subway noise

The TTC just figured out how to make subway trains quieter

There are a lot of little annoyances when riding the TTC. Crying babies, late trains, smelly food, crowding like a sardine can, and delays can all make commuting a walking nightmare. 

But, Toronto's transit agency is looking to make things a little better―by reducing the amount of noise and vibration when riding the subway. 

A new investigation has found many of the wheels on the Bloor-Danforth line to have developed "flats," which form when the wheels rub down in certain spots. These flats can cause significant vibration and noise as the train cars roll along. 

This rubbing can be caused by several things, and the TTC says it's investigating the main causes to help prevent it in the future.

Some causes include emergency brakes being activated, debris on the tracks causing regular brakes to slide along the rail, or just normal wear after a long service life. 

Over the next while, the TTC will be working to re-grind the wheels on certain cars to make them round again, reducing the amount of vibration and noise. Each train consists of a few cars, and the cars will be swapped out individually for repair to prevent service disruption. 

Lead photo by

Ben Roffelsen


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

Canada is seeing one of the worst standard-of-living declines in 40 years

Tributes pour in after death of Toronto City Councillor Jaye Robinson

It's going to get way easier to pay transit fare in Toronto with your phone

TTC literally just gave CEO Rick Leary an award days after chaotic subway shutdown

An aggressively spreading invasive species is completely taking over a Toronto park

50 tourist attractions in downtown Toronto you need to visit at least once

Stunning new lookout point overlooking Toronto wetland opens this summer

Stunning new Toronto transit station will link several TTC and GO lines