Traffic agents improve traffic flow on King for streetcars, new data reports

The City of Toronto said traffic agents have led to some improvements in traffic on King Street since they were deployed late last year.

According to new data, the intersection of King and Bay streets saw a 33 percent reduction in vehicle travel, a 25 percent reduction in traffic flow, and a 64 percent reduction in vehicles blocking the intersection when a traffic agent was present. current.

Special traffic agents have been stationed at University, York, Bay, Yonge, Churchill and Jarvis intersections during the afternoon rush hour since late November, and the program has been ongoing.

Since then, tram travel time has decreased from 45 to 65 minutes to 17 to 21 minutes.

“I'm proposing a budget that prioritizes transit and traffic flow in our city, because the extra 40 minutes a transit rider saves can be spent with loved ones, family, having a cup of coffee and going to the gym. … We need to get back into transit, and that's exactly what we're doing with this powerful traffic agent,” said Mayor Olivia Chow.

Chow said the agency is considering whether to expand the program.

“We're looking at the best place at peak times, they're really needed. Therefore, I believe that the committee will receive several reports that will ensure the sustainability of this program,” he added.

The King Street pilot became permanent in April 2019 after a year-and-a-half project that saw a 16 percent increase in daily weekly ridership and a 16-minute commute from Bathurst to Jarvis Street. .

The pilot made it illegal for Toronto drivers to pass through intersections, forcing them to make only U-turns.

King Street is dealing with significant delays for TTC streetcars due to ongoing construction projects on parallel streets and drivers ignoring traffic restrictions.

City officials say the problem is compounded by “box blocking” incidents involving north-south traffic on major streets like University, Bay and Yonge.

Eastbound volume on King increased 66 percent during the fall 2023 evening peak and 103 percent during the morning peak, an increase of about 300 vehicles.

There were also 110 violations per hour during the daytime peak at King and Yonge streets.

Further efforts by the city to increase traffic flow also include modifications to the traffic light, which indicates that crossing the intersection is on red light and incurs heavy fines.

It comes with traffic light phase changes to prioritize green left and right turn arrows.

Councilman Chris Moise also said he is considering an automatic transit system along King Street. “I look forward to receiving the report in the second quarter of the year and moving to a more consistent execution at King Street.”

“With a large volume of daily users. The King Street Priority Corridor deserved investment and attention. It should serve everyone to the highest standard of efficiency,” Moise said.