Toronto commuters and visitors could face a difficult Friday evening as major sporting events and a planned TTC subway closure converge across the city.
The Toronto Raptors host the Orlando Magic tonight at Scotiabank Arena, while the Toronto Marlies face the Hershey Bears at Coca-Cola Coliseum at 7:00 p.m. The combination is expected to increase traffic and transit demand around downtown Toronto, Union Station and Exhibition Place during the evening rush.
Two major sporting events in the same evening
The Raptors’ matchup at Scotiabank Arena is expected to draw thousands of fans into the downtown core, while hockey fans will be heading west toward Exhibition Place for the Marlies game.
The Marlies–Bears matchup begins at 7:00 p.m. at Coca-Cola Coliseum. The Hershey Bears enter the game with a 6-2-0-0 record, while Toronto comes in at 5-3-1-0.
With both venues attracting spectators during the evening commute, drivers should expect heavier traffic on routes feeding the downtown core, including the Gardiner Expressway and major streets connecting to the waterfront and Exhibition Place.
TTC Line 2 will close early tonight
The situation becomes more complicated later in the evening.
The TTC confirmed that Line 2 Bloor-Danforth service between St George and Broadview stations will end early at 10:00 p.m. Friday, October 30, for planned maintenance work. Shuttle buses will operate between the affected stations.
Bay and Sherbourne stations will be closed during the shutdown, while the Yonge Street entrance to Line 2 at Bloor-Yonge Station will also be unavailable. Regular subway service is scheduled to resume at approximately 6:00 a.m. Saturday.
The closure could particularly affect passengers returning home after evening events, dinners or Halloween-related activities in the downtown area.
Drivers and transit riders should plan ahead
For drivers, leaving additional travel time may be especially important between the late afternoon rush and the beginning of tonight’s sporting events.
Transit users should also check TTC service updates before heading home later in the evening, especially anyone normally relying on Line 2 between St George, Bloor-Yonge and Broadview.
The TTC says shuttle buses will stop at stations along the affected section and Wheel-Trans service will be available upon request for passengers requiring assistance.
A familiar Toronto challenge
Major events are an important part of Toronto’s downtown economy and entertainment scene, but when multiple events overlap with transit maintenance, the effects can quickly spread beyond the venues themselves.
Friday evening provides another example of how closely connected Toronto’s road network, public transit system and major entertainment districts have become.
For residents and visitors, the simplest advice tonight may be the most important: allow extra time and check road and transit conditions before leaving.
La Verdad Express — Analysis with meaning and truth.
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