Join TTC’s annual Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride

From 11:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 31 until 1:00 a.m., Thursday, August 1, 2024, the TTC will host its annual Underground Freedom Train Ride to commemorate Emancipation Day. The event is presented in collaboration with the Blackhurst Cultural Centre and celebrates the significance of the Underground Railroad, the largest anti-slavery movement in North America.

The Underground Freedom Train Ride will take place on Line 1, starting at Union Station and travelling north to Downsview Park Station, where the main event will happen. The event will include singing and drumming, moments of reflection, and remarks from organizers and dignitaries. It will be accessible and open to the public.

Attendees should note the timeline of the event below:

10 p.m. – The opening procession starts at Union Station (TD West Carriageway)
11 p.m. – The Freedom Train will be departing from Union Station
11:30 p.m. – The Freedom Train will arrive at Downsview Park Station
11:30 p.m. to 12:45 a.m. – The main event at Downsview Park Station

All attendees must leave Downsview Park Station by 1 a.m.

Note: The Freedom Train will travel non-stop between Union and Downsview Park stations. Take the next train if you need to get off between Union and Vaughan Metropolitan Centre stations.

Fares

Attendees can pay by tapping their PRESTO, debit, credit card or device on a reader on the fare gate, or by depositing cash, a TTC ticket or token into the fare box at the Collector booth.

Access

TTC staff will be on-site to escort attendees with accessibility needs to the elevators and down to the platform level for boarding. All other attendees can use the stairs or escalators to the platform.

Freedom Train capacity

The maximum capacity of the Freedom Train is 1,200 people. Once the train is full, additional attendees will need to take the next regular service train heading north to Downsview Park Station. This train will stop at all stations between Union and Downsview Park.