Brad Bradford is promising earlier TTC subway service and a broader congestion strategy after the Toronto Waterfront Marathon exposed a gap between the start of a major city event and the regular Sunday transit schedule.
Bradford, a Toronto mayoral candidate, said on Sunday, October 18, that the subway should have been operating before the marathon’s 8 a.m. start.
If elected mayor on October 26, he said subway service would begin at 6 a.m. for the Toronto Marathon.
The Toronto Waterfront Marathon brought runners and spectators into the downtown core while road closures affected numerous bus and streetcar routes.
The TTC had advised customers that subway service would not begin until 8 a.m., while offering alternate travel options and route diversions.
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Brad Bradford’s transit proposal
Bradford said the city needs to coordinate transit planning with major sporting events, concerts and other gatherings that create sudden demand for transportation.
His proposal would require the TTC and Metrolinx to publish coordinated service plans 30 days before major events, giving residents more notice about available routes, closures and construction-related disruptions.
That planning would apply to events where road closures, transit diversions and large crowds overlap.
The goal, Bradford said, would be to ensure people are not encouraged to take transit when the most suitable service is unavailable at the time they need it.
The TTC’s published marathon plan confirmed that subway service began at 8 a.m. on Sunday, October 18.
Surface routes were diverted or adjusted across the city because of race-related road closures.
More measures aimed at Toronto congestion
Bradford also outlined a wider plan focused on traffic signals, construction scheduling and streetcar reliability.
He said the city should expand smart traffic-signal technology and give transit vehicles stronger priority at intersections.
He proposed shifting more construction work to overnight or off-peak periods when possible to reduce the effect on rush-hour traffic.
He said cameras and other technology on city fleet vehicles could help identify potholes and speed up road repairs.
He renewed his call for a senior official responsible for congestion relief and coordination across city agencies.
Bradford also argued that streetcars on routes such as Richmond, Adelaide and Dundas need better signal priority and operational improvements.
His campaign has previously framed congestion as one of the central issues in the mayoral race.
Some elements of the proposal overlap with measures already being pursued by the City of Toronto.
The city has a Chief Congestion Officer, a Congestion Management Plan and a growing Traffic Agent Program intended to manage disruptions caused by construction, major infrastructure projects and large events.
Toronto’s 2026 congestion plan calls for the traffic-agent program to reach 127 agents by the first quarter of 2027.
The city has also said it is expanding smart traffic signals and improving coordination around major events.
What would change under Bradford’s plan?
The most immediate change for residents would be event-specific transit planning, particularly for races and other gatherings that begin before normal Sunday subway service.
Earlier subway operation would require advance scheduling, staffing and operating costs.
The proposal does not set out a detailed price tag or identify a specific funding source for the additional service.
It also leaves operational questions for the TTC and Metrolinx, including how far in advance schedules could be finalized and how service would be adjusted when events change their routes, timing or attendance.
Bradford’s plan would also have to work alongside existing overnight bus service, planned construction closures and the TTC’s regular Sunday schedule.
The city’s marathon information showed that surface transit can be affected for hours even when the subway remains open.
Toronto election enters final week
The announcement came eight days before Toronto’s municipal election.
Bradford is challenging incumbent Mayor Olivia Chow, who is seeking another term.
The mayoral campaign has focused heavily on transportation, public safety, housing and the cost of operating the city.
Congestion has become a recurring issue as Toronto prepares for major events, ongoing construction and continued transit demand.
Toronto voters will cast ballots on Monday, October 26, 2026.
Advance voting has already taken place, but residents can still review candidate information and voting details through Toronto Elections before election day.
For commuters and event organizers, the central question raised by Bradford’s proposal is whether Toronto can provide more predictable transit and traffic plans before large events begin, rather than relying primarily on diversions and real-time adjustments once disruptions are already underway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Brad Bradford promise for the TTC?
Bradford said he would have subway service begin at 6 a.m. for the Toronto Waterfront Marathon and other major events that require earlier transit access.
Why did the TTC face criticism during the Toronto Waterfront Marathon?
The marathon began at 8 a.m. on Sunday, October 18, the same time regular Sunday subway service started, while road closures affected several surface routes.
What other traffic measures has Brad Bradford proposed?
His proposals include earlier coordination of TTC and Metrolinx schedules, more smart traffic signals, expanded transit priority, off-peak construction and technology to identify potholes.
Does Toronto already have a congestion-management program?
Yes. The city has a Chief Congestion Officer, a Congestion Management Plan, smart-signal initiatives and a Traffic Agent Program that is expected to expand.
When is the 2026 Toronto mayoral election?
Toronto’s municipal election is scheduled for Monday, October 26, 2026.
Fact-Checked: The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon started on Sunday, October 18, 2026, and TTC subway service began at 8 a.m. that day. Toronto’s municipal election is Monday, October 26, 2026, making the announcement eight days before election day rather than one week before. ([ttc.ca](https://www.ttc.ca/news/2026/October/Service-adjustments-for-the-TCS-Toronto-Waterfront-Marathon?utm_source=openai))
Disclaimer: Brad Bradford’s proposals are campaign commitments and may require further council, TTC or budget decisions if he is elected.