Attention, Greater Toronto Area commuters!

If you're planning to navigate the weekend using public transit, brace yourself for several service interruptions and schedule changes that could disrupt your travel plans.

TTC Impacts: What You Need to Know

Due to the recent incident where a garbage truck brought down overhead wires at the intersection of King Street West and Spadina Avenue, further disruptions are expected. While crews work to restore normal operations, TTC users should prepare for detours affecting the 504 King, 508 Lake Shore, and 510 Spadina streetcar routes.

Replacement options are available—look for streetcars on Queen or Bathurst streets to continue your journey. For those requiring Wheel-Trans services, door-to-door transportation can be requested to ensure accessibility.

TTC spokesperson Stuart Green has confirmed that the intersection is set to reopen by Friday night. However, be aware that temporary route changes will also take place along St. Clair Avenue overnight from Thursday to Sunday. From 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night, the 512 St. Clair streetcar will only operate between St. Clair Station and Oakwood Loop, with buses replacing service on the route between Vaughan Road and the Gunns Loop.

Additionally, starting Thursday, ten reduced-speed zones will be introduced along subway Lines 1 and 2 to facilitate critical track maintenance, possibly resulting in longer travel times. To stay updated in real-time, check the TTC service alerts page regularly.

GO Transit Changes: Essential Information

For those relying on GO Transit, the Lakeshore West line will be running on an hourly schedule this weekend due to necessary track work. This applies to all stops between Union Station in Toronto and West Harbour GO in Hamilton, impacting travel times in both directions.

Make sure to plan your bus connections accordingly, as schedules will also be adjusted, leading to potential wait times longer than usual. For instance, expect GO buses on routes 12 (Niagara Falls), 15 (Brantford/Burlington), and 18 (Lakeshore West) to experience connection delays ranging from eight minutes early to a shocking 49 minutes late!

Compounding these issues, the north platform at Exhibition GO will be out of service for the entire weekend. And if you're heading to local universities or colleges, take note—bus schedules will be modified starting December 21 through January 4 due to the holiday break.

Stay alert and keep a close eye on transit updates throughout the weekend to avoid any travel mishaps!