TTC, Metrolinx face public fury after Game 7 transit shutdown
Toronto’s transit agencies are facing intense criticism after ending service early on the night of Game 7 of the World Series — leaving thousands of Blue Jays fans stranded downtown.
Service on both TTC and Metrolinx systems wrapped up around 1:30 a.m., despite the high-profile game running late into the night. Videos circulating on social media showed fans stuck at Union Station and subway platforms after trains had stopped running.
Many online users called it a case of poor planning, arguing that the city should have anticipated the extended game and arranged for late-night transit.
Before the first pitch, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) had posted reminders that subways would stop after 1:30 a.m. The City of Toronto also reposted the alert shortly after midnight, warning that the last GO train from Union Station would depart soon.
The game ended just after midnight with a heartbreaking Blue Jays loss before a sold-out Rogers Centre crowd of 40,000. Viewing parties across Toronto had drawn thousands more fans.
TTC CEO Mandeep Lali defended the agency’s response, stating that service operated for 90 minutes following the game and that contingency plans for late events “were not activated” since there were “very few issues.” Lali also noted that GO and UP Express operations fall under Metrolinx, not the TTC.
In a statement to CBC Toronto, Metrolinx said it could not run overnight service “due to track ownership and operational considerations.” The agency added that it had offered extra trains throughout the Blue Jays’ playoff run and held Game 7 trains “as long as possible,” all of which departed at full capacity.
Local politicians are now demanding answers.
Councillor Josh Matlow said he will raise the issue at Monday’s TTC board meeting, stressing that “both Metrolinx and TTC should’ve been prepared for the possibility of a late game.”
A spokesperson for Mayor Olivia Chow confirmed she will also support a motion to improve special event transit planning, saying “service should be extended after major events so riders can get home safely.”
Councillor Brad Bradford, who has hinted at another mayoral run, echoed the frustration, writing: “We’ll fix dumb decisions like this… move people when they need to go. Serve the people, not the punch clock.”
As Toronto recovers from its Game 7 heartbreak, the conversation has shifted from the Blue Jays’ loss to the city’s recurring problem — getting fans home when it matters most.
