ACTION ALERT – RapidTO at July 16 Executive Committee Meeting

Yesterday, the July 16, 2025 executive committee agenda was published which included the final report for RapidTO bus priority lanes on Bathurst and Dufferin Streets. The TLDR (too long didn’t read) version is city staff capitulated to the astroturf “Protect Bathurst” and “Protect Dufferin” campaigns by reducing the scope of both RapidTO routes to south of Bloor Street. This was in line with the latest language from the “Protect Bathurst” website which called for a pause north of Bloor Street, while Councillor Dianne Saxe (who represents my University-Rosedale ward) had previously called for the exclusion of the Bloor to Dupont stretch from RapidTO Bathurst. (see open letter from June 11)

Photo from TTCriders

It's UNACCEPTABLE that the interests of 40,000 daily bus riders on Dufferin and another 35,000 on Bathurst are being put aside in response to the bullying and use of AI generated content from the astroturf campaigns! Especially with some of the arguments used by the astroturfers are not unlike those used by bike lane opponents such as loss of curbside access and so-called “lack of consultation”. Riders of the Dufferin bus (which I used to be one) call it the Sufferin’ for the constant overcrowding and bus bunching due to delays caused by motor vehicles. They need their commutes improved from King to Eglinton improved NOW! Not have the portion north of Bloor deferred to after the 2026 FIFA World Cup (or even never get built). Those who bike would also benefit from being able to use those lanes, though the primary goal with RapidTO is to make transit more reliable.

If Toronto is to fight traffic gridlock and climate change, Mayor Olivia Chow and Toronto City Council need to stop giving in to car-brain and instead be urged to implement RapidTO on both Bathurst and Dufferin all the way north to Eglinton. Especially with RapidTO being subject to numerous delays as is with the only completed projects being Eglinton Avenue East and the Line 3 Scarborough RT replacement bus along Kennedy and Midland.

If you agree Toronto City Council must reject the staff recommendation to capitulate to the astroturfers and instead be bold with RapidTO, there are a few actions you can take.

1. Sign the campaigns from TTCriders and Environmental Defence supporting the RapidTO bus priority lanes.
2. E-mail the Executive Committee (exc@toronto.ca), Mayor Olivia Chow (mayor_chow@toronto.ca), and your city councillor by 4:30 PM on Tuesday, July 15 with your personal story on why you support RapidTO. Reference Motion EX25.4. If you ride (or used to ride) the Dufferin and/or Bathurst buses, even better!
3. If you wish to register to speak, you can e-mail the Executive Committee using “Request to Speak – EX25.4” in the subject line. State whether you wish to do it virtually or in person.
4. If you are looking to volunteer on this or other transit campaigns, please reach out to TTCriders directly.
5. Please share this action alert (and TTCriders’ campaign) with your networks.

TTCriders posted their response to the RapidTO motion on Bluesky yesterday which you can read here.