Navigating through Scarborough’s best transit stations, one name stands out for its connectivity and significance—Kennedy Station in Scarborough. As one of the best public transit stations in Scarborough, it serves as a crucial hub linking subway, buses, and GO Transit, making daily commutes seamless for thousands of passengers. Whether you’re heading downtown, across the city, or into the suburbs, this station is your gateway to Toronto’s best subway stations. Opened in 1980, Kennedy Station has evolved into a modern, high-traffic terminal, handling over 42,881 daily trips. With ongoing expansions like the Eglinton Crosstown LRT and the Scarborough Subway Extension, it’s set to become even more vital to the region’s transit future. But what makes Kennedy Station unique? Why is it considered one of the best transit stations in Toronto? Let’s take a deep dive into its history, services, and what the future holds for this essential transportation hub.
Overview of Kennedy Station
Kennedy Station in Scarborough is a major transit hub located at 2455 Eglinton Avenue East, serving as the eastern terminus of Line 2 Bloor-Danforth and a key connection point for buses and GO Transit. It is one of Scarborough’s best transit stations, providing efficient transportation options for thousands of daily commuters. Visit the website and social media pages (Facebook, Instagram) for more information.
Accessibility & Infrastructure
This station is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring multiple entrances, elevators, and an accessible drop-off area. The station has three levels, ensuring smooth connections between the subway, bus terminal, and GO Transit services.
Passenger Facilities
Kennedy Station offers essential passenger amenities, including:
- Washrooms located on the concourse level in the paid area
- Waiting areas for passengers
- Presto card access for seamless fare payment across TTC and GO Transit
Unique Features
As one of the best public transit stations in Scarborough, Kennedy Station stands out as a highly integrated intermodal hub. It connects subway riders with GO Transit’s Stouffville Line, a large bus terminal, and soon, the Eglinton Crosstown LRT (Line 5). These connections make it one of Toronto’s best subway stations, ensuring efficient travel across the city.
History of Kennedy Station
Kennedy Station in Scarborough has played a significant role in Toronto’s transit system since its opening in 1980. Originally constructed as part of the Bloor-Danforth subway expansion, the station was designed to extend subway service further east and improve connectivity for Scarborough commuters. Today, it remains one of Scarborough’s best transit stations, serving thousands of daily passengers.
Early Design & Modifications
Kennedy Station was initially planned to accommodate a streetcar system, with a turning loop and low platforms designed for CLRV streetcars. However, before completion, the Ontario government decided to replace the streetcar plan with an Intermediate Capacity Transit System (ICTS), leading to modifications that would later create operational challenges.
Introduction of Line 3 Scarborough
In 1985, Line 3 Scarborough (SRT) opened, using ICTS technology to connect Kennedy Station to Scarborough Centre. The decision to use ICTS instead of a conventional subway or streetcar line led to long-term reliability issues. The tight curve radius of the original streetcar loop created track alignment problems, limiting train length and requiring modifications over time.
Challenges with the RT System
The SRT system faced frequent technical difficulties, particularly due to its aging infrastructure and design flaws. Over the years, maintenance costs increased, and reliability declined. As a result, Line 3 Scarborough was permanently closed on July 24, 2023, and replacement bus services were introduced.
Ongoing Redevelopment & Future Plans
Kennedy Station is currently undergoing significant changes as part of major transit projects. With the closure of Line 3, the station is being expanded to accommodate new transit lines, reinforcing its role as one of the best public transit stations in Scarborough:
- Scarborough Subway Extension: A 7.8-km extension of Line 2 Bloor-Danforth will replace the SRT, making Kennedy a through-station rather than a terminus.
- Eglinton Crosstown LRT (Line 5): Kennedy will serve as the eastern terminus of the LRT, creating a direct connection between Midtown Toronto and Scarborough.
As one of Toronto’s best subway stations, Kennedy continues to evolve, ensuring better transit options for Scarborough commuters in the years to come.
Transit Services & Connectivity
As one of the best public transit stations in Scarborough, Kennedy Station in Scarborough serves as a crucial transportation hub, connecting subway, bus, and GO Transit services. Its well-planned transit network allows passengers to travel efficiently across Toronto’s best subway stations and beyond.
Subway Services
Kennedy Station is the eastern terminus of Line 2 Bloor-Danforth, providing a direct route to downtown Toronto and connecting with other major subway lines. The station features a center platform layout and operates frequent train services, ensuring minimal wait times for commuters.
GO Transit Connection
Kennedy Station also connects with Kennedy GO Station, which serves the Stouffville Line. This provides a critical link between Scarborough’s best transit stations and the Greater Toronto Area, allowing passengers to travel seamlessly between the city and surrounding regions.
Bus Terminal
Kennedy Station has a large bus terminal with multiple platforms serving local, express, and night bus routes. Major routes include
- Local Routes: 12 Kingston Road, 21 Brimley, 34 Eglinton East, 43 Kennedy, 86 Scarborough, 116 Morningside
- Express Routes: 905 Eglinton East Express, 938 Highland Creek Express, 943 Kennedy Express, 954 Lawrence East Express, 986 Scarborough Express
- Night Routes: 300 Bloor-Danforth Night Bus, 334 Eglinton East Night Bus, 343 Kennedy Night Bus
These extensive bus connections make Kennedy one of the best transit stations in Toronto, ensuring smooth transfers across the city.
Future Transit Developments
Kennedy Station is undergoing significant transit expansion, which will further enhance its role as one of Scarborough’s best transit stations:
- Line 5 Eglinton (Eglinton Crosstown LRT): Once completed, Kennedy will serve as the eastern terminus of Line 5, creating a direct east-west LRT connection across Toronto.
- Scarborough Subway Extension: This 7.8-km extension of Line 2 will transform Kennedy from a terminus into a through-station, linking to three new stops and improving rapid transit access in Scarborough.
With these improvements, Kennedy Station will continue to be a key transit hub, making travel faster and more convenient for thousands of daily commuters.
Kennedy Station’s Infrastructure & Design
As one of Scarborough’s best transit stations, Kennedy Station in Scarborough features a well-structured, multi-level design that accommodates subway, bus, and GO Transit services. Its layout ensures efficient passenger movement and smooth transfers, making it one of the best public transit stations in Scarborough.
Architectural Layout
Kennedy Station is a multi-level transit hub, allowing seamless connections between different transit modes:
- Subway Level (Line 2 Bloor-Danforth) – Features a center platform for easy boarding and exits.
- Bus Terminal – Enclosed and partially covered terminal with multiple platforms serving TTC bus routes.
- GO Transit Access – A passageway connects Kennedy Station to the adjacent Kennedy GO Station (Stouffville Line).
- Platform Design
- Subway Platform – Kennedy Station features a center platform layout for Line 2, allowing passengers to board from either side.
- Bus Terminal – The glass-enclosed waiting area provides protection from weather conditions, enhancing passenger comfort.
- Future LRT Platform (Line 5 Eglinton) – Once completed, Kennedy will also feature a new LRT platform north of the existing subway station.
Public Art & Murals
Scarborough’s transit routes connect commuters to some of Toronto’s most stunning street art—explore the top murals and graffiti walls across the city for a colorful urban experience. Kennedy Station has featured notable public art installations, contributing to its identity as one of Toronto’s best subway stations:
- “A Sense of Place” Mural by Frank Perna – A large mural that once adorned the station’s entrance, partially demolished in 2018 during construction.
- Future Art Installations – As part of Line 5 Eglinton, Kennedy Station will include two new art pieces:
- “Reorganization of One Hedge” – A glass skylight installation by Dagmara Genda.
- “Locations of Meaning” – A series of etched tiles displaying the word “meaning” in 72 languages, designed by Joseph Kosuth.
With ongoing expansions and artistic enhancements, Kennedy Station continues to evolve, solidifying its status as one of the best transit stations in Toronto.
Passenger Amenities & Services
As one of the best public transit stations in Scarborough, Kennedy Station in Scarborough offers a range of amenities to enhance passenger convenience. Whether commuting by subway, bus, or GO Transit, passengers have access to essential services that make travel smoother and more efficient.
Presto Card Facilities
Kennedy Station supports Presto card payments, allowing passengers to use contactless payment for both TTC and GO Transit services. Presto card readers are available at fare gates, on buses, and at GO Transit entrances, making it easy to transfer between different transit systems.
Bike Racks & Repair Stations
For cyclists, Kennedy Station is equipped with bike racks to provide secure parking for bicycles. Additionally, a bicycle repair station is available, allowing riders to perform minor maintenance before continuing their journey. For cyclists commuting through Kennedy Station, having a reliable repair shop nearby is essential—check out the top bike repair shops in Toronto for expert maintenance and service.
Parking & Drop-Off Areas
Kennedy Station previously had four park-and-ride lots; however, due to ongoing construction, these lots were closed as of August 21, 2023. Despite this, a passenger pick-up and drop-off (PPUDO) area remains available via Transway Crescent, ensuring convenient access for those arriving by car or rideshare services.
Retail Options & Convenience Stores
Passengers can find convenience stores and kiosks within the station offering snacks, newspapers, and transit essentials. While retail options may be limited due to renovations, future station upgrades may include expanded commercial spaces.
With these amenities, Kennedy Station continues to serve as one of Scarborough’s best transit stations, offering reliable services and accessibility for daily commuters.
Ongoing & Future Developments
As one of Scarborough’s best transit stations, Kennedy Station in Scarborough is undergoing major upgrades to improve connectivity and accommodate future transit growth. With the closure of Line 3 Scarborough, new developments are reshaping the station into a more efficient and integrated transit hub.
Scarborough Subway Extension
Kennedy Station is currently the eastern terminus of Line 2 Bloor-Danforth, but that will change with the Scarborough Subway Extension. This 7.8-kilometer extension will add three new stations, transforming Kennedy Station into a through-station rather than a terminus. This extension will provide faster and more reliable transit between Scarborough and downtown Toronto.
Line 5 Eglinton Crosstown
Another significant development is the addition of Line 5 Eglinton Crosstown, which will extend from Mount Dennis to Kennedy Station, providing a seamless connection between Midtown Toronto and Scarborough. The new LRT platform will be located just north of the existing subway station, allowing for easy transfers between Line 2, buses, and GO Transit.
Expansion of Bus Terminal
To handle increasing passenger volumes, Kennedy Station’s bus terminal is being expanded. The changes include:
- New bus bays to improve boarding efficiency.
- Redesigned platforms to enhance accessibility.
- Improved pedestrian access to create smoother connections between transit services.
With these expansions, Kennedy Station will continue to be one of the best public transit stations in Scarborough, ensuring faster and more efficient travel across the city. These upgrades also reinforce its status as one of Toronto’s best subway stations, preparing it for the city’s growing transit demands. As a major transit hub in Scarborough, Kennedy Station connects travelers to various parts of the city—if you’re navigating Toronto’s transit system, check out this guide to the Toronto Bus Terminal for more transportation options.
FAQs
- What subway line serves Kennedy Station?
Kennedy Station is the eastern terminus of Line 2 Bloor-Danforth, providing subway service to downtown Toronto. - What bus routes stop at Kennedy Station?
Kennedy Station serves multiple TTC bus routes, including local, express, and night buses such as 12 Kingston Road, 43 Kennedy, 86 Scarborough, 905 Eglinton East Express, and 343 Kennedy Night Bus. - When will the Eglinton Crosstown LRT (Line 5) open at Kennedy Station?
Line 5 Eglinton Crosstown is currently under construction and will terminate at Kennedy Station, but the exact opening date is yet to be announced. - Are there bike racks available at Kennedy Station?
Yes, Kennedy Station has bike racks and a bicycle repair station for cyclists. - What public art is displayed at Kennedy Station?
Kennedy Station previously featured “A Sense of Place” by Frank Perna, and new art installations will be added with the opening of Line 5 Eglinton Crosstown.