TORONTO, August 25, 2026 – Toronto residents who feel TTC subway trains have been moving more slowly than usual recently may not be imagining it. As of August 25, there are still 18 reduced speed zones across the TTC subway network, meaning trains must slow down when passing through those sections.
Some of the slowdowns are significant. On Line 2, westbound trains between Greenwood and Donlands normally travel at a maximum speed of about 62 km/h, but are currently limited to 15 km/h. Westbound trains between Main Street and Woodbine have also been reduced from about 63 km/h to 20 km/h.
Line 1 is also affected in several areas. Southbound trains between St Clair West and Dupont are currently limited to 25 km/h, with the restriction expected to last until late October. Northbound trains between Bloor-Yonge and Rosedale are limited to 30 km/h, with no confirmed date yet for when normal speeds will resume.
The TTC says reduced speed zones are usually temporary measures put in place after track inspections identify defects. Until repairs to rails, ties or other components are completed and pass inspection, trains must slow down through the affected areas.
Passing through one reduced speed zone usually adds about one to three minutes to a trip. However, if a train passes through several reduced speed areas during the same journey, the delays can add up. For people who take Line 1 or Line 2 to commute every day, this is one reason some trips may feel slower than before.
Some repair work is currently being done after subway service ends each night. Several speed restrictions are expected to be lifted gradually between late August and early September, but some locations still do not have a posted recovery date.
Residents who need to get to work, school, GO Train connections or airport transit on time should leave extra time for their trips in the coming weeks, especially when travelling through downtown sections of Line 1 or the eastern part of Line 2.（LJI by Yuanyuan）
