Keele becomes TTC’s 53rd accessible subway station

The Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) Keele Station on Line 2 Bloor-Danforth has become the commission’s 53rd station to provide accessible access to the subway system. 

The accessible station is served by two brand new elevators that connect street level to the subway platform level. Other improvements to the station include four sets of accessible sliding doors at the station, Presto-enabled accessible fare gates, improved signage, wayfinding and security features, reconstructed bus loop pavement and platform and a new fire alarm system for the station. 

“The opening of TTC’s accessible Keele Station demonstrates our continued commitment to making the TTC accessible and equitable. As the TTC’s 53rd accessible station and 21st station with elevators on Line 2, it underscores our city’s longstanding commitment to serve residents of all abilities,” said Toronto Mayor John Tory. “Thank you to the TTC, the Advisory Committee on Accessible Transit and our partners who are working to ensure residents of all abilities can use public transit with dignity and ease.”  

TTC CEO Rick Leary added, “We are very pleased that Keele has become the latest accessible subway station in our system. Improvements like this support the TTC’s Family of Services model and give our customers the choice to use accessible, conventional transit services, such as the bus or subway.” 

The TTC says it thanks customers, residents and surrounding BIAs for their patience during construction as it works to improve transit in Toronto. The TTC also commends staff who worked to find and implement innovative solutions to the complicated task of installing elevators while maintaining service at this west-end subway station. 

Easier Access work continues at the following stations: Donlands, College, Sherbourne, Yorkdale and Lansdowne. In 2021, the TTC is scheduled to begin Easier Access construction at nine more stations: Castle Frank, Christie, Glencairn, Greenwood, Lawrence, Museum, Rosedale, Spadina and Summerhill. 

Accessibility improvements such as these support the TTC’s Family of Services model, which gives Wheel-Trans customers the option to use accessible conventional transit services, such as buses, trains and low-floor streetcars. Family of Services is a part of the Wheel-Trans 10-Year Strategy that aims to reimagine and transform the accessible public transit services that are delivered to customers with disabilities.