As Toronto prepares for the FIFA World Cup, the city's transit agency, the TTC, is focused on improving its streetcar network to efficiently transport the expected surge of soccer fans. With Exhibition Place, the venue for several matches, not connected to subway lines, officials have highlighted the Bathurst Street streetcar as the main transit route serving BMO Field Stadium. To meet the demands of this event, the TTC is implementing a series of upgrades aimed at boosting the reliability and frequency of streetcar services in the area.

The plan involves transforming the Bathurst route into a RapidTO project, which includes the establishment of dedicated red-painted lanes designed to ensure that streetcars can move freely, unimpeded by car traffic. Officials are also increasing the frequency of service, aiming for streetcars to run approximately every five minutes during the World Cup matches. This approach not only signifies the importance of public transportation during large-scale events but also highlights a broader strategy to improve transit reliability in general, which has been a concern for the city.

Despite the urgency of these upgrades, the TTC is facing challenges related to the existing infrastructure, including the overhead electrical cables that need to be prepared for increased service levels. As the event approaches, the successful execution of these transportation plans is crucial to ensure that fans can access the matches smoothly, and it also serves as a test of the city’s commitment to enhancing its public transportation system in the long run.