Proposed new rapid transit line: Aerial Cable Car Transit

Will Durham glide through the sky along the Simcoe Street Rapid Transit Corridor?

Regional staff are recommending an innovative transit line along Simcoe Street. This transit project could offer a seamless journey from Highway 407 to Lakeview Park in Oshawa along Simcoe Street via a transit skyway using Aerial Cable Car technology. This visionary rapid transit project, highlighted in the Region of Durham’s 2017 Transportation Master Plan and Metrolinx’s 2041 Regional Transportation Plan, could revolutionize the way people travel through Oshawa and connect to other transit in the region.

Why Simcoe Street?

Rapid transit along Simcoe Street will connect to key destinations like Ontario Tech University/Durham College, Lakeridge Health Oshawa, downtown Oshawa, the busy Windfields neighbourhoods and shops, the future Central Oshawa GO Station, and the picturesque Lakeview Park. This transit project can connect people travelling from point A to B and can enhance the daily commute and lifestyle.

Rapid transit on Simcoe Street is essential to provide current and future Durham residents with a sustainable, reliable and frequent public transit that can:

• Support population and economic growth.
• Allow for affordable housing options along Simcoe Street.
• Reduce congestion and pressure on the transportation network.

A Vision for the Future

The Simcoe Street Rapid Transit Visioning Study looked at innovative rapid transit options with a goal to improve mobility and quality of life for current residents while paving the way for future growth. With 42 per cent of Oshawa’s population and 51 per cent of its jobs located along the route, this corridor is a vital artery for the city and the region.

Community-Driven Solutions

From September 2022 to November 2023, Durham Region hosted a series of public consultations across Oshawa. Community members shared their thoughts and provided input to shape the future of the Simcoe Street Rapid Transit corridor. Over 100,000 people were reached through social media, more than 400 survey responses were collected, and 7,000 unique visits to the project website were recorded.

Exploring Exciting Transit Options

Durham Region considered a variety of rapid transit options. After careful consideration and valuable public feedback, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Aerial Cable Car Transit (ACCT) emerged as the best options for this corridor. A Feasibility Study and Initial Business Case Study have been completed on BRT and ACCT and a recommendation has been made by Regional staff to further study the ACCT option through an Impact Assessment and the Transit Project Assessment Process.

Why not Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)?

• While BRT is the preferred rapid transit technology for many municipalities, including along the Highway 2 corridor through the Region of Durham, Simcoe Street has unique challenges such as the narrow right-of-way and reduced house setbacks. The Region explored the possibility of removing two existing lanes of traffic for dedicated BRT lanes to reduce impacts. However, the impact to the community would be substantial. Significant property acquisition is required for BRT vs ACCT:
  • 196 residential properties required partial acquisition of their front yard for BRT versus 51 properties for ACCT.
  • 103 commercial properties required partial acquisition with BRT versus 33 properties for ACCT.
  • BRT required 28 full properties versus two for the ACCT (with some flexibility where these two properties are located).
  • 253 commercial parking spaces would be lost versus 33 for the ACCT.
  • 58 on-street parking spaces would be lost versus 16 for the ACCT.
• In addition to the property impacts, the proposed removal of two traffic lanes for BRT would add to the significant congestion and infiltration problems, that residents highlighted as a key concern during the public consultation.
• The construction of a BRT system would create significant disruptions during construction with roads being closed for much of the estimated 10-year construction period. The ACCT in contrast would require much shorter road closures and a reduced construction period of six to seven years.

Why ACCT?

• ACCT will travel above Simcoe Street offering uninterrupted service with cabins arriving every 26 seconds during peak hours.
• By running above the street and avoiding traffic signals, it provides fast, frequent and reliable service that riders can count on .
• ACCT technology reduces maintenance and operating costs while generating significantly higher transit ridership, supporting increased revenues and making this option financially viable for the Region.
• In addition to enhancing mobility for residents and visitors, this transit solution supports environmental sustainability by reducing vehicle kilometres traveled and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Next Steps: Impact Assessment and Beyond

If Durham Region proceeds with an Impact Assessment and the Transit Project Assessment Process, a comprehensive recommendation report will be presented to the Durham Region Council in 2027.

On January 15, 2025, Durham Region staff presented to the Regional Committee of the Whole with an update on Simcoe Street Rapid Transit, including the recommendation to further study the ACCT option.

Subscribers to the Simcoe Street Rapid Transit Study page on Your Durham will receive ongoing updates as the project progresses toward next phases.