April 16, 1998

  To:The Urban Environment and Development Committee

 From:Interim Functional Lead, Transportation

 Subject:Proposed Rescission of the Westbound Reserved Bus Lane on Eglinton Avenue West, between Old Park Road and Rostrevor Road

 North Toronto: Councillors Anne Johnston, Michael Walker

Eglinton: Councillors Joe Mihevc, Rob Davis

 Purpose:

 To rescind the westbound reserved bus lane on Eglinton Avenue West, between Old Park Road and Rostrevor Road.

 Funding Sources:

 The funds for this work are contained in the Transportation Department's 1998 Current Budget Estimates. The estimated cost to adjust the signs and pavement markings is $600.00.

 Recommendations:

 It is recommended that:

 (1)the westbound lane reserved for public transit vehicles and taxicabs on Eglinton Avenue West, between the east curb line of Old Park Road and the west curb line of Rostrevor Road, in effect from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 4:00 p.m.to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, except Public Holidays, be rescinded; and

 (2)the appropriate by-law(s) be amended accordingly.

 Background:

 As a result of a request from staff of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) our Department reviewed the feasibility of rescinding the westbound reserved bus lane on Eglinton Avenue West, between Old Park Road and Rostrevor Road.

 Discussion:

 The westbound reserved bus lane on Eglinton Avenue West, between Old Park Road and Rostrevor Road, is approximately 175 metres long and is in effect during the weekday peak periods. Based on a number of changes made to the TTC routes in this area, the staff of the TTC have indicated that this reserved bus lane is no longer necessary for their exclusive use. Westbound traffic flow will be better served if this lane is returned to general traffic use during the peak periods.

 We concur with their proposal and recommend that the westbound reserved bus lane on Eglinton Avenue West, between Old Park Road and Rostrevor Road, in effect during weekday peak periods, be rescinded.

 Conclusions:

 The westbound reserved bus lane on Eglinton Avenue West, between Old Park Road and Rostrevor Road, is no longer necessary for the TTC and it should be available for use by the general traffic.

 Contact Name:

 Jacqueline White, Acting Manager

Central Traffic Region

416-397-5021

 D. P. Floyd

Interim Functional Lead, Transportation

  Reviewed by Barry Gutteridge

Commissioner, Works and Emergency Services

 DB/cag