Scarborough RT

Scarborough RT was an automated guideway transit line in Toronto, operated by the Toronto Transit Commission. It connected Kennedy station on the Bloor–Danforth subway to McCowan station in the Scarborough district. The line utilized unique Intermediate Capacity Transit System technology and operated for 38 years before its permanent closure.

History

The line originated from plans in the Network 2011 rapid transit expansion for Toronto, conceived as a light rail extension of the Bloor–Danforth line. Provincial agency Urban Transportation Development Corporation promoted its proprietary Intermediate Capacity Transit System technology, leading the Government of Ontario to mandate its use. Construction began in 1981, with official opening by Premier William Davis and Mayor Art Eggleton in 1985. It was the first fully automated transit line in Canada. Persistent issues with the rolling stock and infrastructure, coupled with changing municipal politics, led to decades of debate over its replacement, culminating in its final run in 2023 after the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated its decline.

Operations

The line functioned as a shuttle between its termini, with all trips requiring a transfer at Kennedy station. It operated with a headway of approximately four minutes during peak periods. Control and monitoring were handled from the Toronto Transit Commission's Greenwood Yard control centre. The automated guideway transit system used linear induction motor propulsion and a dedicated right-of-way, separated from street traffic. Service was frequently disrupted by weather-related issues, particularly winter ice and snow, which hampered the third rail power collection and guideway switches.

Rolling stock

The fleet consisted of 28 ICTS Mark I vehicles, manufactured by UTDC and later Bombardier Transportation. These cars used linear induction motor technology and rubber tires running on a concrete guideway. The vehicles operated in married pairs, forming four-car trains. Maintenance was performed at the purpose-built McCowan Yard. The proprietary technology made parts procurement difficult and expensive, and the fleet suffered from chronic reliability problems throughout its service life, a key factor in the decision to retire the system.

Stations

The line served six stations, all within the former City of Scarborough. From west to east, they were: Kennedy station (an interchange with Line 2 Bloor–Danforth and GO Transit's Stouffville line), Lawrence East station, Ellesmere station, Midland station, Scarborough Centre station (a major hub adjacent to Scarborough Town Centre and the Toronto Transit Commission's Scarborough RT bus terminal), and the terminal McCowan station. All stations except the underground Kennedy station were elevated structures.

Future replacement

The line is being replaced by the Eglinton Crosstown LRT's Scarborough extension, a project of Metrolinx. This new light rail line, now under construction, will run from Kennedy station to Sheppard Avenue and McCowan Road, largely following the hydro corridor north of the former alignment. The replacement plan was finalized after years of political debate that considered options including a Line 2 Bloor–Danforth subway extension, championed by former Mayor Rob Ford, and a fully grade-separated light metro proposal. Demolition of the guideway began in 2024.

Category:Rapid transit in Toronto Category:Scarborough, Toronto Category:Defunct rapid transit lines