Toronto Tests Major Transit Plan Ahead of World Cup Kickoff

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published June 7, 2026

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Toronto began rolling out its first major transit adjustments for the FIFA World Cup on Sunday, June 7, 2026, as the city prepares for heavy crowds around Toronto Stadium, also known as BMO Field, and the waterfront fan areas.

The plan comes days before Toronto hosts its first World Cup matches, with thousands of fans, visitors, residents, workers, and volunteers expected to move through Exhibition Place, Fort York, The Bentway, and nearby transit corridors.

The TTC says the June 7 service changes include more streetcar and bus service, temporary overnight routes, and route adjustments designed to manage crowd movement and local road restrictions. The broader message is clear: public transit is being positioned as the easiest way to reach matches and fan events.

On the 509 Harbourfront route, service will be improved, while the temporary 309 Harbourfront will operate during early morning periods on Sundays and holidays to maintain continuous service until subway service begins. Streetcars will also serve a temporary Fleet Hub stop between Fort York Boulevard and Strachan Avenue.

The 510 Spadina route will temporarily operate only between Spadina Station and Queens Quay Loop, removing the section toward Union Station. Riders heading to Union will be directed to transfer to the 509 Harbourfront streetcar. The 511 Bathurst will also see improved service, while a temporary overnight 311 Bathurst streetcar will operate between Exhibition Loop and St Clair Avenue West.

The TTC also says Line 1 and Line 2 subway service will be increased to support connections to buses and streetcars serving Toronto Stadium. Extra service will be available on 29 Dufferin and 929 Dufferin Express, while 829 Dufferin Gate Express buses will run on match days only.

Toronto’s wider transportation plan also includes GO Transit and UP Express enhancements. The city says GO service on the Lakeshore West and Lakeshore East lines will increase starting June 10, with trains running every 15 minutes for much of the day and nearly 3,000 weekly GO trips available during the tournament.

For fans and residents, the practical takeaway is simple: transit will likely be the smoother option, while driving near the waterfront and Exhibition Place may be difficult because of road restrictions, detours, and heavier crowds.

The rollout will be an early test of Toronto’s ability to handle one of the biggest sports and tourism moments in its history. The city’s World Cup performance will not be judged only inside the stadium, but also in its stations, streetcars, buses, and crowded streets.