relief Line in 25-year plan.

2009 – Toronto City Council requests TTC commence studies for the Relief Line.

2012 – Results of TTC study of downtown rapid transit confirm requirement for Relief Line.

2012 - Metrolinx includes Relief Line in its “Next Wave” of projects with a recommendation for further study.

2013 – Metrolinx launches YRNS to identify crowding relief solutions from a regional network perspective. City/TTC launches the Relief Line Project Assessment.

2013 - City of Toronto Official Plan review. Preliminary work suggests that the Relief Line could be a priority.

6

Crowding and Congestion on the Rapid Transit Network

• Capacity improvements underway for Line 1 – Yonge-University-Spadina Line– New Toronto Rocket Trains:

+10% – Automatic Train Control: +25%– Spadina Subway Extension

(diverted demand): about 5-10%

• Bloor-Yonge station is currently over design capacity and will continue to be a constraint

• The transfer from the Bloor Line to the Yonge Line is currently constrained and will continue to deteriorate

7Findings from the Downtown Rapid Transit Expansion Study

• Work to date has determined a new high capacity rapid transit line, fully separated from traffic, could:– Provide increased transit capacity to relieve

pressure on the Yonge Subway line– Provide relief to the Bloor-Yonge Interchange

Station– Provide flexibility for the TTC subway system– Improve transit service to the downtown

shoulder areas and relief to crowding on the streetcar network

8Why are we planning the Downtown to Danforth Section first?

• This initial phase would provide the greatest and most immediate benefit to relieving overcrowding on the Yonge Subway Line.

• The Downtown Rapid Transit Expansion Study findings note that this section of a new Relief Line could:– Reduce southbound transfers at Bloor-Yonge Station by approximately 30%– Reduce Yonge Subway line demand by 12%– Have a peak hour demand of 11,700 transit riders (based on 2031 projections)

9

Context for Moving Forward

10

Relief Line Study Area

11Transportation Planning Context Other initiatives and improvements that we will consider

12

Audiences

Local City-wide Regional

Neighbourhoods within the Relief Line study area

City of Toronto, outside of study area

Outside the City of Toronto

• Consider affects on local residents and businesses

• Consider how the Relief Line may affect local mobility and land use

• Consider constructability and cost

• Maximize benefit and minimize impacts on local neighbourhoods

• Ensure the Relief Line will benefit the entire city

• Consider how the Relief Line will improve access into Downtown Toronto

• Consider the positive affects of the Relief Line on the TTC network

• Ensure the Relief Line will benefit the broader region

• Consider how the Relief Line could provide an attractive transit alternative for trips

• Consider how the Relief Line may affect the transit network outside of the city and broader economic development patterns at a regional scale

We anticipate a range of perspectives and interests:

13

Terms of Reference and Public Consultation Plan

14

Finalize study process:• Terms of Reference• Public Consultation

Plan

• Introduce study • Provide synopsis of

existing and future conditions

• Provide background work including technology analysis

• Develop and finalize evaluation framework for route and station options

• Develop long list of route and station options

• Develop shortlist of route and station options

• Analyze and evaluate shortlist of options

• Identify draft recommended options

PHASE 1A: Setting the Stage

PHASE 1B: Opportunity and Rationale

PHASE 2: Long List of Options

PHASE 3: Short List of Options

PHASE 4: Recommended Option

WE ARE HERE

C O N S U L T A T I O N

EVALUATION OF RELIEF LINE ROUTE AND STATION OPTIONS

R E L I E F L I N E S T U D Y P R O C E S S

S p r i n g2 0 1 4

L a t e S p r i n g /E a r l y S u m m e r

2 0 1 5

Study Process (Terms of Reference)

15Phase 1A: Setting the Stage (We are here)Timing: March – June 2014

Study process outcomes

• Confirm study Terms of Reference planning framework & project Public Consultation Plan

• Confirm feedback toolsMethods for public participation

• Public meetings• Online surveys• Wiki (for detailed feedback on Terms of

Reference)

16Phase 1B: Opportunity and RationaleTiming: June – November, 2014

Study process outcomes

• Introduce the study to the public• Include a synopsis of existing and future

conditions• Provide background work from the

earlier studies including the technology analysis

Proposed methods for public participation

• Surveys and other online tools• Open house events• Presentations to community groups• Information teams• Community advisory group

17Phase 2: Long List of OptionsTiming: November, 2014 – February, 2015

Study process outcomes

• Develop and finalize an evaluation criteria for route alignment and station location options

• Develop a long list of route alignment and station location options for evaluation

Proposed methods for public participation

• Surveys and other online tools• Interactive mapping• Online conversations• Charrettes• World café workshop• Neighbourhood planning office• Pop-up kiosks• Community advisory group

18Phase 3: Short List of OptionsTiming: February - April, 2015

Study process outcomes

• Create a short list of route alignment and station location options• Station options• Don Valley crossing options

Proposed methods for public participation

• Surveys and other online tools• Open houses• Workshops (to provide feedback on short

list)• Neighbourhood planning office• Presentations to existing community groups• Pop-up kiosks• Community advisory group

19Phase 4: Recommended Option Timing: April - July, 2015

Study process outcomes

• Identify draft recommended option(s)• Develop detailed measures to mitigate

potential negative impactsProposed methods for public participation

• Surveys and other online tools• Interactive mapping (to contribute to local

design issues)• Open Houses (to present recommended

options)• Design charrettes (to consider local design

issues)• Neighbourhood planning office• Presentations to existing community groups• Community advisory group

20

Questions for the Study Process

How can we improve the study process?

• More/less time to complete work• More/less detail on decision making process

Is there anything missing from the study process?

• Collaboration with certain stakeholders

Do you have any other comments or suggestions for the Relief Line Project Assessment?

21

Questions for the Public Consultation Process

How do you want to be involved in the Relief Line Project study process?

Which consultation methods would you find most useful to learn about and provide input to the study?

What online and/or social media tools would you use to provide input to the Relief Line Project Assessment?

22

Next Steps / Process Overview

23

Next Steps

1. Finalized Terms of Reference and Public Consultation Plan (Phase 1A) will be presented to Council for approval.

2. Once Council approval is given the project team will proceed with Phases 1B-4 for the Relief Line Project Assessment.

3. At the end of Phase 4 a draft project report will be submitted to Council and the TTC Board.

4. The report will seek Council and TTC Board approval to proceed to final project review.

5. The final project review is known as the Transit Project Assessment Process (TPAP),where the final project report is submitted to the Ministry of Environment.

24Rapid Transit Planning Process

Feasibility Review

ASSESS

DESIGN

FINAL PROJECT REVIEW

• The Downtown Rapid Transit Expansion Study (DRTES) completed in the fall 2012• The study recommended that the City and TTC proceed with evaluating and detailing Relief Line

alignments, technology, station locations and level of service

• City and TTC will consult on the proposed Terms of Reference and Consultation Plan• Report to Council

• The Relief Line Project Assessment will define the recommended station locations, route alignment and technology

• Report to Council and TTC Board

• Council and TTC board approves the project plan and draft Environmental Project Report (EPR) • Undertake Provincial Transit Project Assessment Process (TPAP) to finalize EPR (6 Months)

• Detailed design and engineering, construction plans and project delivery strategy (2-3 Years)

SET THE STAGE

CONSTRUCT

OPERATIONS

• Construction (8-10 Years)

• The Relief Line opens and goes into service

We are here

Note: Design, Construct, and Operations are dependent on full project funding

25

Stay Involved

Reliefline.ca to learn more

Use online surveys to provide more

feedback

Use the Wiki to help craft the final

Study Process

Join the project mailing list

reliefline@toronto.ca

416-338-1065

Please share with your friends and

neighbours!

26

Thank you!