Rapid transit is a high-capacity public transportation system that operates on an exclusive right-of-way – such as bus-only lanes – connecting more people to more places, using frequent and more reliable service.
Rapid transit in London
London’s rapid transit system has been designed to help ease traffic flow along major corridors while adding streetscape elements and enhanced stations. Three rapid transit projects are currently underway in London, representing approximately $454 million of work, and have contributions of $167 million from the Federal and Provincial Governments.
The City of London is building various phases of rapid transit in 2025, including:
- Downtown Loop
- Phase 3: Wellington Street from Queens Avenue to York Street (Completed in 2024, with buses now using the designated rapid transit lanes)
- Wellington Gateway
- Phase 1: Wellington Street from York Street to just north of the Thames River (Finishing work is to be completed by the end of 2025).
- Phase 2: Wellington Road from Watson Street to Wilkins Street (Construction planned to begin in 2026 and continue into 2028).
- Phase 3: Wellington Road from Wilkins Street to Harlech Gate (2024-2026)
- Phase 4: Wellington Road from Harlech Gate to the Wellington Commons entrance (2024-2026)
- Clark’s Bridge reconstruction: Clark’s Bridge widening to be complete by end of 2025, with surface paving in 2026.
- East London Link
- Phase 2: King Street, Ontario Street, Dundas Street from Ontario Street to Egerton Street (Completed in 2024, with buses using the designated rapid transit lanes).
- Phase 3A West: Dundas Street from Egerton Street to McCormick Boulevard (Finishing work to be completed by 2025).
- Phase 3A East: Dundas Street from McCormick Blvd to Highbury Avenue (Construction planned for 2026 – 2027, with surface paving in 2028).
- Phase 3B: Highbury Bridge under construction from 2024 - 2026.
- Phase 3C: Highbury Avenue between Oxford Street and the north limit of the Highbury Avenue overpass (Finishing work to be completed by 2025, with surface paving in 2026).
- Phase 4: Oxford Street from Highbury Avenue to 150m east of Fanshawe college Boulevard (2024 – 2026).
As the City of London builds these projects, new streetscape elements and urban design improvements will be installed, while also repairing and replacing aging underground infrastructure.
London’s rapid transit system features both curbside and centre-running bus-only lanes, transit priority signals, red paint, and other enhanced pavement markings and signage for safety and smoother rapid transit operations.
Rapid transit stops have been designed to accommodate large passenger loads with seating areas, route information, security cameras, enhanced lighting, and tempered glass for the safety and comfort of all passengers. Please visit London.ca/rtshelters to learn more.