Metrolinx has released updated business cases for the Scarborough Subway Extension and Eglinton Crosstown West Extension.

The business cases show how both projects will provide significant benefits for regular commutes and special journeys by cutting travel times and expanding passenger capacity.

There are other substantial project benefits noted in both reports, such as:

• congestion relief on roadways by getting more people on transit;
• improved connections to other major transit systems throughout the network;
• creation of transit-oriented communities where people can live, work and play;
• better connections to jobs, which will help spur more business investment.

A business case is a comprehensive collection of evidence and analysis that sets out the rationale for why an investment should be made. Business cases provide evidence to decision-makers, stakeholders, and the public as a crucial part of transparent and evidence-based decision making processes.

Think of them as the business plan pointing the way forward.

They are used throughout any proposed investment’s lifecycle, including planning, delivery, management, and performance monitoring. The business case is one of several factors considered when making decisions about advancing a project.

The Eglinton Crosstown West Extension and Scarborough Subway Extension are two of four priority projects moving forward under the Government of Ontario’s Subway Program, which will deliver much-needed rapid transit that will get thousands more people moving every day through the GTA.

Here are some details contained in the updated reports.

Improved connections

Scarborough Subway Extension: Will link riders to GO Transit (rail and bus), future Eglinton Crosstown LRT, future Durham Region Transit bus services and local TTC bus connections.

Eglinton Crosstown West Extension: Will link riders to four different transit systems – UP Express and Kitchener Line GO train service at Mount Dennis Station, TTC bus services at all transit stops in Toronto, and MiWay and GO Bus services thanks to a connection to the Mississauga Transitway at Renforth Drive.

More people on transit

Scarborough Subway Extension: Will attract approximately 105,000 daily boardings.

Eglinton Crosstown West Extension: Will attract approximately 37,000 daily boardings.

More transit options for Scarborough

Replacing TTC’s Line 3 (Scarborough RT), the $5.5-billion Scarborough Subway Extension will bring Line 2 approximately 7.8 kilometres farther into Scarborough, extending it from Kennedy Station to a new terminus at Sheppard Avenue and McCowan Road.

The three-stop extension will provide seamless travel for Scarborough residents heading into and out of the downtown core, with proposed stops at Lawrence Avenue and McCowan Road, Scarborough Centre and McCowan Road and Sheppard Avenue.

Taking the Crosstown further across town

The Eglinton Crosstown West Extension is a planned extension of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, which is currently under construction. The Province has committed to extending the line by 9.2 kilometres from the Mount Dennis LRT station to Renforth Drive in Mississauga. A planned future connection that is being explored with the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) would extend the line another 4.7 kilometres to Pearson International Airport. The estimated cost of the project from the Initial Business Case is $4.7 billion.

Metrolinx is actively collaborating with the GTAA and municipal partners on the proposed alignment from Renforth Drive to the airport, which takes into account the GTAA’s plans for a future Regional Transit Centre.

In the meantime, Metrolinx is advancing work for the segment from Mount Dennis to Renforth Drive.

Release of the updated business cases comes just as Metrolinx is hosting public open houses next week for community members to learn more about the Scarborough Subway Extension and associated environmental studies.

Open houses for the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension will be announced soon.

To learn more about the Scarborough Subway Extension, click here.

To learn more about Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, click here.

And speaking of keeping up with changes, Metrolinx has launched a digital hub featuring transit progress in your community and beyond. Just click here to see what’s new.