View source for Engineering:Line 3 Scarborough

{{Short description|Defunct light rapid transit line in Toronto, Canada}}
{{Infobox rail line
| name                            = Line 3 Scarborough
| logo                            = TTC - Line 3 - Scarborough RT line.svg
| logo_width                      = 35px
| image                           = S-series train at Line 3 platform in Kennedy station in Toronto, 2019.jpg
| image_width                     = 
| caption                         = An S-series train at the Line 3 platform of Kennedy station
| type                            = Light rapid transit<!--Please don't change to light metro-->
| system                          = Toronto subway
| status                          = Closed
| locale                          = Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| start                           = {{stl|TTC|Kennedy}}
| end                             = {{stl|TTC|McCowan}}
| stations                        = 6<ref name="Subway Ridership">{{cite web |title=Toronto Transit Commission Subway ridership – 2018 |url=https://www.ttc.ca/PDF/Transit_Planning/Subway%20ridership%20-%202018.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628020011/http://ttc.ca/PDF/Transit_Planning/Subway%20ridership%20-%202018.pdf |archive-date=June 28, 2021 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |publisher=Toronto Transit Commission}}</ref>
| routes                          = 
| daily_ridership                 = {{formatnum: {{American transit ridership|ON Toronto TTC IR daily}} }} ({{American transit ridership|dailydate}}){{American transit ridership|dailycitation}}
| ridership2                      = {{formatnum: {{American transit ridership|ON Toronto TTC IR annual}} }} ({{American transit ridership|annualdate}}){{American transit ridership|annualcitation}}
| website                         = {{TTC route page}}
| open                            = {{start date and age|1985|03|22}}
| close                           = {{end date and age|2023|7|24<!--The date is based on the last day of operation-->}}<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.ttc.ca/news/2023/August/TTC-improving-Line-3-Scarborough-bus-shuttle-routes | title= TTC, City improving Line 3 Scarborough bus shuttle routes as train service set to permanently end | date=August 24, 2023 }}</ref>
| owner                           = Toronto Transit Commission
| operator                        = Toronto Transit Commission
| character                       = 
| depot                           = McCowan Yard
| stock                           = S series
| linelength                      = {{convert|6.4|km|mi|abbr=on}}<ref name="TTC 2011 Stats">{{cite web |url=http://www.ttc.ca/About_the_TTC/Operating_Statistics/2011.jsp |title=2011 TTC Operating Statistics |publisher=Toronto Transit Commission |access-date=March 10, 2013 |archive-date=March 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308083931/http://ttc.ca/About_the_TTC/Operating_Statistics/2011.jsp |url-status=live }}</ref>
| tracklength                     = 
| tracks                          = 
| gauge                           = {{Track gauge|sg|allk=on}}
| electrification                 = 600 V DC fifth rail<!-- Section "five rail system" no longer exists at [[Engineering:Railway electrification system|Railway electrification system]] -->
| signalling                      = Thales SelTrac CBTC
| minradius                       = 
| speed                           = 
| elevation                       = 
| map                             = {{switcher
|{{maplink-road |from=Line 3 Scarborough.map}} Line 3 highlighted in blue <hr>
|Show interactive map
|Show route diagram
}}
| map_state                       = 
}}
'''Line 3 Scarborough''', originally known as '''Scarborough RT''' ('''SRT'''), was a light rapid transit line that was part of the Toronto subway system in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.<ref name="subway_index">{{cite web |url=http://www.ttc.ca/Subway/index.jsp |title=Subway |work=Schedules & Maps |publisher=Toronto Transit Commission |quote=Line 3 Scarborough has six stations |access-date=February 3, 2017 |archive-date=August 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827201808/https://ttc.ca/Subway/index.jsp |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 24, 2023 |title=Line 3 will stay closed permanently after Scarborough RT derailment |url=https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/line-3-will-stay-closed-permanently-after-scarborough-rt-derailment-1.6532878 |access-date=August 24, 2023 |website=Toronto |language=en}}</ref> The line ran entirely within the eastern district of Scarborough, encompassing six stations and {{convert|6.4|km|mi}} of mostly elevated track<!--Don't bypass redirect per WP:NOTBROKEN-->. It connected with Line 2 Bloor–Danforth at its southwestern terminus, {{stl|TTC|Kennedy}}, and terminated in the northeast at {{stl|TTC|McCowan}}. In {{American transit ridership|annualdate}}, the system had a ridership of {{formatnum: {{American transit ridership|ON Toronto TTC IR annual}} }}, or about {{formatnum: {{American transit ridership|ON Toronto TTC IR daily}} }} per weekday as of {{American transit ridership|dailydateasof}}.

The rolling stock of Line 3 consisted of smaller, semi-automated, medium-capacity trains, rather than the larger heavy-rail subway trains used on other lines in the system. Designated by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) as the S series, these were [[Engineering:Innovia Metro|Intermediate Capacity Transit System]] (ICTS) Mark I trains built by the Urban Transportation Development Corporation (UTDC). The trains were powered by [[Physics:Linear induction motor|linear induction motor]]s and operate on {{Track gauge|sg|allk=on}} tracks, unlike the heavy-rail subway lines and the Toronto streetcar system, which use the unique {{Track gauge|Toronto|first=met|allk=on}}.

The line remained mostly unchanged from its opening in 1985 and contained two of the least-used stations in the system. Beginning in the late 2000s, the municipal government of Toronto was debating competing plans to revitalize and expand the line, to convert its right-of-way for use by modern light rail vehicles, or to close the line and extend Line 2 Bloor–Danforth farther into Scarborough along a different route. In 2013, Toronto City Council decided on a three-station extension of Line 2 to replace Line 3 along a different route. In 2016, in order to free up funds for another transit project, the city reduced the extension to include only one station,<ref name="TheStar-2016-01-20" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2013/10/08/scarborough_subway_confirmed_by_toronto_council.html |title=Scarborough subway confirmed by Toronto council |work=Toronto Star |date=October 8, 2013 |access-date=August 3, 2017 |archive-date=August 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803090524/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2013/10/08/scarborough_subway_confirmed_by_toronto_council.html |url-status=live }}</ref> which was set to be completed by 2026.<ref name="TheStar-2021-02-04">{{cite news|last1=Spurr|first1=Ben|last2=Pagliaro|first2=Jennifer|date=February 4, 2021|title=TTC recommends seven years of shuttle buses on Scarborough RT ahead of 2030 subway opening|newspaper=Toronto Star|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2021/02/04/ttc-recommends-seven-years-of-shuttle-buses-on-scarborough-rt-ahead-of-2030-subway-opening.html|access-date=February 4, 2021|archive-date=February 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204175517/https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2021/02/04/ttc-recommends-seven-years-of-shuttle-buses-on-scarborough-rt-ahead-of-2030-subway-opening.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2019, Progressive Conservative premier Doug Ford reinstated the three-station Scarborough subway extension and committed to completing it by 2030, with all construction costs to be borne by the province.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2019/04/premier-ford-unveils-transportation-vision.html|title=Premier Ford Unveils Transportation Vision|website=news.ontario.ca|access-date=August 9, 2019|archive-date=April 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410213847/https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2019/04/premier-ford-unveils-transportation-vision.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Line 2 East Extension">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ttc.ca/About_the_TTC/Projects/Scarborough_Subway_P/index.jsp|title=Line 2 East Extension|website=www.ttc.ca|access-date=August 9, 2019|archive-date=August 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809053355/http://www.ttc.ca/About_the_TTC/Projects/Scarborough_Subway_P/index.jsp|url-status=live}}</ref>

The TTC planned for Line 3 to cease operations in November 2023,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.blogto.com/city/2023/06/when-last-scarborough-rt-train-run-line-demolished/ | title=Here is when the last Scarborough RT train will run before line is demolished }}</ref> with shuttle buses running in place of Line 3 train service until the Line 2 Bloor–Danforth subway extension to the existing Scarborough Centre station opens for service (estimated 2030).<ref>{{cite tweet|user=TTChelps|number=1671851000515244039|title=Crews were busy installing signage to help Line 3 Scarborough customers stay informed}}</ref> However, a train derailment in July 2023 resulted in the line permanently closing four months ahead of schedule.<ref name="TheStar-2023-07-27">{{cite news |last=Harvey |first=Lex |date=July 27, 2023 |title=Scarborough RT to remain closed for at least three weeks after derailment |newspaper=Toronto Star |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/i-cannot-rely-on-the-ttc-anymore-scarborough-rt-to-remain-closed-for-at-least/article_66a0f480-d153-5822-8b33-06315859de74.html}}</ref><ref name="confirmed closed">{{Cite news |last=Harvey |first=Lex |title=TTC ends Scarborough RT service permanently |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/ttc-ends-scarborough-rt-service-permanently/article_1a402fc5-26b7-56d5-b564-128240e747c0.html |access-date=August 24, 2023 |work=Toronto Star}}</ref> By March 2023, a plan existed to convert a portion of the existing right-of-way between Kennedy and Ellesmere stations into a bus right-of-way, including an additional stop at Mooregate Avenue / Tara Avenue, located near a pedestrian bridge that spans over the former Line 3 and the Stouffville line. The busway is targeted for completion by 2025.<ref name="TTC-SRT-Future" /><!-- The following ref says the BRT conversion is still unfunded. --><ref name="TheStar-2023/04/28">{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2023/04/28/scarborough-is-about-to-lose-its-light-rail-line-the-citys-replacement-plan-has-alarmed-residents.html |title=Scarborough is about to lose its light rail line. The city's replacement plan has alarmed residents |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=May 1, 2023 |access-date=May 2, 2023 |archive-date=May 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502211032/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2023/04/28/scarborough-is-about-to-lose-its-light-rail-line-the-citys-replacement-plan-has-alarmed-residents.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Name ==
From when the line opened in 1985 until 2015, it was known as the "Scarborough RT" or "SRT". The "RT" in Scarborough RT stood for "rapid transit".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ttc.ca/about-the-ttc/Key-Information-About-the-TTC|title=Key Information About the TTC|access-date=July 4, 2023}}</ref> The name Scarborough Line was used on the official TTC website and 2014 TTC Ride Guide.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ttc.ca/PDF/Maps/SubwayRT_Map_2014.pdf |title=Subway Route Map |access-date=August 26, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826120055/http://ttc.ca/PDF/Maps/SubwayRT_Map_2014.pdf |archive-date=August 26, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ttc.ca/Subway/index.jsp|title=TTC Subway|access-date=January 24, 2015|archive-date=January 31, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150131140646/https://www.ttc.ca/Subway/index.jsp|url-status=dead}}</ref> In October 2013, the TTC announced plans to give the lines official numbers to help riders and visitors to navigate the system. The line is numbered 3, as it was the third rapid transit line to open in the system. New signage was installed in March 2014.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{Cite web |url=http://www.citynews.ca/2013/10/23/ttc-considers-numbering-subway-lines/ |title=TTC considers numbering subway lines {{!}} CityNews<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=October 23, 2013 |archive-date=October 25, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131025072757/http://www.citynews.ca/2013/10/23/ttc-considers-numbering-subway-lines/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://toronto.ctvnews.ca/ttc-tests-new-numerical-signage-system-1.1710500 |title=TTC tests new numerical signage system {{!}} CTV Toronto News<!-- Bot generated title --> |date=March 2, 2014 |access-date=July 19, 2014 |archive-date=October 10, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010083607/http://toronto.ctvnews.ca/ttc-tests-new-numerical-signage-system-1.1710500 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://i.imgur.com/BREE2L2.jpg |title=New TTC Signage at Eglinton Station |access-date=July 19, 2014 |archive-date=May 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514132329/http://i.imgur.com/BREE2L2.jpg |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2015, the name was simplified to "Line 3 Scarborough."

== History ==
[[Image:Scarborough RT logo.svg|thumb|left|The original Scarborough RT logo (1985–2015)]]
[[Image:Kennedylowlevel.jpg|thumb|The original tiled streetcar platform can be seen at Kennedy station. This image also clearly shows the reaction rail for the linear motor between the rails, and the two inductive communications wires on either side of the plate.]]
In 1972, the provincial government announced the GO-Urban plan to build an intermediate capacity transit system across suburban Toronto, particularly in Scarborough and Etobicoke, using the experimental [[Physics:Krauss-Maffei Transurban|Krauss-Maffei Transurban]]. However, [[Company:KraussMaffei|KraussMaffei]] was forced to abandon development when the West German federal government declined further funding.<ref>{{cite news |title=GO-Urban's bright future fades suddenly |work=Toronto Star |date=November 14, 1974}}</ref> GO-Urban then used some of the technologies from the Transurban to develop a simpler steel-wheeled version, the ICTS system.

During this period, the TTC had been working on plans to extend its own network with a series of [[Engineering:Tram|streetcar]] systems using a new and greatly enlarged streetcar design, the Canadian Light Rail Vehicle (CLRV). The Ontario government, in charge of GO Transit, was looking for a test site for the ICTS system and demanded that the TTC use it for one of their planned streetcar projects, selecting the Scarborough extension. The TTC initially refused to make the change, arguing it was both the wrong solution and that since the construction of the line had already commenced this would be a waste of money. However, as the Ontario government was providing 75 percent of the funding for the line, they changed their minds when the government threatened to cut the funding.

At Kennedy station, there are clues revealing that it was originally built for streetcar operation; it is possible to see old low-level streetcar platforms protruding under the current high-level platforms, and the loop to turn streetcars proved too sharp for safe operation of the ICTS cars, which did not have a reason to turn around, so the loop was replaced by a [[Engineering:Spanish solution|Spanish solution]]-like crossover.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://transit.toronto.on.ca/subway/5002.shtml |title=Frequently Asked Questions about Toronto's Subway and the Scarborough RT – Transit Toronto – Content |website=Transit Toronto |access-date=December 7, 2010 |archive-date=May 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515221135/http://transit.toronto.on.ca/subway/5002.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> Ontario wanted to develop and promote its new technology, which had been designed for a proposed urban GO Transit service known as GO-ALRT. Changes to federal railway regulations had made the new system unnecessary for GO, so the government hoped to sell it to other transit services in order to recoup its investment.

[[Image:TTC UTDC ICTS Mark I 3012.jpg|thumb|left|An S-series train in its original (1985–2015) livery in 2006]]
The Scarborough line was formally opened (as the Scarborough RT) to invited guests on March 22, 1985, and began revenue service on March 24, 1985.<ref>{{cite news |last1=James |first1=Royson |title=Rapid transit line hailed at opening |work=Toronto Star |date=March 23, 1985 |page=A3}}</ref> Three years after it opened, the TTC renovated its southwestern terminus at Kennedy station, because the looped turnaround track, designed for uni-directional streetcars under the earlier plan and not needed for the bi-directional ICTS trains, was causing derailments; it was replaced with a single terminal track and the station was thus quasi-Spanish solution, with one side for boarding and another side for alighting, though the boarding side is also used for alighting during off-peak hours, weekends and holidays.

With the line approaching the end of its useful life,<ref name="CEO Nov 2012 Report">{{cite web |url=http://www.ttc.ca/About_the_TTC/Commission_reports_and_information/Commission_meetings/2012/November_21/Supplementary_Reports/CHIEF_EXECUTIVE_OFFI.pdf |title=Chief Executive Officer's Report – November 2012 Update |publisher=Toronto Transit Commission |date=November 21, 2012 |access-date=March 10, 2013 |archive-date=February 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222032218/http://www.ttc.ca/About_the_TTC/Commission_reports_and_information/Commission_meetings/2012/November_21/Supplementary_Reports/CHIEF_EXECUTIVE_OFFI.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> the TTC reduced the frequency of service in mid-September 2012 to reduce wear and tear on both the aging rolling stock and the infrastructure.

In 2015, the TTC started work on the cars to keep them operational until the line is replaced by another mode of rail technology. This included shrink-wrapping the rolling stock with a blue vinyl finish<!--Don't bypass redirect per WP:NOTBROKEN--> to emphasize the line's colour and displaying the number 3, a linear diagram of the Scarborough line, and the TTC logo.<ref name="This is what the TTC's revamped SRT cars look like">{{cite web |title=This is what the TTC's revamped SRT cars look like |url=http://www.blogto.com/city/2015/03/this_is_what_the_ttcs_revamped_srt_cars_look_like/ |work=BlogTO |access-date=March 10, 2015 |archive-date=March 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150308174020/http://www.blogto.com/city/2015/03/this_is_what_the_ttcs_revamped_srt_cars_look_like/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The original "RT" logo was no longer featured on the trains, except when the Line 3 shrink wrap is removed but not re-applied yet. These were followed by interior upgrades, such as using coloured velour seating.

On December 13, 2016, Presto fare gates were installed at Lawrence East station, making all stations along this line Presto-enabled.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.prestocard.ca/en/about/presto-on-the-ttc|title=Presto on the TTC|access-date=March 30, 2019|archive-date=March 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330144838/https://www.prestocard.ca/en/about/presto-on-the-ttc|url-status=live}}</ref>

On April 18, 2017, the TTC awarded a $6.8-million contract to Bombardier to repair corrosion damage under the floors of the S-series cars. If the problem were not rectified, there would be the risk of serious structural damage to the cars. That would have prevented the cars from lasting until 2026 when the Scarborough Subway Extension was scheduled to replace Line 3. The repair work required service to be reduced from 6 four-car trains down to 5.<ref name="TheStar-2017-04-18">{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2017/04/18/scarborough-rt-vehicles-need-repairs-to-avoid-catastrophic-corrosion-failures.html |title=Scarborough RT vehicles need repairs to avoid 'catastrophic' corrosion failures |newspaper=Toronto Star |first=Ben |last=Spurr |date=April 18, 2017 |access-date=April 19, 2017 |archive-date=April 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418215925/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2017/04/18/scarborough-rt-vehicles-need-repairs-to-avoid-catastrophic-corrosion-failures.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Closure ===

[[File:Farewell Line 3 in Scarborough Centre Concourse-1.JPG|thumb|Farewell Line 3 booth in Scarborough Centre station concourse on September 23, 2023]]
On July 24, 2023, the last car of a train on Line 3 Scarborough derailed south of Ellesmere station. There were 45 people on board, with five injuries reported.<ref name="CityNews-2023-07-25">{{Cite web |last=Casaletto |first=Lucas |date=July 25, 2023 |title=TTC's Line 3 shut down after train derailment; multiple passengers injured |url=https://toronto.citynews.ca/2023/07/24/passengers-injured-after-ttc-train-derails-in-scarborough-line-3-srt/ |access-date=July 30, 2023 |website=toronto.citynews.ca}}</ref> The TTC closed the line while the cause of the incident was being investigated. Although the investigation and closure was expected to last several weeks, the city accelerated work to support the replacement buses.<ref name="TheStar-2023-07-27" /><ref name="TheStar-2023-08-17">{{cite news |last=Harvey |first=Lex |date=August 17, 2023 |title=TTC hunts for Scarborough solutions as RT remains out of service |newspaper=Toronto Star |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/it-s-going-to-happen-ttc-hunts-for-scarborough-solutions-as-rt-remains-out-of/article_64f97ed6-e14a-5aa3-b62c-316d240459f5.html}}</ref> On August 24, 2023, the TTC announced that the line would not reopen.<ref name="confirmed closed" /> In late September 2023, the TTC explained that bolts that held the linear induction rail to the roadbed had come loose in the July incident, causing the magnetically attracted induction rail to rise up, strike and derail the last car of the train.<ref name="TheStar-2023-09-26">{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/ttc-ceo-says-further-transit-closures-possible-after-derailment-of-ageing-srt/article_f79ea6f4-a3be-565d-a63d-be11ed39df87.html |title=TTC CEO says further transit closures possible after derailment of ageing SRT |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=September 26, 2023 }}</ref> A farewell party for Line 3 was hosted at Scarborough Centre station on September 23, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Goodbye, Line 3 Scarborough RT. TTC invites public to say farewell to a Scarborough icon |url=https://www.ttc.cahttps//www.ttc.ca/news/2023/September/TTC-invites-public-to-farewell-a-Scarborough-icon |access-date=October 10, 2023 |website=www.ttc.cahttps |language=en}}</ref>

<gallery>
Farewell Line 3 on 20230923.JPG|People taking photos during the Farewell Line 3 event on September 23, 2023
Farewell Line 3 Photo area in Scarborough Centre.JPG|Photo area in Scarborough Centre Station
Farewell Line 3 Train in Scarborough Centre.JPG|Train standby in the platform
</gallery>

After the derailment, a Line 3 shuttle bus served the closed stations along Line 3. On September 3, 2023, the TTC replaced the shuttle bus service with route 903 Kennedy-Scarborough Centre Express, running northbound on Kennedy Road and southbound on Midland Avenue in reserved lanes between Kennedy and Scarborough Centre stations. Unlike the shuttle service, route 903 does not serve the closed Lawrence East, Ellesmere, Midland and McCowan stations.<ref name="TTC-SRT-Future">{{cite web |url=https://www.ttc.ca/about-the-ttc/projects-and-plans/Future-of-Line-3-Scarborough |title=The future of TTC's Line 3 Scarborough (SRT) |publisher=Toronto Transit Commission |date=September 3, 2023 |accessdate=September 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901021026/https://www.ttc.ca/about-the-ttc/projects-and-plans/Future-of-Line-3-Scarborough | archive-date=September 1, 2023 }}</ref>

==Rolling stock==
[[Image:Kennedyloop.jpg|thumb|The abandoned loop at Kennedy station, which became a dead-end tail track in 1988]]
[[File:Scarborough RT train (2021).jpg|thumb|upright|S-series train heading north toward Lawrence East station, 2021]]

The 7 four-car trains used exclusively on the Scarborough line were developed by the Urban Transportation Development Corporation (UTDC), then an Ontario [[Finance:State-owned enterprise#Commonwealth|Crown corporation]] but later sold to Bombardier Transportation<!--Don't mention Alstrom as the purchase happened decades after the trains were manufactured-->. The business proposal initially bore little fruit—a proposed pilot project in Hamilton was cancelled after meeting widespread public opposition, and the only other transit systems to use the technology, named the Intermediate Capacity Transit System (ICTS), at the time were {{wipe|Vancouver}}'s SkyTrain and the People Mover in Detroit. After Bombardier took over UTDC, it redesigned the technology with newer, longer cars, used to expand the SkyTrain network and also for new installations across the world. ICTS was rebranded as "Advanced Rapid Transit" (ART) and became a success for the company. Later, the technology was again rebranded, this time as [[Engineering:Innovia Metro|Innovia Metro]].

One unusual feature of the ICTS cars is that they were driven by [[Physics:Linear motor|linear induction motors]]: instead of using [[Physics:Electric motor|conventional motors]] to turn the wheels, they pushed themselves along the route using alternating flat [[Physics:Magnet|magnet]]s reacting with the distinctive diamagnetic [[Chemistry:Aluminum|aluminum]]<!--Don't bypass redirect per WP:NOTBROKEN--> metal plate that ran down the centre of the tracks. This system required very few moving parts and therefore led to lower maintenance costs. When the car motors were accelerating, they actually lifted the car off the track an extremely small distance, repelling against the aluminum plate.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=f0_XvdbL620C&q=Linear+repulsion+motors&pg=PA13 |title=Linear motion electromagnetic devices |first1=Ion |last1=Boldea |first2=S. A. |last2=Nasar |year=2001 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=9789056997021 |access-date=November 1, 2020 |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601010004/https://books.google.com/books?id=f0_XvdbL620C&q=Linear+repulsion+motors&pg=PA13 |url-status=live }}</ref> This micro-lifting prevented the [[Engineering:Bogie|truck]] wheels from making a solid electrical contact with the track. <!-- Comment from an engineer involved in the design: the net vertical force is actually down not up and has very little impact on the normal force at the wheel–rail interface. Fourth Rail was chosen to eliminate stray current problems and is common on modern systems globally --> Instead of using the conventional method, in which motive power is supplied by a single [[Engineering:Third rail|third rail]], with return current travelling through the running rails, a separate positive and negative power rail were provided on one side of the track. With respect to the accelerating trucks and the micro-lifting, the truck wheels had a somewhat larger flange than normal in order to keep the car inline on the track during the micro-lifting.{{original research inline|date=April 2017}} The linear induction motors also allowed the cars to climb steeper grades than would be possible with traditional subway technology since wheel slip was not an issue.

The trains are also able to be operated exclusively by computers, becoming one of the earliest installations of Standard Elektrik Lorenz's "SelTrac IS" system (now owned and delivered by Thales Rail Signalling Solutions), doing away with the need for a human operator. However, due to opposition from the transit workers' union and public perception, operators were retained; the union has firmly opposed driverless trains.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gttavisions.blogspot.com/2006/11/ttc-eyes-driverless-subway-toronto-star.html |title=TTC eyes driverless subway |work=Toronto Star |first=David |last=Bruser |date=November 17, 2006 |access-date=December 8, 2007 |archive-date=February 29, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080229180026/http://gttavisions.blogspot.com/2006/11/ttc-eyes-driverless-subway-toronto-star.html |url-status=live }}</ref> (Other systems took full advantage of the automated operation and Vancouver's SkyTrain has been automated since 1985 without incident.) The Line 3 trains had only [[Engineering:One-person operation|one operator]] since inception.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murno |first=Steve |date=November 10, 2022 |title=TTC Service Changes Effective November 20, 2022 (Updated) |url=https://stevemunro.ca/2022/11/10/ttc-service-changes-effective-november-20-2022/ |access-date=December 13, 2022 |website=Steve Munro |language=en |archive-date=December 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214010856/https://stevemunro.ca/2022/11/10/ttc-service-changes-effective-november-20-2022/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In practice, the Scarborough line trains [[Engineering:Automatic train operation|drove themselves]]; the operator monitored their operations and controlled the doors.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Claridge|first=Thomas|date=April 18, 1984|title=First of new transit cars arrive for $196 million Scarboro line|pages=M.3|work=The Globe and Mail|issn=0319-0714}}</ref> One of the features which was not implemented at the time of Scarborough line's opening was the automated audible-only next-stop announcement system, which was introduced in January 2008 and meant operators were no longer required to announce stops manually. These announcements feature the voice of Susan Bigioni, a TTC employee, who also voiced the announcements for the T1 series and the retired H4, H5, and H6 trains.

As of December 2023, the TTC was planning to sell five trainsets to Detroit for use on the Detroit People Mover, with two trainsets being retained for preservation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-20 |title=Toronto near deal to sell Scarborough RT cars to Detroit |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/toronto-near-deal-to-sell-scarborough-rt-cars-to-detroit/ |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=Trains |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Track<span id="Track"></span>==
<!--Linked to from [[Engineering:Railway electrification system#Five rail system|Railway electrification system]] That section no longer exists-->
Line 3 used 5-rail track, which a TTC document describes as follows:
{{blockquote|Track is the 5 rail system on direct fixation and car is powered by an induction or "reaction rail" situated between the running rails at the same top of rail elevation. There are two side contacting power rails +300V and −300V respectively situated a distance of about 14 in. from the closest gauge line of one running rail.<ref name="TTC-2015-04-28">{{cite web |url=https://www.ttc.ca/TTC_Business/Materials_and_procurement/Ads_PandS/PDF%20Files/Request%20for%20Information%20Rail%20Mailing%20Services%20-%20R31CA15135.pdf |title=Request for Information (RFI) For Rail Milling Services RFI No. R31CA15135 |publisher=Toronto Transit Commission |date=April 28, 2015 |access-date=June 8, 2017 |archive-date=October 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014083958/https://www.ttc.ca/TTC_Business/Materials_and_procurement/Ads_PandS/PDF%20Files/Request%20for%20Information%20Rail%20Mailing%20Services%20-%20R31CA15135.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>}}

The two power rails of 300 volts positive DC and the other of 300 volts negative DC together produced 600 volts.<ref name="TT-5107">{{cite web |url=http://transit.toronto.on.ca/subway/5107.shtml |title=The Scarborough Rapid Transit Line |website=Transit Toronto |first=James |last=Bow |date=June 3, 2017 |access-date=June 8, 2017 |archive-date=March 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130327183229/http://transit.toronto.on.ca/subway/5107.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>

Line 3 tracks used standard gauge rather than the broader Toronto gauge<!--Don't bypass redirect per WP:NOTBROKEN--> used on Line 2 Bloor–Danforth, as the ICTS design for the line would not allow for the interchange of rail equipment between lines 2 and 3 even if they were both the same gauge.<ref name="tt-4002">{{cite web |url=http://transit.toronto.on.ca/streetcar/4002.shtml |title=Frequently Asked Questions About Toronto's Streetcars |work=Transit Toronto |access-date=May 4, 2014 |archive-date=July 11, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140711194448/http://transit.toronto.on.ca/streetcar/4002.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Route==
[[Image:Scarborough RT between Scarborough Centre and McCowan.jpg|thumb|right|The train on its elevated tracks over McCowan Road<!--Don't bypass redirect per WP:NOTBROKEN--> between {{stl|TTC|Scarborough Centre}} and McCowan stations in September 2005]]
The line followed a roughly upside-down L-shaped route when viewed northwards: first northward from Kennedy station, paralleling the [[Company:Canadian National Railway|Canadian National Railway]] / GO Transit's Stouffville line tracks, between Kennedy Road<!--Don't bypass redirect per WP:NOTBROKEN--> and Midland Avenue, {{convert|4|km|mi|abbr=on}} to Ellesmere Road; then eastward between Ellesmere Road and Progress Avenue, through Scarborough City Centre to McCowan Road<!--Don't bypass redirect per WP:NOTBROKEN-->. The north–south section of the route, where it followed the Stouffville line tracks, is at ground level; the shorter east–west section (except for the ground-level yard) is elevated, as is the Kennedy terminus. The line dives briefly underground just north of Ellesmere station to cross under the Stouffville line tracks. After that, it is elevated towards McCowan station. Two stations, Kennedy and Scarborough Centre, have accessible elevators as those two were the busiest stations of Line 3.

From 2&nbsp;a.m. to 6&nbsp;a.m. (to 8&nbsp;a.m. on Sundays), when Line 3 was not operating, the 302 Kingston Rd-McCowan Blue Night bus served the same area. The 302 originates at Bingham Loop, where it connects with the 322 Coxwell bus that travelled to the west, as well as Route 324 Victoria Park that runs north. From the loop, Route 302 travels east along Kingston Road to Brimley Road, then north along Brimley Road to Danforth Road, then north on McCowan Road to Steeles Avenue. With the exception of McCowan station, it does not pass near any of the rapid transit stations, though other night bus services pass near stations. Bus service was extended on Sundays because the rapid transit lines started at 8&nbsp;a.m. (beginning January 3, 2016) instead of the usual 6&nbsp;a.m. start. Service frequency was 30 minutes.

The frequency for this line was 4 to 5 minutes during peak periods and 5 to 6 minutes during off-peak periods.

==Operations==
The TTC operated five to six trains on the line with each train consisting of four cars. There are 28 cars in the Line 3 fleet.<ref name="TheStar-2017-04-18" />

Line 3 trains could switch directions only at the ends of the line as there were no intermediate crossovers between the two termini. Thus, there could be no short turns on Line 3.<ref name="TT-SRT-ride">{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLJ-ScRAqkc |title=TT Ride Along - Scarborough RT Rear Window |work=Transit Toronto |date=July 16, 2021 |access-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220222751/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLJ-ScRAqkc |url-status=live }}</ref>

In winter, during heavy snow or freezing rain, the TTC previously ran "storm trains" overnight on Line 3 to keep power rails clear of ice, and apply anti-freeze to the power rail once freezing rain starts.<ref name="TTC-2018-04-16">{{cite web |url=http://www.ttc.ca/Service_Advisories/Route_diversions/Ice_Storm1.jsp |title=Service changes in the event of an ice storm |publisher=Toronto Transit Commission |date=April 16, 2018 |access-date=April 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416220533/http://www.ttc.ca/Service_Advisories/Route_diversions/Ice_Storm1.jsp | archive-date=April 16, 2018}}</ref><ref name="TheStar-2022/02/02">{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2022/02/02/ttc-closes-scarborough-line-3-as-toronto-braces-for-yet-another-storm.html |title=TTC closes Scarborough Line 3 as Toronto hit by winter storm |newspaper=Toronto Star |first=Maria |last=Iqbal |date=February 2, 2022 |access-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220222751/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2022/02/02/ttc-closes-scarborough-line-3-as-toronto-braces-for-yet-another-storm.html |url-status=live }}</ref> However, since the winter of 2018–2019, the TTC decided to change its procedures for Line 3. Thus, about two hours before an expected storm, the TTC may have decided to shut down Line 3 and replace it with bus service.<ref name="TTC-2021-Winter">{{cite web |url=http://www.ttc.ca/Service_Advisories/Winter_weather_plan/Streetcar.jsp |title=Service changes in the event of a winter storm{{Snd}}Streetcar |publisher=Toronto Transit Commission |access-date=February 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210225013333/http://www.ttc.ca/Service_Advisories/Winter_weather_plan/Streetcar.jsp | archive-date=February 25, 2021 }}</ref> Just before the storm of February 2, 2022, the TTC replaced all Line 3 trains with 25 buses.<ref name="TheStar-2022/02/02" />

The Scarborough line's S-series ICTS trains were stored and serviced at the small McCowan Yard, located east of McCowan station. Basic maintenance was performed in this yard; for more extensive work, the cars were taken to the subway's Greenwood Yard by truck, given the train's different track gauge and propulsion system.<ref name=WalksProject>{{cite web |url=https://neighbourhoodwalks.wordpress.com/2011/08/01/mccowan-carhouse-tour/ |title=McCowan Carhouse Tour |publisher=Toronto Neighbourhood Walks Project |date=August 1, 2011 |access-date=June 7, 2017 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220222752/https://neighbourhoodwalks.wordpress.com/2011/08/01/mccowan-carhouse-tour/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=TT-5302>{{cite web |url=http://transit.toronto.on.ca/subway/5302.shtml |title=The Greenwood Subway Yards |publisher=Transit Toronto |author=Aaron Adel & James Bow |date=June 25, 2015 |access-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-date=July 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717002151/http://transit.toronto.on.ca/subway/5302.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Future==
<!--Essentially, this paragraph is an index to the sub-sections that follow.-->
After studying the revitalization and expansion of Line 3 in 2006, its replacement with alternate transit (light rail versus subway) became a subject of debate in the late 2000s. {{as of|2019|04}}, there are plans to replace Line 3 with the three-stop Scarborough Subway Extension of Line 2 from Kennedy station to Sheppard Avenue, with intermediate stops at Lawrence Avenue and Scarborough Town Centre. With an estimated completion between 2029 and 2030, the extension would follow a different route than Line 3. The Province of Ontario has committed to fully fund its $5.5-billion cost.<ref name="TheStar-2019-04-10" /><ref name="ON-2019-04" /> In February 2021, the TTC recommended closing Line 3 permanently by 2023 and replacing it with bus service until the Line 2 extension opens.<ref name="TheStar-2021-02-04" /> Once Line 3 is closed, portions of its right-of-way could be converted into parkland.

===Revitalization and expansion<span id="Proposed expansion"></span>===
In 2006, a study was completed on the prospects of the Scarborough line.<ref name="2006SRT">{{cite web |url=http://www3.ttc.ca/About_the_TTC/Commission_reports_and_information/Commission_meetings/2006/Aug_30_2006/Other/Scarborough_Rt_Strat.pdf |title=Scarborough RT Strategic Plan |access-date=March 9, 2012 |date=August 30, 2006 |archive-date=August 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826120731/http://www.ttc.ca/About_the_TTC/Commission_reports_and_information/Commission_meetings/2006/Aug_30_2006/Other/Scarborough_Rt_Strat.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="2006Strategic">{{cite web |url=http://www.toronto.ca/ttc/pdf/scarborough_rt_strategic_plan_study_report.pdf |access-date=August 5, 2013 |date=August 2006 |title=Scarborough RT Strategic Plan – Study Report – Final Report – August 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080625121344/http://www.toronto.ca/ttc/pdf/scarborough_rt_strategic_plan_study_report.pdf |archive-date=June 25, 2008}}</ref> It recommended upgrading the line to handle larger [[Engineering:Innovia Metro|ART]] Mark II vehicles, at a cost of $190{{nbsp}}million (in 2006 dollars) with an eight-month service suspension for the upgrade and to purchase $170{{nbsp}}million of new rolling stock.<ref name="TTC-2006-09-20" /> Rebuilding the curve in the tunnel north of Ellesmere station would have been required to accommodate Mark II cars. (According to transit advocate Steve Munro, the need to rebuild the tunnel was discovered after the $190{{nbsp}}million upgrade estimate was made.<ref name="G&M-2017-03-17">{{cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/what-went-wrong-since-the-golden-age-of-toronto-transit/article34321708/ |title=What has gone wrong since the 'golden age' of Toronto transit |newspaper=The Globe and Mail |first=Oliver |last=Moore |date=March 17, 2017 |access-date=April 24, 2017 |quote=Dr. Richard Soberman, former chair of civil engineering at the University of Toronto, would simply buy new rolling stock for the SRT and rebuild a bend to accommodate new vehicles. |archive-date=April 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422123418/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/what-went-wrong-since-the-golden-age-of-toronto-transit/article34321708/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="SteveMunro-2017-03-01">{{cite web |url=https://stevemunro.ca/2017/03/01/scarborough-subway-cost-rises-again/ |title=Scarborough Subway Cost Rises Again |last=Munro |first=Steve |date=March 1, 2017 |access-date=April 24, 2017 |quote=At the time [the report] was written, the cost estimate was $360{{nbsp}}million. ... At this point it was assumed that the larger Mark II Skytrain cars would fit through the Ellesmere tunnel, but this was optimistic. |archive-date=April 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406022719/https://stevemunro.ca/2017/03/01/scarborough-subway-cost-rises-again/ |url-status=live }}</ref>) The TTC Board approved the recommended plan for the upgrades on August 30, 2006,<ref name="TTC-2006-09-20">{{cite web |url=http://www.ttc.ca/About_the_TTC/Commission_reports_and_information/Commission_meetings/2006/Sept_20_2006/Minutes/index.jsp |title=Minutes of the Previous Meeting – Board Meeting Minutes – Meeting No. 1873 – Wednesday, August 30, 2006 |access-date=December 1, 2015 |date=September 20, 2006 |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208082823/http://www.ttc.ca/About_the_TTC/Commission_reports_and_information/Commission_meetings/2006/Sept_20_2006/Minutes/index.jsp |url-status=live }}</ref> but later cancelled the plans.<ref name="TheStar-2015-11-15" /> Extending Line 2 Bloor–Danforth, either along the current route or along a different alignment directly to Scarborough Centre station, was not considered cost-effective or justifiable.

In November 2015, transportation consultant and [[Organization:University of Toronto|University of Toronto]] professor emeritus Richard Soberman argued that it would be vastly cheaper and faster to buy new Line 3 vehicles than to replace Line 3 with an extension of Line 2 northeast from Kennedy station. He felt the cost savings would be great enough to overcome difficulties such as the incompatibility of Mark II cars with the existing line geometry and the extra cost of building a fully separated right-of-way to Sheppard Avenue, where Line 3 could connect with either a proposed extension of Line 4 Sheppard or the Sheppard East LRT.<ref name="TheStar-2015-11-15">{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2015/11/15/skip-the-scarborough-subway-and-modernize-the-srt-says-transit-expert.html |title=Skip the Scarborough subway and modernize the SRT, says transit expert |newspaper=Toronto Star |first=Tess |last=Kalinowski |date=November 15, 2015 |access-date=November 20, 2015 |archive-date=November 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118224540/http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2015/11/15/skip-the-scarborough-subway-and-modernize-the-srt-says-transit-expert.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Replacement with alternate transit<!--Note: Changing the section name will break section links from other articles.-->===
[[File:Toronto Line 3 new Line 2 Extension comparison.svg|left|thumb|Superimposed former Line 3 (grey) and the under-construction Line 2 Bloor–Danforth extension (dark green)]]
The TTC and the City of Toronto completed an [[Engineering:Environmental impact assessment|environmental assessment]] in 2010 to convert the line to [[Engineering:Light rail|light rail transit]] and extend it to Malvern from its current eastern terminus, McCowan, with potential new intermediate stations at Bellamy Road, Centennial College's Progress Campus and Sheppard Avenue with a possible additional station at Brimley Road between the existing Midland and Scarborough Centre stations.<ref name="SRT EA">{{cite web |url=http://www.toronto.ca/involved/projects/scarborough_rapid_transit/index.htm |title=Extension of the Scarborough Rapid Transit & Kennedy Station Improvements |publisher=City of Toronto |date=May 29, 2012 |access-date=March 10, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006162230/http://www.toronto.ca/involved/projects/scarborough_rapid_transit/index.htm |archive-date=October 6, 2012}}</ref>

After initially planning to include the line with the proposed Eglinton Crosstown LRT line and create a single line called the "Eglinton–Scarborough Crosstown line", Metrolinx proceeded with plans to convert the line to light rail and extend it to Sheppard Avenue with a single new intermediate station at Centennial College. The existing line would have closed after the 2015 Pan American Games and be completed in 2020. In January 2013, Infrastructure Ontario issued a [[Finance:Request for proposal#Other requests|request for qualifications]] to shortlist companies to construct both this line and the Eglinton Crosstown line.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.infrastructureontario.ca/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=2147489840 |title=Request for Qualifications Issued for the Eglinton Crosstown LRT and Scarborough LRT Lines |date=January 22, 2013 |access-date=March 10, 2013 |archive-date=October 5, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005015642/http://www.infrastructureontario.ca/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=2147489840 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Eglinton Crosstown line was later renamed Line 5 Eglinton and officially given the colour of orange.

In June 2013, Toronto City Council again debated having the Scarborough line replaced with an extension of Line 2 Bloor–Danforth north to Sheppard Avenue along a different right of way. Metrolinx issued a letter to Toronto City Council indicating it would cease work on the Scarborough portion of the line, because its position strayed from the original LRT agreement.<ref name="GlobeAndMail2013-07-02a">{{cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/metrolinx-to-toronto-subway-is-yours/article12942512/ |title=Metrolinx to Toronto: Subway is yours |work=The Globe and Mail |first=Oliver |last=Moore |date=July 2, 2013 |access-date=July 3, 2013 |archive-date=July 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130707014128/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/metrolinx-to-toronto-subway-is-yours/article12942512/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The subway alternative would cost between $500{{nbsp}}million and $1{{nbsp}}billion more than converting the Scarborough line to use the same rolling stock as the Eglinton Crosstown line be so it could be a continuation of that line. ''The Globe and Mail'' reported that Scarborough councillors had argued that providing Scarborough residents with light rail, not heavy rail, treated them as "second-class citizens".

Two competing subway plans were proposed to replace Line 3. TTC chair Karen Stintz proposed extending Line 2 Bloor–Danforth to the east before turning north, with three new stations at Lawrence Avenue and McCowan Road (primarily to serve the Scarborough Hospital's General Campus), at Scarborough Town Centre and then at Sheppard Avenue East and McCowan Road, where it would connect to the Sheppard East LRT. Transportation Minister Glen Murray made an alternative proposal to extend Line 2 along the Line 3 route but have it terminate at Scarborough Town Centre. Under the Murray plan, there would be only two stations and there would be no direct connection with the then-proposed Sheppard East LRT. The Murray plan would have required the relocation of Kennedy station as a new northbound curve from the existing Kennedy station would have been too tight for subway trains. It would also have required the complete shutdown of the line during construction, something that the Stintz plan avoided.<ref name="Subway deal">{{cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/scarborough-subway-will-be-built-with-shortened-route-ontario-to-announce/article14104101/ |title=Scarborough subway to be built with shortened route, Ontario announces |work=The Globe and Mail |date=September 4, 2013 |access-date=September 4, 2013 |archive-date=September 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130904162515/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/scarborough-subway-will-be-built-with-shortened-route-ontario-to-announce/article14104101/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On October 8, 2013, Toronto City Council voted 24–20 to replace the Scarborough line with a three-station extension of the Bloor–Danforth subway line. Council chose the Stintz plan for the extension.<ref name="Star20131008">{{cite web |title=Scarborough subway confirmed by Toronto council |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2013/10/08/scarborough_subway_confirmed_by_toronto_council.print.html |work=Toronto Star |date=October 8, 2013 |access-date=October 8, 2013 |archive-date=August 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812222011/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2013/10/08/scarborough_subway_confirmed_by_toronto_council.print.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2013, the rejected LRT proposal would have provided a {{Convert|9.9|km|mi|adj=on}} line with seven stops serving 47,000 residents within walking distance. The selected 3-stop subway extension would be {{Convert|7.6|km|mi|abbr=on}} long, serving 14,000–20,000 residents within walking distance. In 2013, the LRT was estimated to cost $1.48 billion to build versus $3.56 billion for the Line 2 extension;<ref name="TheStar-2015-08-07">{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2015/08/07/scarborough-subway-debate-suffers-from-lack-of-facts-community-groups-say.html |title=Scarborough subway debate suffers from lack of facts, community groups say |newspaper=Toronto Star |first=Jennifer |last=Pagliaro |date=August 7, 2015 |access-date=November 19, 2015 |archive-date=November 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121075836/http://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2015/08/07/scarborough-subway-debate-suffers-from-lack-of-facts-community-groups-say.html |url-status=live }}</ref> both estimates would subsequently increase.<ref name="TheStar-2016-07-13">{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2016/07/13/city-council-debates-scarborough-subway-extension.html |title=Toronto city council sticks with subway, rejects Scarborough LRT |newspaper=Toronto Star |first=Jennifer |last=Pagliaro |date=July 13, 2016 |access-date=July 13, 2016 |archive-date=July 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160713205609/https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2016/07/13/city-council-debates-scarborough-subway-extension.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Converting Line 3 to light rail would require the complete shutdown of the line while extending Line 2 could occur without requiring a Line 3 shutdown. Circa 2013, this was promoted as a major benefit of the Line 2 extension over a conversion to light rail. At the time, the TTC estimated it could keep Line 3 operating until 2026; however, in February 2021, the TTC recommended replacing Line 3 with buses, thus eliminating that benefit.<ref name="TheStar-2021-02-04" /> A remaining benefit of the subway option is that it would eliminate the need to change trains at Kennedy station.<ref name="TheStar-2015-08-07" />

In June 2016, city planning staff proposed the elimination of two of the three stops along the planned Scarborough Subway Extension which would have seen Line 2 Bloor–Danforth terminate at Scarborough Town Centre in order to free up funding for a proposed Crosstown East LRT line extension of Line 5 Eglinton. The eliminated intermediate stops were at Lawrence Avenue and Sheppard Avenue.<ref name="TheStar-2016-01-20">{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2016/01/20/revised-scarborough-subway-plan-eliminates-2-stations.html |title=New Scarborough transit plan 'buys peace in the land' |newspaper=Toronto Star |first=Jennifer |last=Pagliaro |date=January 20, 2016 |access-date=January 20, 2016 |archive-date=January 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160120192953/http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2016/01/20/revised-scarborough-subway-plan-eliminates-2-stations.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Subsequently, the cost estimate for the one-stop subway extension increased to $3.2{{nbsp}}billion, leaving the Crosstown East LRT unfunded. Given the rising cost for the subway extension and the loss of funding for the LRT line, a group of city councillors led by Josh Matlow reopened the subway versus LRT debate. Matlow proposed scrapping the one-stop subway extension in order to provide funding for 24 LRT stops on two LRT lines within Scarborough. TTC CEO Andy Byford said the cost of the LRT line following the Line 3 route may have risen to as high as $3{{nbsp}}billion because of "delays and redesign" since 2013,<ref name="TheStar-2016-06-28">{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2016/06/28/scarborough-subway-versus-lrt-debate-to-return-to-council-amid-transit-confusion.html |title=Scarborough subway versus LRT debate to return to council amid transit confusion |newspaper=Toronto Star |first=Jennifer |last=Pagliaro |date=June 28, 2016 |access-date=June 30, 2016 |archive-date=June 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629210939/https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2016/06/28/scarborough-subway-versus-lrt-debate-to-return-to-council-amid-transit-confusion.html |url-status=live }}</ref> but Brad Ross, also of the TTC, warned of "caveats around numbers and assumptions" associated with that estimate.<ref name="TheStar-2016-10-24" /> After Council's vote, Byford admitted that the cost estimates for "delays" was unnecessary,<ref name="TheStar-2016-10-24b">{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2016/10/24/watchdog-says-city-staff-may-have-violated-public-service-code-over-scarborough-subway-advice.html |title=Watchdog says city staff may have violated public service code over Scarborough subway advice |newspaper=Toronto Star |first=Jennifer |last=Pagliaro |date=October 25, 2016 |access-date=October 24, 2016 |archive-date=October 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026162711/https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2016/10/24/watchdog-says-city-staff-may-have-violated-public-service-code-over-scarborough-subway-advice.html |url-status=live }}</ref> which assumed the LRT's completion would be in 2026, the same date as the subway option. However, according to Michael Warren, a former TTC chief general manager, the LRT could have been completed in 2020 at a cost of $1.8{{nbsp}}billion, an estimate not presented to City Council when it voted.<ref name="TheStar-2016-10-26">{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/opinion/commentary/2016/10/26/was-the-memo-that-killed-the-lrt-deliberately-misleading.html |title=Was the memo that killed the LRT deliberately misleading? |newspaper=Toronto Star |first=R. Michael |last=Warren |date=October 26, 2016 |access-date=October 26, 2016 |archive-date=October 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027060121/https://www.thestar.com/opinion/commentary/2016/10/26/was-the-memo-that-killed-the-lrt-deliberately-misleading.html |url-status=live }}</ref> There was also the issue of whether there would be space for both expanded GO service and an LRT north of Kennedy station; however, Metrolinx subsequently denied there would be such a problem.<ref name="TheStar-2016-10-24">{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2016/10/24/how-a-bid-to-resurrect-scarborough-lrt-was-killed-analysis.html |title=How a bid to resurrect Scarborough LRT was killed: Analysis |newspaper=Toronto Star |first=Jennifer |last=Pagliaro |date=October 24, 2016 |access-date=October 24, 2016 |archive-date=October 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024130418/https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2016/10/24/how-a-bid-to-resurrect-scarborough-lrt-was-killed-analysis.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On July 13, Toronto City Council voted down Matlow's proposal by a margin of roughly 2 to 1.<ref name="G&M-2016-07-13">{{cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/toronto-city-council-shows-support-for-scarborough-subway-expansion/article30910103/ |title=Toronto City Council approves planning for raft of transit projects |newspaper=The Globe and Mail |last1=Moore |first1=Oliver |date=July 13, 2016 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |archive-date=April 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404124448/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/toronto-city-council-shows-support-for-scarborough-subway-expansion/article30910103/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker justified the subway extension saying "Scarborough residents need the same access to a subway system that everybody else already has."<ref name="TheStar-2016-06-01">{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2016/06/01/shrunken-scarborough-subway-ridership-projections-a-huge-concern.html |title=Mayor Tory defends Scarborough subway extension despite new ridership data |newspaper=Toronto Star |first1=Ben |last1=Spurr |first2=Jennifer |last2=Pagliaro |date=June 1, 2016 |access-date=June 1, 2016 |archive-date=June 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601173037/https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2016/06/01/shrunken-scarborough-subway-ridership-projections-a-huge-concern.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Mayor Tory was concerned that switching from subway to LRT would delay transit improvements in Scarborough, and might not get support from senior levels of government.<ref name="TheStar-2016-06-27">{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/opinion/commentary/2016/06/27/why-i-support-the-scarborough-subway-john-tory.html |title=Why I support the Scarborough subway: John Tory |newspaper=Toronto Star |first=John |last=Tory |date=June 27, 2016 |access-date=June 27, 2016 |archive-date=June 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160628132935/https://www.thestar.com/opinion/commentary/2016/06/27/why-i-support-the-scarborough-subway-john-tory.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2013, Metrolinx prepared a draft report comparing the subway and LRT options concluding that the subway option was "not a worthwhile use of money." Metrolinx had declined a TTC request to give an opinion prior to City Council's July 2016 vote.<ref name="TheStar-2016-10-24" />

In 2017, the estimated cost of the one-stop Line 2 extension was $3.35{{Nbsp}}billion, which increased to $3.9{{Nbsp}}billion by April 2019.<ref name="TheStar-2019-04-03">{{cite news|last=Pagliaro|first=Jennifer|date=April 3, 2019|title=Toronto's major transit projects–where they're at and what Doug Ford might do to them|newspaper=Toronto Star|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2019/04/03/torontos-major-transit-projects-where-theyre-at-and-what-doug-ford-might-do-to-them.html|access-date=February 6, 2021|archive-date=November 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121080915/https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2019/04/03/torontos-major-transit-projects-where-theyre-at-and-what-doug-ford-might-do-to-them.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 10, 2019, Premier Doug Ford announced that the province would revert the extension back to the three-stop proposal at an estimated cost of $5.5{{nbsp}}billion with an estimated completion date between 2029 and 2030.<ref name="TheStar-2019-04-10">{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2019/04/10/doug-ford-vows-3-stop-scarborough-subway-the-timeline-could-leave-riders-on-buses-for-years.html |title=Doug Ford vows 3-stop Scarborough subway. The timeline could leave riders on buses for years |newspaper=Toronto Star |first=Jennifer |last=Pagliaro |date=April 10, 2019 |access-date=March 15, 2020 |archive-date=December 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221033431/https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2019/04/10/doug-ford-vows-3-stop-scarborough-subway-the-timeline-could-leave-riders-on-buses-for-years.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Line 2 would also receive new subway trains as part of the extension to replace the existing T1-series trains.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Toronto Transit Commission - Request for Proposals For New Subway Trains |url=https://ttc.bonfirehub.ca/opportunities/55969 |access-date=November 12, 2022 |website=ttc.bonfirehub.ca |archive-date=October 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023003428/https://ttc.bonfirehub.ca/opportunities/55969 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Murno |date=October 20, 2022 |title=TTC Issues RFP For New Subway Trains |url=https://stevemunro.ca/2022/10/20/ttc-issues-rfp-for-new-subway-trains/ |access-date=November 13, 2022 |website=Steve Munro |language=en |archive-date=November 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105013324/https://stevemunro.ca/2022/10/20/ttc-issues-rfp-for-new-subway-trains/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Replacement bus service ===
On April 10, 2019, Ontario premier Doug Ford announced that Line 3 Scarborough would be replaced by a three-stop extension of Line 2 Bloor–Danforth to be completed by 2030.<ref name="TheStar-2019-04-10"/><ref name="ON-2019-04">{{Cite web|url=https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2019/04/premier-ford-unveils-transportation-vision.html|title=Premier Ford Unveils Transportation Vision|website=news.ontario.ca|language=en|access-date=August 9, 2019|archive-date=April 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410213847/https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2019/04/premier-ford-unveils-transportation-vision.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However, on December 10, 2020, Toronto mayor John Tory stated that Line 3 was likely to fail and be taken out of service before the Scarborough Subway Extension was completed, with the failure possibly happening several years before completion.<ref name="RTfail">{{cite news|last1=Pagliaro|first1=Jennifer|date=December 10, 2020|title=Scarborough RT will shut down before subway is finished, mayor says|newspaper=Toronto Star|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2020/12/10/scarborough-rt-will-shut-down-before-subway-is-finished-mayor-says.html|access-date=December 10, 2020|archive-date=December 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210155912/https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2020/12/10/scarborough-rt-will-shut-down-before-subway-is-finished-mayor-says.html|url-status=live}}</ref> At that point, the Line 3 vehicles were 35 years old, a decade past their 25-year life expectancy, and had become unreliable and difficult to maintain, leading to reduced service and frequent service interruptions. The TTC was looking into an alternative solution of replacing Line 3 with bus service.<ref name="TTC-2020-10-22">{{cite web|date=October 22, 2020|title=Chief Executive Officer's Report – October 2020 Update|url=http://ttc.ca/About_the_TTC/Commission_reports_and_information/Commission_meetings/2020/October_22/Reports/1_Chief_Executive_Officer_Report_October_2020_Update.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018020617/http://ttc.ca/About_the_TTC/Commission_reports_and_information/Commission_meetings/2020/October_22/Reports/1_Chief_Executive_Officer_Report_October_2020_Update.pdf|archive-date=October 18, 2020|access-date=October 17, 2020|publisher=Toronto Transit Commission|pages=10–11}}</ref>

In February 2021, the TTC recommended shutting down Line 3 permanently in 2023 and replacing it with bus service. The TTC rejected doing a third overhaul of the line because it would cost $522.4{{Nbsp}}million and might not improve its reliability. The TTC offered two bus replacement options: purchase 60 hybrid buses by 2023 for $374.8{{Nbsp}}million or reduce the number of spares for maintenance, deferring the purchase of new buses until 2027 to 2030, at a cost of $357.4{{Nbsp}}million.<ref name="TheStar-2021-02-04" />

In April 2022, the TTC recommended that the Line 3 right-of-way between Kennedy and Ellesmere stations be converted into a {{convert|4|km|adj=on}} dedicated busway after the Line 3 closure. There would be stops along the right-of-way at Mooregate Avenue / Tara Avenue (approximately halfway between Eglinton Avenue and Lawrence Avenue), Lawrence Avenue East and Ellesmere Road. Between the proposed Ellesmere stop and Scarborough Centre station, buses would operate along Ellesmere Road and Brimley Road. Midland and McCowan stations, along with the connecting guideway, would be permanently shut down as they were deemed not usable for a busway. The busway would operate until the opening of the Line 2 Scarborough subway extension, after which its disposition was not known.<ref name="TTC-SRT-Future" />

By August 2023, Mayor Olivia Chow had promised to build the busway, which was estimated to cost $55{{Nbsp}}million. The project is estimated to take two years to complete.<ref name="TheStar-2023-08-28">{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/ttc-ends-scarborough-rt-service-permanently/article_1a402fc5-26b7-56d5-b564-128240e747c0.html |title=Shuttering of Scarborough RT means the end of a transit system that changed the city |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=August 28, 2023}}</ref>

By the fourth quarter of 2023, the TTC planned to set up dedicated bus lanes via Kennedy Road (northbound) and Midland Avenue (southbound) to run buses express between Kennedy and Scarborough Centre stations. Bus lanes would be painted red and transit signal priority would be implemented.<ref name="TTC-SRT-Future" /> An additional $60{{Nbsp}}million would be required to modify the bus platforms at Kennedy and Scarborough Centre stations.<ref name="TheStar-2022/04/07">{{cite news |last=Spurr |first=Ben |date=April 7, 2022 |title=Scarborough RT may find new life as a multimillion-dollar dedicated bus lane |newspaper=Toronto Star |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2022/04/07/scarborough-rt-may-find-new-life-as-a-multimillion-dollar-dedicated-bus-lane.html |access-date=April 8, 2022 |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408011611/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2022/04/07/scarborough-rt-may-find-new-life-as-a-multimillion-dollar-dedicated-bus-lane.html |url-status=live }}</ref> With the dedicated lanes, a trip between Kennedy and Scarborough Centre stations would take 17 to 22 minutes versus 15 minutes using the future busway. The duration of the same trip on Line 3 was 10 minutes.<ref name="TTC-bus-replacement" />

Work on the dedicated bus lanes was expected to be completed by November 19, 2023, when Line 3 had been scheduled to shut down. However, due to the derailment of a Line 3 train on July 24, 2023, the TTC decided to end Line 3 service three months earlier. The dedicated bus lanes began service on August 26, 2023, without the bus lane work having been fully completed. Up to 70 buses per hour will use the dedicated lanes.<ref name="TTC-SRT-Future" />

By January 2024, the estimated cost of converting the Line 3 right-of-way into a bus roadway had increased by $12{{Nbsp}}million to $67.9{{Nbsp}}mllion. Planning was 60 percent complete. If approved by city council, work would start in 2025 for completion in 2027.<ref name="TheStar-2024-01-22">{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/scarborough-busway-may-not-be-completed-until-at-least-2027/article_835f81dc-b947-11ee-b73c-cb1259add6af.html |title=Scarborough busway may not be completed until at least 2027 |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=2024-01-22 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

The TTC is implementing bus replacement service in phases as follows:<ref name="TTC-bus-replacement">{{cite web |url=https://ttc-cdn.azureedge.net/-/media/Project/TTC/DevProto/Documents/Home/Public-Meetings/Board/2023/Sep-26/4_Presentation_Line_3.pdf |title=Derailment Incident Overview and Operational Improvements for Bus Replacement Service |publisher=Toronto Transit Commission |date=September 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930012412/https://ttc-cdn.azureedge.net/-/media/Project/TTC/DevProto/Documents/Home/Public-Meetings/Board/2023/Sep-26/4_Presentation_Line_3.pdf | archive-date=September 30, 2023 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|+Four phases of Line 3 Scarborough bus replacement service
!  Effective !! Route between Kennedy and Scarborough Centre stations<ref name="TTC-bus-replacement" />{{rp|4}} !! Travel time in minutes<ref name="TTC-bus-replacement" />{{rp|19}}
|-
| July 24, 2023, to August 25, 2023
| The emergency Line 3 subway shuttle operated in mixed traffic via Midland Avenue, Progress Avenue, Brimley Road and Triton Road.
| 20–30<ref name="TheStar-2023-07-26">{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/scarborough-rt-derailment-raises-questions-about-state-of-repair-on-ttc/article_96226692-fb9c-5afa-ad51-3c84598fe099.html |title=Scarborough RT derailment raises questions about state of repair on TTC |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=July 26, 2023 }}</ref><!-- 10-20 minutes extra as per article over the 10-minute run time of SRT as per TTC pdf -->
|-
| August 26, 2023, to November 18, 2023
| Route 903 Scarborough Centre Express operates in temporarily marked reserved lanes via Kennedy Road (northbound), Midland Avenue (southbound), Progress Avenue, Brimley Road and Triton Road.
| 18–25 
|-
| November 19, 2023, until 2027
| Eight TTC bus routes will be extended from Scarborough Centre to Kennedy station, saving their riders three minutes in transfer time. With the full implementation of transit priority measures, buses will run via Kennedy Road (northbound), Midland Avenue (southbound), Ellesmere, Brimley and Triton Roads.
| 17–22
|-
| 2027–2030<ref name="TheStar-2024-01-22" />
| A busway will be constructed in the Line 3 right-of-way between Kennedy and Ellesmere stations. From the busway, buses will continue via Ellesmere, Brimley and Triton Roads.
| 15
|}

===Reuse of infrastructure===
One of the TTC's redevelopment proposals for the Line 3 lands was to convert the corridor, including the elevated section between Midland and McCowan stations, into a [[Engineering:Linear park|linear park]]. This proposed park would be similar to the High Line in the New York City borough of Manhattan.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://torontosun.com/2015/02/20/ttc-looking-at-making-a-park-out-scarborough-rt/wcm/46a315c4-5fcd-4a27-8df5-373d997ff4a2|title=TTC looking at making a park out of Scarborough RT|date=February 21, 2015|newspaper=Toronto Sun|access-date=January 16, 2019|archive-date=January 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116100214/https://torontosun.com/2015/02/20/ttc-looking-at-making-a-park-out-scarborough-rt/wcm/46a315c4-5fcd-4a27-8df5-373d997ff4a2|url-status=live}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.metrolinx.com/en/greaterregion/projects/scarborough-subway-extension.aspx Scarborough Subway Extension (SSE)] about three-stop SSE, published by Metrolinx
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20190610071306/http://www.scarboroughsubwayextension.ca/ Line 2 Subway Scarborough] about cancelled plan for one-stop SSE, published by City of Toronto
* [https://www.ttc.ca/about-the-ttc/projects-and-plans/Future-of-Line-3-Scarborough The future of TTC's Line 3 Scarborough (SRT)] about bus replacement for Line 3, published by the TTC


[[Category:Linear induction motors]]

{{Sourceattribution|Line 3 Scarborough}}