The TTC is preparing its accessibility plan for the FIFA World Cup

On Mar. 26, 2026, the Toronto Transit Commission’s Advisory Committee on Accessible Transit (ACAT) reviewed future accessibility measures for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. 

TTC staff said they anticipate up to 45,000 people attending each match, with additional crowds gathering at the FIFA Fan Festival near Fort York. Sho Kalache, Project Manager at the TTC, said the City’s transit will be many peoples’ first impression of Toronto.

Service along key routes such as Dufferin, King, Bathurst and the Harbourfront will increase in the summer — with additional specialized shuttles working on match days.

All services are expected to be fully accessible. 

The City is planning a temporary transit hub on Fleet Street. “The roadway [between Fort York and Strachan] is turning into a giant platform, so we can load and offload multiple streetcars at the same time,” said Kalache.

Kalache added that this will make it easier to support people at both the Fan Festival and stadium sites. 

However, some changes will impact riders. The 63 Ossington bus may be diverted and stops near high-traffic areas, such as Fleet Street, may be temporarily removed to avoid congestion.

During match days, the Exhibition Loop will be closed for most TTC riders due to safety restrictions, said staff. However, it will remain open for those with accessibility needs. 

Wheel-Trans will also play an active role in transportation for the FIFA World Cup. Users will be able to pre-book rides and have access to be dropped off at a designated lot near the stadium. From there, volunteers will guide them to the venue’s entrance. 

An ACAT member raised a concern regarding people misusing the accessible services when they do not need the accommodations. Kalache said they will not be policing its use and will provide it for anyone who says they need it. 

Committee members also questioned whether FIFA volunteers will be trained properly to assist people with disabilities. 

Staff said communication plans are still being developed and some operational details are still under review.

Key takeaways

• The City is planning a temporary transit hub on Fleet Street.

• Service along key routes such as Dufferin, King, Bathurst and the Harbourfront will increase in the summer — with additional specialized shuttles working on match days.

• Wheel-Trans will be able to transport people to a designated lot near the stadium and volunteers will escort them to the entrance.

On-the-ground observations from our documenter

Francis Tomkins

As a disabled TTC user, I’ve been personally impacted by the continued construction at Islington Station — which promises to be a fully accessible station by late 2026 — including the removal of all escalators at the station. While this construction was communicated in advance, the communications plan left many neighbourhood residents not knowing about the proposed changes and about their accessibility options during the period of construction.

Tuba Sultani 

As a resident of Toronto who uses the TTC daily, I’ve personally observed accessibility barriers related to the issues discussed in the meeting. For example, I often see elevators out of service at the Don Mills station. This can make it very difficult for people with disabilities to access transit. Additionally, during busy events, I’ve seen how overcrowding affects accessibility. Last summer at the CNE, I waited over 15 minutes for a bus that was full, and a woman using a wheelchair was unable to board because there was no space. This example relates to the concerns raised in the meeting about whether TTC services will be able to handle increased demand during the FIFA World Cup.

Dorsa Farzi

As a resident of Toronto, who frequently uses Bayview station, I’ve observed significant accessibility barriers during winter months. For example, the primary entrance is often not fully cleared of snow and the secondary entrance has a steep incline that makes it nearly impassable for anyone with mobility challenges.

Want to know more? Check out what The Green Line has to say about it.

CHECK YOUR FACTS

• The Advisory Committee on Accessible Transit
• FIFA World Cup 2026 Mobility Plan