All-door boarding on the way for King St. streetcar

WATCH: The TTC is improving service for riders by implementing all-door boarding on King St. Mark McAllister reports.

TORONTO – The TTC and the Toronto Police are each taking steps to fight gridlock in Toronto.

Police announced Monday a number of steps they are taking to keep traffic moving while the TTC announced all-door boarding is on the way for commuters using the King Street streetcar route.

Toronto Mayor John Tory, TTC Chair Josh Colle and TTC CEO Andy Byford announced Monday morning that a proof-of-payment system will be in place on the 504 streetcar beginning Jan. 1.

“Almost 20 per cent of the streetcar’s trip is spent servicing stops and by moving proof-of-payment, we can cut that time in half,” Tory told reporters. “The King streetcar will spend 50 per cent less time stopped so people can board.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Almost 20 per cent of the streetcar's trip is spent servicing stops and by moving proof-of-payment, we can cut that time in half," Tory told reporters. "The King streetcar will spend 50 per cent less time stopped so people can board."

Colle said the move could save as much as six minutes to the entire length of the King St. route.

“It’s important to know that if you use cash or tokens like you always have, then get on the front door but you must get your transfer. This is your proof-of-payment now. Even if you’re not transferring,” Colle explained.

Meanwhile, metropass holders are now permitted to board in the back doors. All-door boarding is already permitted on the Spadina and Queen streetcars.

WATCH: TTC CEO Byford explains how all-door boarding eases traffic congestion

During an interview on Global’s The Morning Show on Monday, Colle said the TTC will also increase the number of fare enforcement officers to curb potential “fare-jumpers”.

“There has to be some education and enforcement to make sure the honour system is upheld,” Colle said. “I expect loss of fare to be minimal, a willing trade-off for the efficiencies you gain and maybe more ridership.”

A city staff report released this summer indicates delays on Toronto’s streetcar routes were blamed primarily on passenger boarding times which contributes between four to 15 minutes on the 504 streetcar.

The King St. streetcar carries approximately 60,000 passengers on an average weekday and is considered the busiest route in the city.

Meanwhile, Toronto Police announced Monday afternoon they would be taking a number of steps to keep traffic moving within the city. They announced their “You know you shouldn’t… so don’t” campaign which will try and educate Torontonians on what they should and shouldn’t do while traversing the city.

Police identified five things which, they say, contribute to gridlock including pedestrians entering the intersection before the walk signal, cars blocking the intersection, cars stopped in traffic lanes, failing to clear minor accidents from roads and drivers making prohibited turns.

“This leads to backup in the lanes of traffic, it interferes with cyclists and traffic that are moving through the intersection,” Acting Superintendent Gord Jones said at the afternoon press conference. “Each one of these behaviours results in a negative impact on the free flow of traffic.”

WATCH: Toronto Police announce new strategy to fight gridlock