London Transit

Rapid Transit, formerly known as Shift,^[12] is a bus rapid transit (BRT) network under construction in London, Ontario, consisting of two corridors that converge at a central downtown hub. The project aims to improve traffic flow, enhance streetscapes, and replace aging underground infrastructure.

The rapid transit system features dedicated bus lanes, including curbside and centre-running lanes, and transit priority signals for smoother operations. Enhanced stations are being designed to accommodate large passenger loads, with seating areas, route information, security cameras, and tempered glass for safety and comfort. The project also includes the installation of new streetscape elements and urban design improvements, which will help ease traffic flow and improve the overall public transit experience in London.^[13]

As of October 2024, the East London Link is scheduled for completion in 2026, with operations expected to begin in mid-2027. The route will run between downtown and Fanshawe College, with a target opening in August 2027. Similarly, the Wellington Gateway project is expected to be completed by 2027, with service slated to begin in mid-2028 and a summer 2028 opening for the segment between downtown and White Oaks Mall.^[14][15]

After the public transit boom of the 1960s and 1970s, ridership began to slip. At that time almost every transit route was passing through London's downtown area. An attempted building of two downtown malls and the economic recession of the 1990s combined to force the downtown area into serious decline. An economic slump echoed in a parallel drop in ridership, made even worse by the traditional responses of service cuts and fare increases. Between 1987 and 1996, LTC ridership declined by almost 40 percent.

In 1994, the LTC began developing a comprehensive business plan to turn these trends around. Innovations included an overhauling of fare structure, re-thinking routes, bringing buses into mall areas (which would later become true terminal areas), and making standard public transit buses increasingly wheelchair-accessible. Post-secondary students attending the University of Western Ontario and Fanshawe College now receive a subsidised bus pass incorporated into their tuition a program which has become a great success.

Due in large part to these measures, the LTC is currently experiencing a massive increase in ridership, straining current transit resources.

In March 2020 the LTC has experienced decreased ridership due to the COVID-19 pandemic cutting jobs for drivers and reducing service in areas with low ridership to match the demand.^[16][17] For safety of the drivers and to limit the spread of the coronavirus paying a fare was suspended. Passengers had to board and exit from the rear door while people with accessibility needs can still board and exit at the front of the bus.^[18] The London Transit Commission announced that in August front door boarding will continue with new driver barriers installed and a yellow line to help with social distancing requiring passengers to stay behind the yellow line. Passengers are required to enter through the front door and exit through the back door to comply with the social distancing rules and to limit spread of the virus and bringing back fare collection although passengers with accessibility needs can still exit the front door. They also announced that routes serve Western University and Fanshawe College would return and other routes to 90% of its service levels.^[19][20]

By 2026 the LTC is still recovering from the pandemic with an annual ridership of 17.5 million, but is predicted to gain ridership by the start of the BRT system.^[21]

• London Street Railway – the precursor to the London Transit Commission
• Public Transit in Canada