In recognizing the importance of the motor coach tour industry to the City and the significant number of school groups arriving by bus to attend cultural and sporting events in the central area, the City has identified approximately 75 parking spaces exclusively for use by buses in the downtown Core, surrounding Central Business District, Port Lands, and Danforth areas.
Buses are allowed to park for durations ranging from a maximum of one hour up to a maximum of 24 hours. Traffic conditions dictate that some of these parking spaces are not available at all hours of the day. However, all spaces are offered free of charge to bus operators. Construction in the central area of Toronto often requires the closure of the curb lane of a road for up to four years to enable the construction of major developments. In some instances, this might eliminate on-street parking spaces for buses.
The Key Map following this text identifies the districts in the central area of the City where on-street parking for buses is provided. The detailed zone maps and locations list indicates specific parking areas for buses, the number of parking spaces provided (based on a full-size bus), the hours when a bus may park and the maximum parking duration allowed.
In addition to the exclusive parking spaces provided, buses can park in “pay and display” parking areas on City streets, provided adequate space is available and in accordance with any maximum time restrictions and rush hour parking/stopping prohibitions. Drivers must purchase a ticket from a nearby machine located along the sidewalk and place the ticket face up on the dashboard or prominent location on the windshield of the bus.
Buses may legally “stop” to pick-up or drop-off passengers in any area where a “No Parking” or “No Standing” regulation is posted, provided the bus is actually engaged in this activity. A bus may not park in these areas and wait for groups to arrive. At certain locations where there is a high demand for passenger pick-up and drop-off by buses, “Motor Coach Loading Areas” are identified with specific advisory signs.
Look for the advisory signs at these locations:
The City does not operate any off-street parking facilities suitable for parking buses. A few privately operated off-street parking lots offer parking for buses at varying hourly, daily or flat rates per stay. Drivers should contact independent parking lot operators directly for further information.
During the off-season (September to July), parking is limited to groups visiting shows and exhibits on site. During the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), which runs from mid-August to Labour Day, parking is available only for those with a CNE group reservation. Motorcoaches must enter from Lake Shore Boulevard West at Ontario Drive. Overnight parking is not permitted except during the CNE.
Short-term parking, along with food service and restroom facilities for motorcoach drivers, is available year-round within the Rogers Centre grounds. In the high demand Bremner Boulevard area, the Rogers Centre operates a “Pay and Display” parking lot (pictured) on the south side of Bremner Boulevard, between Spadina Avenue and Rees Street. This facility is conveniently located across from the Rogers Centre and within a 10-minute walk from the Air Canada Centre, CN Tower/Ripley’s Aquarium, the Harbourfront area, the Theatre District and Roy Thompson Hall. Drivers are encouraged to make arrangements with the Rogers Centre to use this off-street lot. Contact Rogers Centre directly at 416 341-3057 for further information.
Competing demand for curb lane use is high in the central area of Toronto. While Transportation Services strives to improve on-street parking opportunity for bus operators, it is not feasible to do this at many preferred venues such as the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) Princess of Wales Theatre/Royal Alexandra Theatre and Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Illegal parking and stopping is strictly enforced. Drivers are encouraged to use the bus parking areas provided and help us to make Toronto a “bus friendly” city.
Submit a service request to request an investigation into the installation or removal of motor coach/bus parking or loading spaces near tourist attractions.
If the investigation determines that action is warranted, council approval will be required for implementation. Requests will be considered if they meet the following conditions:
Bus parking or loading spaces are not permitted within nine metres of a corner, and the impact on abutting property must be assessed.