With New Year's Eve ans 2015 upon us, we're taking a look at your travel forecast to help you get to the party safe and on time.
GTA Highways
New Year's Eve is actually one of the quietest days for traffic in the GTA. Historically, I've seen little to no volume on the major routes. Even the DVP is usually as dead as a funeral home freezer. Which isn't too surprising given that many people take the day off, nor will they be driving themselves to parties.
I'm not expecting things to be any different this year. One exception will by the Gardiner Expressway. Due to lane restrictions, you can expect delays around the Humber River. Lakeshore Blvd. is usually the best alternate.
One area of minor concern is the weather. There's about a 40% chance of snow showers through the day. Weather Underground expects less than 2cm. Just enough to make roads slippery. Temperatures will be cold, so this stuff will stick around. Plan for extra travel time, just in case.
Also a reminder that RIDE checks will be out. Police are talking a zero tolerance approach to impaired driving. You can be served a roadside suspension with just .05 blood alcohol. Make sure to arrange an alternate way home or appoint a designated driver. Do it before you head out to avoid any headaches, beyond your own hangover.
In-town routes
Expect in-town routes to be typically busy throughout the day as people head out to grab last minute party supplies. Areas around liquor and grocery stores will be busier than usual. Collisions tend to be an issue in these spots as well, as panicked shoppers won't be paying full attention.
We do have one major road closure. Bay will be shut down from Queen to Dundas from roughly 8pm December 31st to 12:30am on Jaunuary 1st. This is for New Year's festivities at Nathan Phillips Square. Expect a slow drive through the area. If you're going to this event, transit will be your best bet.
Transit
Expect a quieter ride to and from work, but things will get busy come the evening. Many people are opting for public transit as a safe and convenient ride.
MiWay, YRT, TTC, and GO Transit will all be offering FREE service New Year's Eve. TTC is also adding extended service on the subway until 4am. Most other GTA transit services are offering additional trips. Check with your local service for more information.
Taxi, car rental, and ride sharing
If you haven't booked your limo or rental car yet, you're probably out of luck.
Taxi and ride sharing services will be stretched to capacity. Expect extended wait times for a cab. Uber will likely be implementing surge pricing as well.
Flights
If you're heading to Pearson or Billy Bishop this New Year's Eve, I'm not expecting any delays. While snow showers are in the forecast, they shouldn't affect flight operations. It's always a good idea to call ahead or check online to see if your flight is delayed.
Hotels
Most hotels (at least the ones without cockroaches and bedbugs) will already be booked solid. If you haven't gotten a room yet, you're probably out of luck. Make sure to arrange a safe ride home, or crash on a friend's couch if you have to. Just don't drink and drive.
Photo by "Seshuan" via Wikipedia
