View source for 501 Queen

{{Short description|Streetcar route in Toronto, Canada}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{not to be confused with|501 Züm Queen}}
{{Infobox rail line
| name            = 501 Queen
| color           = 
| logo            = TTC - 501.svg
| logo_width      = 75
| logo_alt        = 
| image           = 501 Queen Streetcar at University Ave, June 12 2025 (02) (cropped).jpg
| image_alt       = 
| caption         = Westbound 501 Queen streetcar in mixed traffic at Queen and University
| system          = [[Toronto streetcar system]]
| status          = 
| locale          = [[Toronto]], Ontario
| start           = [[Neville Park Loop]] (east)
| end             = {{plainlist|
* [[Humber Loop]] (west)
* [[Long Branch Loop]] (late evening)
}}
| stations        = {{plainlist|
* {{rint|Toronto|1}} {{stl|TTC|Osgoode}}
* {{rint|Toronto|1}} {{stl|TTC|Queen}}
}}
| routes          = 
| daily_ridership = 46,116 (2022, weekdays)<ref name="TTC-daily-boardings">{{cite web |url=https://cdn.ttc.ca/-/media/Project/TTC/DevProto/Documents/Home/Transparency-and-accountability/2022-Fall-Service-Hours--Boardings-by-Route.pdf |title=Weekday boardings and service information for surface routes (bus and streetcar), 2022 |publisher=[[Toronto Transit Commission]] |date=2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111002205/https://cdn.ttc.ca/-/media/Project/TTC/DevProto/Documents/Home/Transparency-and-accountability/2022-Fall-Service-Hours--Boardings-by-Route.pdf | archive-date=January 11, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| open            = {{Start date and age|1875}}
| close           = 
| owner           = 
| operator        = [[Toronto Transit Commission]]
| character       = 
| depot           = [[Russell Carhouse]]<ref name="Service-Summary" />
| stock           = [[Flexity Outlook (Toronto streetcar)|Flexity Outlook]]
| linelength      = {{plainlist|
* {{convert|16.9|km|mi|1|abbr=on}} ([[Humber Loop]])
* {{convert|24.6|km|mi|1|abbr=on}} ([[Long Branch Loop]])<ref name="TTC-Srv-Sum-2020-03-29">{{cite web |url=https://www.ttc.ca/PDF/Transit_Planning/Service%20Summary_2020-03-29.pdf |title=Service Summary - March 29, 2020 to May 9, 2020 |publisher=[[Toronto Transit Commission]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921021938/https://www.ttc.ca/PDF/Transit_Planning/Service%20Summary_2020-03-29.pdf |archivedate=September 21, 2020 |url-status=dead}} 2020 summary shows streetcar route lengths prior to the diversions of 2021–2023.</ref>
}}
| tracklength     = 
| tracks          = 
| gauge           = {{Track gauge|58.875in|lk=on}}
| old_gauge       = 
| minradius       = 
| racksystem      = 
| routenumber     = 501 (301 overnight)
| electrification = 600 V DC [[Overhead line|overhead]]
| speed           = 
| elevation       = 
| website         = {{TTC route page}}
| map             = {{switcher
|{{maplink-road|from=501 Queen.map}}
|Show interactive map
|{{501 Queen}}
|Show route diagram
}}
| map_state       = 
}}

'''501 Queen''' ('''301 Queen''' during overnight periods) is an east–west [[Toronto streetcar system|Toronto streetcar route]] in [[Ontario]], Canada, operated by the [[Toronto Transit Commission]] (TTC). It stretches from Neville Park Loop (just west of [[Victoria Park Avenue]]) in the east, running along [[List of east–west roads in Toronto#Queen Street|Queen Street]] and in a reserved right-of-way within the median of [[The Queensway (Toronto)|the Queensway]] to [[Humber Loop]] in the west. In the late evenings, the 501 Queen route is extended west from Humber Loop, running on [[Lake Shore Boulevard]] to [[Long Branch Loop]] (just west of [[Browns Line]], adjacent to [[Long Branch GO Station]]), replacing route [[507 Long Branch]]. This route operates as part of the TTC's [[Blue Night Network]] service, operating in the early morning hours as the 301 Queen.<ref name="TTC-2023-11-19" />

In 2022, with almost 12.8 million annual boardings, 501 Queen was the second busiest streetcar line in Toronto, after [[504 King]]. (In 2019, prior to the [[Toronto Transit Commission incidents#COVID-19 pandemic|drop in ridership due to the COVID-19 pandemic]], there were 22.0 million annual boardings.)<ref name="TTC-annual-boardings">{{cite web |url=https://www.ttc.ca/transparency-and-accountability/transit-planning |title=Transit Planning{{snd}}Annual streetcar boardings by route |publisher=[[Toronto Transit Commission]] |date=2022 |accessdate=January 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922223103/https://www.ttc.ca/transparency-and-accountability/transit-planning | archive-date=September 22, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==History==
===1875–1999===
In 1875, the Kingston Road Tramway operated a [[horsecar]] service along what would become today's Queen Street East. This line was abandoned in the mid 1880s, at about which time the [[Toronto Street Railway]] extended its King horsecar line onto Queen Street East to Lee Avenue in [[The Beaches, Toronto|the Beaches]] district. In 1893, the [[Toronto Railway Company]] electrified the line. In 1921, the TTC took over streetcar service.<ref name="TT-501" />

From 1923 to 1928, the Beach streetcar line ran along Queen Street from Neville Park Boulevard to the Humber River similar to today's 501 Queen. At about this time, there was also a route named "Queen", but it ran along Kingston Road to McCaul and Queen streets much like the [[502 Downtowner]] that ran until 2019.<ref name="TT-501" />

From 1928 to 1937, service to the eastern and western ends of Queen Street was handled by separate routes. Thus, one would need to transfer streetcars in the downtown area to travel the full length of Queen Street.<ref name="TT-501" /><ref name="TT-Map-1930" />

On August 2, 1937, a new Queen route served all of Queen Street between Neville Park Loop and Parkside Loop.<ref name="TT-501" /> (The Parkside Loop was located at the northeast corner of Lakeshore Boulevard and Parkside Drive, south of the rail corridor, which was crossed by a bridge.<ref name="TT-Map-1945" />) East of Roncesvalles Avenue, the Queen route resembled today's 501 Queen.<ref name="TT-Map-1938-09-01" />

On September 14, 1940, the [[PCC streetcar]] was introduced on the Queen route on Sundays, displacing Peter Witt streetcars.<ref name="TTC-story" />{{rp|42}}  PCCs were placed in Queen night service on October 3, 1940,<ref name="TTC-story" />{{rp|43}} and in regular daily service on May 1, 1941.<ref name="TTC-story" />{{rp|44}}

By 1954, when the Yonge subway (today part of [[Line 1 Yonge–University]]) opened, an underground streetcar station was partially built at [[Queen station]] to eventually allow streetcars to cross under the subway tracks. The plan was to put the Queen streetcar line in a tunnel under Queen Street between Logan Avenue and Trinity Park. However, because of changing ridership patterns, the plan was dropped in favour of east–west subway line along Bloor Street and Danforth Avenue (today's [[Line 2 Bloor–Danforth]]). Today, Lower Queen remains a ghost station.<ref name="TT-Lost-Stns" />

In 1957, to accommodate construction of the [[Gardiner Expressway]], the streetcar tracks were removed from Lake Shore Boulevard between Roncesvalles Avenue and the Humber River, and the bridge crossing the rail corridor was demolished. As a replacement, a new private right-of-way was built along the Queensway from the Sunnyside Loop to the [[Humber Loop]]. At the Humber Loop, passengers could transfer to the Long Branch streetcar which shuttled between the Humber and Long Branch loops.<ref name="TT-501" /><ref name="TT-Map-1958-10" />

Between 1967 and early 1977, two-car multiple-unit PCC trains served the Queen streetcar route.<ref name="TT-501" />
 
On March 26, 1995, the [[507 Long Branch]] route was replaced by a westward extension of the 501 Queen route,<ref name="TT-501" /> resulting in the Queen route attaining a length of {{convert|24.6|km|mi}}.<ref name="TTC-Srv-Sum-2020-03-29" /> In 2010, [[National Geographic]] described 501 Queen as one of the longest streetcar lines in North America.<ref name="NG-2010-01-21">{{cite web |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/trolley-rides |title=Top 10 Trolley Rides |publisher=National Geographic |date=January 21, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423110141/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/trolley-rides | archive-date=April 23, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2012, a [[National Post]] article made a similar claim.<ref name="NP-2012-03-24">{{cite web |url=https://nationalpost.com/posted-toronto/riding-the-501-the-longest-streetcar-route-in-north-america |title=Riding the 501: The longest streetcar route in North America |newspaper=[[National Post]] |date=March 24, 2012 |quote=With nearly 25 kilometres of track, the 501 Queen is the longest streetcar route operating in North America.}}</ref> In late 2023, a reinstated 507 route would be carved out of the 501 route, reducing the length of the latter except in late evening.<ref name="TTC-2023-11-19" />

===2000–present===
[[File:CLRV 4165 at Long Branch Loop.jpg|thumb|right|A CLRV car at Long Branch Loop]]
[[File:TTC 4251 Queen Don bridge.jpg|thumb|right|An ALRV car on 501 Queen crossing the Don River in Toronto in September 2011]]
In 2013, the TTC considered setting up a [[transit mall]] on the downtown portion of either Queen or King Street. TTC CEO [[Andy Byford]] wanted a car-free corridor along one of the city's two busiest streetcar lines (either 501 Queen or 504 King) to prevent bunching, gaps and service delays. Byford would ban general automobile traffic along the streetcar corridor but allow cyclists, taxicabs and delivery trucks. Byford preferred King Street for the transit mall because of recent condominium development along that street. There were similar proposals for a transit mall in 2001 and 2007.<ref name="CP24-2013-06-20" /> Ultimately, the [[King Street Transit Priority Corridor]] was established in late 2017.

On January 3, 2016, the 501 Queen route was [[#2016 split|split into two sections at Humber Loop]] in order to make its service more reliable. Effectively, the section west of Humber Loop became the [[507 Long Branch]] route in all but name.<ref name="TheStar-2016-01-03" />

In January 2017, construction began for approximately 15 months on various projects west of Roncesvalles Avenue, including rebuilding the bridge over the Humber River carrying streetcar tracks.<ref name="CP24-2017-03-01" /> Other work included replacing track and overhead along portions of the Queensway and Lake Shore Boulevard as well as at the Humber Loop. Also at the Humber Loop, a new substation was built, platforms were made accessible to accommodate [[Flexity Outlook (Toronto streetcar)|Flexity streetcars]] and a siding on the west-to-east loop was modified.<ref name="SteveMunro-2016-12-11" /><ref name="SteveMunro-2018-01-28" /><ref name="TTC-2016-12-06" /> In April 2018, streetcar operations resumed between Sunnyside Loop and Humber Loop.<ref name="TTC-2018-02-18" /><ref name="TTC-2018-04-01" /> Streetcar service between Humber Loop and Long Branch Loop resumed in June 2018.<ref name="TTC-2018-06-24" />

From May to September 2017, all streetcar service along the entire 501 Queen route was replaced by buses to permit multiple construction projects along Queen Street to take place, including the replacement of an overhead pedestrian walkway at the [[Eaton Centre]], which required [[overhead line|overhead wires]] to be removed. According to a TTC spokesperson, it took 65 buses to replace the 50 streetcars then operating east of the Sunnyside Loop.<ref name="CP24-2017-03-01" />

<!-- To be expanded as streetcar service is reinstated. -->Since March 31, 2021, the 501 Queen route has been partially closed due to construction activity, including track replacement and the extension of the exclusive streetcar right-of-way on the Queensway west of Roncesvalles Avenue. Also, the TTC was upgrading the streetcar overhead for pantographs.<ref name="TO-2021-03-12">{{cite web |url=https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/95b2-20ECS-TI-19SP-w4-KQQR-con-update2-Mar-1-final.pdf |title=Construction Update #2 (KQQR) |publisher=[[City of Toronto]] |date=March 12, 2021 |access-date=June 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210316155129/https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/95b2-20ECS-TI-19SP-w4-KQQR-con-update2-Mar-1-final.pdf |archive-date=March 16, 2021}}</ref> The result was that streetcar service was temporarily replaced by buses from Parliament Street to [[Long Branch Loop]], with a diversion along King and Bathurst Streets to [[Toronto streetcar system loops#Wolseley Loop|Wolseley Loop]].<ref name="501-May2021">{{cite web |url=https://www.ttc.ca/Service_Advisories/Service_changes/May501.jsp |title=TTC 501 Queen – Temporary route change – City/TTC Construction |publisher=TTC |website=ttc.ca |access-date=May 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511023911/https://www.ttc.ca/Service_Advisories/Service_changes/May501.jsp |archive-date=May 11, 2021}}</ref> Streetcar service was restored along Queen Street between Parliament and Bathurst Streets on February 13, 2022,<ref name="TTC-2022-02-13">{{cite web |url=https://www.ttc.ca/service-advisories/service-changes/TTC-service-changes |title=TTC service changes |publisher=[[Toronto Transit Commission]] |date=February 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210193054/https://www.ttc.ca/service-advisories/service-changes/TTC-service-changes | archive-date=February 10, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> to Dufferin Street on September 4, 2022,<ref name="TTC-2022-09-04">{{cite web |url=https://www.ttc.ca/service-advisories/service-changes/TTC-service-adjustments |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904213503/https://www.ttc.ca/service-advisories/service-changes/TTC-service-adjustments |archive-date=September 4, 2022 |title=TTC service adjustments |publisher=[[Toronto Transit Commission]] |accessdate=September 4, 2022}}</ref> to Roncesvalles Avenue ([[Sunnyside Loop]]) on January 25, 2023<ref name="TTC-2023-02-12">{{cite web |url=https://www.ttc.ca/riding-the-ttc/Updates/TTC-service-adjustments |title=TTC service adjustments |publisher=[[Toronto Transit Commission]] |date=February 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211212342/https://www.ttc.ca/riding-the-ttc/Updates/TTC-service-adjustments | archive-date=February 11, 2023}}<!-- The benefits of pantographs are listed in the "504/304 King" section. --></ref>  and to Humber Loop on October 29, 2023. Route 501 service to Long Branch Loop was scheduled to resume on November 19, 2023.<ref name="TTC-2023-10-27">{{cite web |url=https://www.ttc.ca/news/2023/October/TTC-restoring-streetcar-service-to-Humber-Loop |title=TTC restoring streetcar service to Humber Loop, improving west-end service from Sunday |publisher=[[Toronto Transit Commission]] |date=October 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028182637/https://www.ttc.ca/news/2023/October/TTC-restoring-streetcar-service-to-Humber-Loop | archive-date=October 28, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:501 Queen diversion at York & Adelaide Streets 2024.jpg|thumb|501 Queen on a long-term diversion eastbound at York & Adelaide Streets]]
On May 1, 2023, an estimated 4.5-year closure of Queen Street between Victoria and Bay Streets began to allow construction of the [[Ontario Line]] at Queen station. Initially, the TTC diverted 501 streetcars via McCaul Street, Dundas Street and Broadview Avenue.<ref name="TheStar-2023/04/29">{{cite news |last=Harvey |first=Lex |date=April 29, 2023 |title='All hands on deck': Toronto braces for a decade of traffic turmoil as Ontario Line work shuts city streets |newspaper=[[Toronto Star]] |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2023/04/29/all-hands-on-deck-toronto-braces-for-a-decade-of-traffic-turmoil-as-ontario-line-work-shuts-city-streets.html |access-date=April 30, 2023}}</ref> On September 3, 2023, the TTC split Queen streetcar service into eastern and western segments; 501A streetcars would run between [[Sunnyside Loop]] and [[McCaul Loop]], and the diverted [[505 Dundas]] streetcar route would be extended from Broadview Avenue to [[Neville Park Loop]].<ref name="TTC-2023-09-03">{{cite web |url=https://www.ttc.ca/service-advisories/Service-Changes/501-301-Routing-change |title=501-301 Routing change |publisher=[[Toronto Transit Commission]] |date=September 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005213727/https://www.ttc.ca/service-advisories/Service-Changes/501-301-Routing-change |accessdate=October 5, 2023 |archive-date=October 5, 2023}}</ref> On October 8, 2023, the TTC replaced the eastern segment of the split route with the 501D streetcar which would run east on Queen Street from Neville Park Loop, south on Church Street looping via [[Toronto streetcar system loops#Church, Wellington and York Streets|Church, Wellington and York Streets]], returning via King Street to Church Street.<ref name="TTC-2023-10-08">{{cite web |url=https://www.ttc.ca/riding-the-ttc/Updates/October-service-adjustments |title=October (2023) service adjustments |publisher=[[Toronto Transit Commission]] |date=October 8, 2023 |accessdate=October 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003203951/https://www.ttc.ca/riding-the-ttc/Updates/October-service-adjustments | archive-date=October 3, 2023}}</ref> The TTC was planning to rejoin the two segments of the line using a new diversion between Church and York Streets, via Richmond Street westbound and Adelaide Street eastbound.<ref name="TheStar-2023/04/29" /> By October 6, 2024, the TTC had published schedules for such a diversion.<ref name="TTC-2024-10-06-Route">{{cite web |url=https://www.ttc.ca/routes-and-schedules/501/0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006233901/https://www.ttc.ca/routes-and-schedules/501/0 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2024-10-06 |title=501 Queen |publisher=[[Toronto Transit Commission]] |accessdate=2024-10-06 }}</ref> However, on that date, the TTC decided to provide a temporary diversion in both directions via Spadina Avenue, King Street and Church Street.<ref name="TTC-2024-10-06-Changes">{{cite web |url=https://www.ttc.ca/service-advisories/Streetcar-Service-Changes |title=Streetcar Service Changes |publisher=[[Toronto Transit Commission]] |accessdate= 2024-10-06 }}</ref> On November 10, 2024, the TTC started operating the planned diversion route via Richmond and Adelaide Streets, with eastbound streetcars using new track on York and Adelaide Streets.<ref name="TTC-2024-11-06">{{cite web |url=https://www.ttc.ca/news/2024/November/Improvements-coming-to-TTC-501-Queen-streetcar-service-this-weekend |title=Improvements coming to TTC's 501 Queen streetcar service this weekend |publisher=[[Toronto Transit Commission]] |date=2024-11-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109223946/https://www.ttc.ca/news/2024/November/Improvements-coming-to-TTC-501-Queen-streetcar-service-this-weekend | archive-date=2024-11-09 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Effective November 19, 2023, the TTC reinstated route [[507 Long Branch]] to run between Humber and Long Branch Loops, replacing the 501 Queen along Lake Shore Boulevard but only until late evening.<ref name="TTC-2023-11-19">{{cite web |url=https://www.ttc.ca/riding-the-ttc/Updates/Streetcar-service-returns-on-Lake-Shore-Boulevard-West |title=Streetcar service returns on Lake Shore Boulevard West |publisher=[[Toronto Transit Commission]] |date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114023852/https://www.ttc.ca/riding-the-ttc/Updates/Streetcar-service-returns-on-Lake-Shore-Boulevard-West | archive-date=November 14, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On March 31, 2024, 301 Queen night streetcar service resumed, ending replacement bus service between Long Branch and Neville Park Loops. However, due to Ontario Line construction, 301 streetcars had to divert via Spadina Avenue, King Street and Church Street.<ref name="TTC-2024-03-31">{{cite web |url=https://www.ttc.ca/service-advisories/Streetcar-Service-Changes |title=Streetcar Service Changes |publisher=[[Toronto Transit Commission]] |date=2024-03-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329030035/https://www.ttc.ca/service-advisories/Streetcar-Service-Changes | archive-date=2024-03-29 }}</ref>

===Rolling stock===
[[File:TTC streetcar at Queen East by the Beacher Cafe.jpg|thumb|right|ALRVs once provided base service on 501 Queen (photo at Maclean Avenue)]]
Route 501 Queen was once served mainly by [[Articulated Light Rail Vehicle]]s (ALRVs) and occasionally supplemented with some of the shorter [[Canadian Light Rail Vehicle]]s (CLRVs).<ref name="TTC-2017-03-26" /> However, by 2018, the route was mainly served by CLRVs.<ref name="Service-Summary-2018" /> This was due to the declining reliability and accelerated retirement of the ALRV fleet.<ref name="SteveMunro-2018-04-17" />

Flexity Outlook streetcars were introduced on the 501 Queen route in phases; weekend service using the Flexity vehicles along the route began in September 2018<ref name="TT-2018-09-02">{{cite tweet |user=TransitToronto |first=James |last=Bow |number=1042788491556532225 |title=Sunday, September 2, 2018, was the first day for regularly scheduled #TTC #Bombardier #Flexity service on 501 QUEEN, albeit just on weekends only. Here we see Flexity LRV 4455 heading westbound on Queen approaching Church Street. Photo by @jamesbow. http://bit.ly/2pk9GbJ}}</ref> and moved to full-time on January 6, 2019. The TTC had to address rush-hour crowding due to the accelerated retirement of the ALRV fleet, the last of which made their final voyages on September 2, 2019.<ref name="TTC-2019-08-29">{{cite web |url=https://www.ttc.ca/news/2019/August/TTCs-bendy-streetcars-reach-the-end-of-the-line |title=TTC's 'bendy streetcars' reach the end of the line |publisher=TTC |date=August 29, 2019}}</ref><ref name="TTC-2018-01-06">{{cite web |url=http://www.ttc.ca/Service_Advisories/Service_changes/Service_Improvements_changes.jsp |title=TTC service improvements and changes |publisher=[[Toronto Transit Commission]] |date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=December 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231195856/http://www.ttc.ca/Service_Advisories/Service_changes/Service_Improvements_changes.jsp |archive-date=December 31, 2018}}</ref>

By June 23, 2019, the main portion of the route (along [[Queen Street (Toronto)|Queen Street]] and [[the Queensway]] between [[Humber Loop]] and [[Neville Park Loop]]) was the first to be fully served by Flexity Outlook streetcars; the southwest portion of the route (along [[Lake Shore Boulevard]] between Humber and Long Branch Loop) followed suit on September 1, 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ttc.ca/Service_Advisories/Accessible_service/index.jsp |title=Accessible streetcar service updates |publisher=TTC |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702190314/https://www.ttc.ca/Service_Advisories/Accessible_service/index.jsp |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |date=July 2, 2019}}</ref><ref name="TTC-Srv-Sum-2019-09-01">{{cite web |url=https://www.ttc.ca/PDF/Transit_Planning/Service%20Summary_2019-09-01.pdf |title=Service Summary - September 1, 2019 to October 12, 2019 |publisher=[[Toronto Transit Commission]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191127221151/https://www.ttc.ca/PDF/Transit_Planning/Service%20Summary_2019-09-01.pdf |archive-date=November 27, 2019}}</ref>

===Route splitting===
====2009 split====
By 2007, critics of the TTC's management of this line argue that small delays at one end ripple into 30-40 minute waits at the other. Like route [[504 King|504]], there is much demand at either end of the route, and along the downtown middle stretch. Transit proponents such as [[Steve Munro]] have long claimed that Route 501 would be better off if it were split into two or three overlapping segments.<ref name="NP-2007-11-24" />

In late 2009, the TTC conducted an experiment of splitting the 501 streetcar route into two overlapping segments, as recommended by critics to alleviate bunching, gaps and short turns when delays occurred.<ref name="CBC-2009-10-19" /><ref name="TorontoStar2009-10-15" /> During the experiment streetcars from the Neville Park Loop ran west on Queen Street as far as Shaw Street, and from Long Branch Loop or Humber Loop east as far as Parliament Street.<ref name="TTC-2009-10-18" /><ref name="Service-Summary-2009" />

In January 2010, the commission received a report analyzing several of the experiments done in 2009 to increase service reliability. It was determined that splitting the route increased short turns by 90%, required more streetcars and resulted in poorer service. The TTC decided to use a route-management system called Step Forward, whereby when an operator goes off duty (break or end of shift), another operator takes over the streetcar instead of the streetcar going out of service along with off-duty operator. According to the TTC, Step Forward reduced short turns in late 2007, from 32.5% to 9.7% in the PM rush hours, and from 13.9% to 4.1% in the AM rush. It also was successful in reducing service gaps according to the TTC. Implementing Step Forward required eight extra operators and two extra supervisors.<ref name="TTC-2010-01-20" /><ref name="TorontoStar2010-01-19" />

====2016 split====
By 2015, passengers were complaining about service on the 501 streetcar. Streetcars would often arrive at irregular intervals, causing unscheduled waits of 20–30 minutes. Streetcars would also do unscheduled short turns at Kingston Road or Roncesvalles Avenue, forcing passengers to exit and wait for the next streetcar. To address these problems and make service more predictable for riders, the TTC again split the 501 Queen route.<ref name="TheStar-2016-01-03" />

On January 3, 2016, the route was split into two sections at Humber Loop. The split was in effect only from 5{{Nbsp}}am to 10{{Nbsp}}pm. During the split, service over the entire route operated at intervals of ten minutes or better. The change was also made to provide more frequent service on each segment and to eliminate all but emergency short turns (such as for an accident) on the segment east of Humber Loop. Transfer-free service through Humber Loop was still provided by 3 runs in the morning, in the late evening and overnight. Some riders reported shorter streetcar wait times after the split.<ref name="TheStar-2016-01-03" /><ref name="SteveMunro-2016-01-03" /><ref name="TTC-2016-01-03" />

The split was suspended starting from January 8, 2017,<ref name="CP24-2017-03-01" /> due to construction projects affecting Humber Loop. When streetcar service west of Humber Loop resumed on June 24, 2018, the split was reinstated.<ref name="TTC-2018-04-01" /> Initially, the TTC provided five transfer-free trips during the morning peak period; however, effective September 2, 2018, the TTC temporarily suspended these five runs due to a shortage of streetcars.<ref name="TTC-2018-09-02" />

From June 21, 2020, most 501 Queen streetcars operated the full route between Neville Park and Long Branch loops. This ended the split in 501 Queen service at Humber Loop where passengers from Long Branch had to change streetcars to continue downtown.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Munro |first=Steve |authorlink=Steve Munro |date=June 8, 2020 |title=TTC Service Changes Effective Sunday, June 21, 2020 |url=https://stevemunro.ca/2020/06/08/ttc-service-changes-effective-sunday-june-21-2020/ |access-date=July 1, 2020 |website=Steve Munro}}</ref>

==Route==
From [[Neville Park Loop]], the route proceeds westward in mixed traffic on [[Queen Street East]]. At [[Kingston Road (Toronto)|Kingston Road]], passengers can transfer to the [[503 Kingston Rd]] streetcars. Further west, Broadview Avenue provides a transfer point to the [[504 King]] streetcars to go along [[King Street (Toronto)|King Street]].<ref name="TTC-501-map" />

Normally, the route continues west from Broadview Avenue along Queen Street, passing [[Queen station]] at [[Yonge Street]] and [[Osgoode station]] at [[University Avenue (Toronto)|University Avenue]], where both stations serve subway [[Line 1 Yonge–University]]. However, construction of the [[Ontario Line]] necessitated the closure of Queen Street to all traffic between Church and Bay Streets from May 2023 until late 2027. Since May 2023, the TTC has used various diversions for 501 streetcars.<!-- The TTC changes diversion routes every several weeks. --> On November 10, 2024, the 501 Queen started diverting around the construction site westbound via Richmond Street and eastbound via Adelaide Street, between York and Church Streets.<ref name="TTC-2024-11-06" />

Further west at [[Spadina Avenue]], riders can transfer to [[510 Spadina]] streetcars and, at [[Bathurst Street (Toronto)|Bathurst Street]], to [[511 Bathurst]] streetcars. The route continues to the western end of Queen Street West at the intersection of King Street West and [[Roncesvalles Avenue]], where riders can again transfer to 504 King streetcars.<ref name="TTC-501-map" />

West of Roncesvalles Avenue, Queen Street West flows onto [[the Queensway]], where 501 Queen streetcars run in their own right-of-way until reaching the off-street [[Humber Loop]]. During the day and early evening, riders continuing to Long Branch must transfer to the [[507 Long Branch]] streetcar. During late evening, 501 Queen streetcars continue westbound to [[Long Branch Loop]], replacing the 507 streetcars. West of Humber Loop, the line passes through a short streetcar tunnel under a railway corridor and the [[Gardiner Expressway]]. The line emerges from the tunnel onto [[Lake Shore Boulevard|Lake Shore Boulevard West]] and proceeds westward in mixed traffic to [[Long Branch Loop]], where both the 507 and late evening 501 streetcars terminate.<ref name="TTC-501-map">{{cite web |url=https://www.ttc.ca/routes-and-schedules/501/0 |title=501 Queen |publisher=[[Toronto Transit Commission]] |access-date=July 23, 2023}}</ref>

===507 Long Branch<span id="Former Route 507"></span><span id="507 Long Branch"></span>===
{{main|507 Long Branch}}
Route 507 Long Branch is a streetcar route running along Lake Shore Boulevard West between [[Humber Loop]] and [[Long Branch Loop]]. It was created on October 28, 1935, merged into an extended 501 Queen on March 26, 1995<ref name="TT-4111" /> and reinstated as a separate route on November 19, 2023.<ref name="TTC-2023-11-19" />

Route 507 Long Branch operates daily until late evening, when 501 Queen service is extended west from Humber Loop to Long Branch Loop, replacing 507 service. Overnight, night route 301 Queen replaces both 507 Long Branch and 501 Queen.<ref name="TTC-2023-11-19" /><ref name="TTC-2024-03-31" />

===Sites along the line===
From east to west:{{div col}}
* [[The Beaches, Toronto|The Beaches]]
* [[Moss Park]] and [[Moss Park Armoury]]
* [[Toronto Eaton Centre]]
* [[Old City Hall (Toronto)|Old City Hall]]
* [[Toronto City Hall]] and [[Nathan Phillips Square]]
* [[Osgoode Hall]]
* [[Four Seasons Centre]]
* [[299 Queen Street West]] (Home to [[MuchMusic]], [[CP24]], [[Bell Media]])
* [[Trinity Bellwoods Park]]
* [[Centre for Addiction and Mental Health]]
* [[Drake Hotel (Toronto)|Drake Hotel]]
* [[Gladstone Hotel (Toronto)|Gladstone Hotel]]
* [[Parkdale, Toronto|Parkdale]]
* [[High Park]]
* [[Humber Bay Park]]
* [[Colonel Samuel Smith Park]]
* [[Humber College|Humber College, Lakeshore Campus]]
{{div col end}}

==In popular culture==

Toronto's [[Brickworks Ciderhouse]] produces a semi-sweet cider called the "Queen Street 501" which is an homage to the streetcar route, as well as Queen Street in general.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://theciderhouse.ca/our-cider/queen-street-501/ |title=Queen Street 501 |website=TheCiderHouse.ca |access-date=September 21, 2019}}</ref>

==See also==
* {{Section link|The Queensway#Streetcar right-of-way}} used by 501 Queen

==References==
{{Reflist
|refs=

<ref name="Service-Summary">{{cite web |url=http://ttc.ca/PDF/Transit_Planning/Service%20Summary_2020-03-29.pdf |title=TTC Service Summary March 29, 2020 to May 9, 2020 |publisher=[[Toronto Transit Commission]] |date=March 29, 2020 |access-date=May 1, 2020 |archive-date=September 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921021938/https://ttc.ca/PDF/Transit_Planning/Service%20Summary_2020-03-29.pdf |url-status=dead}}</ref><!--latest service summary for current status-->
<ref name="Service-Summary-2018">{{cite web |url=http://ttc.ca/PDF/Transit_Planning/Service%20Summary_2018-02-18.pdf |title=TTC Service Summary |publisher=[[Toronto Transit Commission]] |date=February 18, 2018 |access-date=February 2, 2018 |archive-date=November 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128231523/http://ttc.ca/PDF/Transit_Planning/Service%20Summary_2018-02-18.pdf |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="Service-Summary-2009">{{cite web |url=http://www3.ttc.ca/PDF/Transit_Planning/Service_Summary_2009_10_18.pdf |title=TTC Service Summary |publisher=[[Toronto Transit Commission]] |date=September 18, 2009 |access-date=October 24, 2009 |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629142953/http://www.ttc.ca/PDF/Transit_Planning/Service_Summary_2009_10_18.pdf |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="TT-501">{{cite web |url=https://www.transit.toronto.on.ca/streetcar/4101.shtml |title=Route 501 - The Queen Streetcar |work=Transit Toronto |first=James |last=Bow |date=September 6, 2017 |access-date=January 30, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="TT-Map-1930">{{cite web |url=https://transit.toronto.on.ca/archives/maps/guide1930.jpg |title=System Map - 1930 |publisher=[[Toronto Transportation Commission]] |date=1930 |access-date=January 30, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="TT-Map-1938-09-01">{{cite web |url=https://transit.toronto.on.ca/images/ttc-map-1938-09-01.png |title=System Map - September 1, 1938 |publisher=[[Toronto Transportation Commission]] |date=September 1, 1938 |access-date=January 30, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="TT-Map-1945">{{cite web |url=https://transit.toronto.on.ca/archives/maps/Streetcar_1945.pdf |title=Streetcar System Map 1945 |work=Transit Toronto |last=Forman |first=Roman |date=1945 |access-date=January 30, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="TT-Lost-Stns">{{cite web |url=https://transit.toronto.on.ca/subway/5006.shtml |title=Toronto's Lost Subway Stations |work=Transit Toronto |first=James |last=Bow |date=February 19, 2017 |access-date=January 30, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="TT-Map-1958-10">{{cite web |url=https://transit.toronto.on.ca/archives/maps/guide195810-front.jpg |title=System Map - October 1958 |publisher=[[Toronto Transit Commission]] |date=October 1958 |access-date=January 30, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="CP24-2013-06-20">{{cite web |url=https://www.cp24.com/news/ttc-head-floats-streetcar-corridor-on-king-or-queen-1.1333592 |title=TTC head floats streetcar corridor on King or Queen |newspaper=[[CP24|CablePulse 24]] |first=Chris |last=Kitching |date=June 20, 2013 |access-date=January 31, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="CP24-2017-03-01">{{cite web |url=https://www.cp24.com/news/buses-to-replace-streetcars-on-queen-street-this-summer-1.3305953 |title=Buses to replace streetcars on Queen Street this summer |newspaper=[[CP24|CablePulse 24]] |first=Codi |last=Wilson |date=March 1, 2017 |access-date=January 30, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="SteveMunro-2018-01-28">{{cite web |url=https://stevemunro.ca/2017/04/14/reconstruction-of-the-queensway-and-humber-loop/#more-17395 |title=Reconstruction of The Queensway and Humber Loop |publisher=[[Steve Munro]] |first=Steve |last=Munro |date=January 28, 2018 |access-date=January 30, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="NP-2007-11-24">{{cite news |first=Peter |last=Kuitenbrouwer |title=Crown jewel badly tarnished |url=http://www.financialpost.com/analysis/Story.html?id=119863 |work=[[National Post]] |location=Toronto |date=November 24, 2007 |access-date=January 21, 2008}}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
<ref name="CBC-2009-10-19">
{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ttc-temporarily-splits-501-streetcar-route-1.860057 |title=TTC temporarily splits 501 streetcar route |work=[[CBC News]] |date=October 19, 2009 |archive-date=February 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213202726/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/story/2009/10/19/to-501-split.html |url-status=live |quote=Toronto transit advocate Steve Munro said that people who are travelling downtown from the outer ends of the city will still be able to make the trip in one ride.}}</ref>
<ref name="TorontoStar2009-10-15">
{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2009/10/15/ttc_to_split_queen_streetcar_route.html |title=TTC to split Queen streetcar route |work=[[Toronto Star]] |first=Thandiwe |last=Vela |date=October 15, 2009 |archive-date=February 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213202725/http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2009/10/15/ttc_to_split_queen_streetcar_route.html |url-status=live |quote=On weekdays between Oct. 19 and Nov. 20, the west portion of the route will run from Long Branch to Parliament St. while the east portion will run from Neville Park to Shaw St., the TTC announced in a statement. Saturday, Sunday and holiday service will not be changed.}}</ref>
<ref name="TTC-2009-10-18">{{cite web |title=October 2009 - Service changes effective October 18, 2009 |publisher=[[Toronto Transit Commission|TTC]] |date=October 2009 |url=http://www3.ttc.ca/Service_Advisories/Service_changes/October_Service_Changes.jsp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091019082309/http://www3.ttc.ca/Service_Advisories/Service_changes/October_Service_Changes.jsp |archive-date=October 19, 2009 |access-date=September 22, 2009}}</ref>
<ref name="TTC-2010-01-20">{{cite web |title=501 Queen Streetcar Route: Final Recommendations |publisher=[[Toronto Transit Commission|TTC]] |date=January 20, 2010 |url=http://www3.ttc.ca/About_the_TTC/Commission_reports_and_information/Commission_meetings/2010/Jan_20_2010/Supplementary_Reports/501_Queen_report_CR.pdf |access-date=July 29, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226200956/http://www3.ttc.ca/About_the_TTC/Commission_reports_and_information/Commission_meetings/2010/Jan_20_2010/Supplementary_Reports/501_Queen_report_CR.pdf | archive-date=February 26, 2021}}</ref>
<ref name="TorontoStar2010-01-19">
{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/ttc/2010/01/19/ttc_gives_up_attempt_to_divide_queen_route.html |title=TTC gives up attempt to divide Queen route |work=[[Toronto Star]] |first=Tess |last=Kalinowski |date=January 19, 2010 |archive-date=February 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213202725/http://www.thestar.com/news/ttc/2010/01/19/ttc_gives_up_attempt_to_divide_queen_route.html |url-status=live |quote=A report before the city councillors on the Toronto Transit Commission on Wednesday shows that splitting the route in half actually increased the number of short turns by 90 per cent overall during a five-week experiment last October and November.}}</ref>
<ref name="TheStar-2016-01-03">{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/01/03/queen-streetcar-riders-get-what-theyve-waited-for-more-service.html |title=Queen streetcar riders get what they've waited for: more service |newspaper=[[Toronto Star]] |first=Verity |last=Stevenson |date=January 3, 2016 |access-date=January 3, 2016}}</ref>
<ref name="SteveMunro-2016-01-03">{{cite web |url=http://stevemunro.ca/2016/01/03/501-queen-service-design-effective-january-3-2016/ |title=501 Queen Service Design Effective January 3, 2016 |first=Steve |last=Munro |author-link=Steve Munro |date=January 3, 2016 |access-date=January 3, 2016}}</ref>
<ref name="TTC-2016-01-03">{{cite web |url=http://www.ttc.ca/Service_Advisories/Service_changes/Jan501.jsp |title=501 Queen - Service increase |date=January 3, 2016 |publisher=Toronto Transit Commission |quote=The route will be temporarily split into two separate sections, operating between Long Branch Loop and Humber Loop, and between Neville Park Loop and Humber Loop. |access-date=January 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110214247/http://www.ttc.ca/Service_Advisories/Service_changes/Jan501.jsp |archive-date=January 10, 2016}}</ref>
<ref name="SteveMunro-2016-12-11">{{cite web |url=https://stevemunro.ca/2016/12/11/ttc-service-changes-effective-sunday-january-8-2017/#comments |title=TTC Service Changes Effective Sunday, January 8, 2017 (Updated) |date=December 11, 2016 |website=Steve Munro: Transit & Politics}}</ref>
<ref name="TTC-2016-12-06">{{cite web |url=https://www.ttc.ca/news/2016/December/TTC-501-Queen-route-converts-to-buses-west-of-Roncesvalles-for-2017 |title=TTC 501 Queen route converts to buses west of Roncesvalles for 2017 |publisher=[[Toronto Transit Commission]] |date=December 16, 2016 |access-date=February 1, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="TTC-2018-02-18">{{cite web |url=http://www.ttc.ca/Service_Advisories/Route_diversions/501_Feb18update.jsp |title=501 Queen - Streetcar restrictions during several construction projects - February 18 update |publisher=[[Toronto Transit Commission]] |date=February 18, 2018 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202233226/http://ttc.ca/Service_Advisories/Route_diversions/501_Feb18update.jsp |archive-date=February 2, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="TTC-2018-06-24">{{cite web |url=http://www.ttc.ca/Service_Advisories/Service_changes/Service_Improvements_changes.jsp |title=TTC service improvements and changes |publisher=[[Toronto Transit Commission]] |date=June 24, 2018 |access-date=June 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625013204/http://www.ttc.ca/Service_Advisories/Service_changes/Service_Improvements_changes.jsp |archive-date=June 25, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="TT-4111">{{cite web |url=https://transit.toronto.on.ca/streetcar/4111.shtml |title=Route 507 - The Long Branch Streetcar (Deceased) |work=Transit Toronto |first=James |last=Bow |date=September 6, 2017 |access-date=March 1, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="TTC-2018-04-01">{{cite web |url=http://www.ttc.ca/Service_Advisories/Route_diversions/501_April1update.jsp |title=TTC service improvements and changes |publisher=[[Toronto Transit Commission]] |access-date=April 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411005221/http://www.ttc.ca/Service_Advisories/Route_diversions/501_April1update.jsp |archive-date=April 11, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="TTC-2017-03-26">{{cite web |url=http://www.ttc.ca/PDF/Transit_Planning/Service_Summary_2017-03-26.pdf |title=Service Summary - March 26, 2017 to May 6, 2017 |publisher=[[Toronto Transit Commission]] |date=March 26, 2017 |access-date=April 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725164607/http://www.ttc.ca/PDF/Transit_Planning/Service_Summary_2017-03-26.pdf | archive-date=July 25, 2021}}</ref>
<ref name="SteveMunro-2018-04-17">{{cite web |url=https://stevemunro.ca/2018/04/17/service-capacity-on-501-queen/ |title=Service Capacity on 501 Queen |publisher=[[Steve Munro]] |first=Steve |last=Munro |date=April 17, 2018 |access-date=April 26, 2018 |quote=For many years, the capacity alleged was based on the longer ALRV (articulated) streetcars, but the service was actually operated by a mix of the shorter CLRVs and ALRVs. This was due to two factors: the declining reliability of the ALRV fleet, and the desire to increase capacity on 504 King.}}</ref>
<ref name="TTC-2018-09-02">{{cite web |url=http://www.ttc.ca/Service_Advisories/Service_changes/Service_Improvements_changes.jsp |title=TTC service improvements and changes |publisher=[[Toronto Transit Commission]] |date=September 2, 2018 |access-date=September 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830013305/http://www.ttc.ca/Service_Advisories/Service_changes/Service_Improvements_changes.jsp |archive-date=August 30, 2018}}</ref>

<ref name="TTC-story">
{{cite book |title=The Toronto Trolley Car Story 1921–1961 |author=Louis H. Pursley |publisher=Interurbans: electric railway publications |year=1961}}</ref>

}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Attached KML |display=title,inline}}
* {{TTC route page}}
* {{TTC route page|301|301 Queen route page}}
*[http://www.transit.toronto.on.ca/streetcar/4101.shtml Route 501 - The Queen Streetcar] (Transit Toronto)
*[http://transit.toronto.on.ca/streetcar/5357.shtml Photo tour of 501 Queen] (Transit Toronto)
{{TTC}}

[[Category:Streetcar routes in Toronto]]
[[Category:Toronto-gauge railways]]