One-Person Train Operation on Line 1

On November 20, 2022, the TTC implemented One-Person Train Operation (OPTO) across all of Line 1.

Previously, OPTO had been implemented on the portion of Line 1 between Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC) and St George stations, operating on Sundays only since August 1, 2021, and seven days a week since November 20, 2021.

This transition completes implementation of OPTO on Line 1. 

What is OPTO?

OPTO is a modernizing step that allows the train Operator to perform all duties within the train cab as its updated technology allows one crew member to safely drive the train and operate the doors. Transit systems in metropolitan cities around the world have also migrated to OPTO including: Paris, London, Chicago, Los Angeles, Montreal, Boston, Berlin, Madrid, Hong Kong and more.

The TTC identified the OPTO implementation program in its 2013 Corporate Plan, which included plans for migration to OPTO for all TTC subway lines.

• Operators monitor the platform using a screen in the Operator’s cab.
• On Line 1, four cameras are installed on each platform, providing the Operator with a clear and consistent view of the entire platform.
• Operators have the ability to view the entire platform to determine when it is safe to close doors.

At the TTC, Line 3 has had OPTO since its inception in 1985. In October 2016, OPTO was implemented on the entirety of Line 4. It has operated safely, reliably and efficiently on both lines.

For customers, the experience of riding on Line 1 will not change. Newer technology combined with training results in fewer safety-related incidents and delays, making subway operation more efficient and modernizing the transit system.

Customers requiring assistance

All Operators are trained to assist customers, including people using mobility devices. Operators are equipped with a hand-held radio, allowing them to leave their cab to attend to customers in need of assistance.

Additional station staff (including station Supervisors and subway Supervisors) are available to assist customers on subway platforms. The OPTO rollout, together with other organizational changes such as the rollout of the new stations model, results in overall increased staff presence in stations.