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.
Rapid Transit Readiness & Route Planning Report
Background
This report was prepared by Stantec Consulting for the City of London and the London Transit Commission (LTC). It looks at how ready London is to operate its future Rapid Transit system, how the entire transit network can leverage this opportunity, and what still needs to be in place before the system opens.
It is part of a set of reviews requested by City Council at its meeting on January 21, 2025, to improve transit and help prepare for Rapid Transit operations.
Rapid Transit is still under construction and not yet in service. Full service will roll out in stages starting in late 2027 for East London Link and late 2028 for Wellington Gateway.
When the system opens, buses will run every 5 to 10 minutes along Rapid Transit corridors.
The report looks at both the rider experience and day to day operations, such as boarding and fare payment, and outlines best practices for delivering transit service in growing areas of the city
The report has been received by City Council. The London Transit Commission (LTC) will report back to Council later in 2026 with recommended next steps.
Read the report to learn more about the key considerations and opportunities identified for Rapid Transit operations and the entire transit network.
Read the Rapid Transit Readiness Report
Stay Informed
For detailed updates, maps, and project information, visit the Get Involved pages for the Wellington Gateway and East London Link projects. You can also subscribe for email updates to follow progress and upcoming work.
The City of London is building various phases of rapid transit in 2026, including:
- Wellington Gateway
- 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.