Toronto Transit: What you should know

Anyone that has spent time in Toronto has used the TTC. Toronto Transit: What you should know. We all have our opinions about transit in the city. In a country confronted by snow 8 months of the year, it does not seem to work well in the winter months. Conversely, how is it possible that it is consistently inoperable in the warmer months too. Yet somehow, it manages to scurry almost 3 million passengers to their destinations each day. Mostly on those perfect days when it neither too hot nor too cold.

I am having a little fun at their expense. For many downtown dwellers, the TTC is one of the best and least expensive method to get around the city. Through its network of subways, buses, streetcars and LRT ( Light Rapid Transit). For those that live beyond the subway hubs, access to transit is a bit more intolerable, although in many ways still very practical.

Toronto Transit: The Vehicles.

Subways

Moving down the escalator to the platform level. You immediately notice a change in the smell of the air. A Combination of burning grease, dust, debris, body odour and other noxious fumes. You can look around and enjoy the artwork; however, most stations have only the Station name “Lansdowne” and a few advertisements. Waiting only a few minutes. The platform begins to vibrate; seconds later, it begins to shake, followed by a huge “push” of air that built up from the train’s mass and has now just been expelled. The doors open, people are getting off and on at the same time.

For those that are new to the underground. You should let those off first and then enter. Over the loudspeaker “‘mind the doors, the doors are closing.” You have now been enveloped into the train as you snake around to your destination. The subway line is the backbone of the transit network. This is an ever-expanding system, glaciers paced network. The subway system operated by the TTC and is one of the most extensive services of its type in North America.

Buses

Having been holding on to a stanchion for the last twenty minutes, although there are seats available, they are being used by the feet of that person that refuses to make eye contact for fear of repercussions. So you stand and get bounced around like a ball in a bingo carousel. Feeling some solace in the words of George Orwell, you are able “to come up for air.” The doors open the rush of oxygen is extinguished from the station as the train continues its journey to the next stop. You almost race to get to the topside to street level. Sadly you can’t. The station is teeming with people, you hold your position and move with the tide of people as it washes you ashore. Finally, you are at street level. Now, what bus to take.

Everything is neatly labelled and easy to find, sometimes easy is not as easy as it could appear. When in doubt, ask. Torontonians, by nature, are very personable and would like to help. Reach out. Here it is best to follow the cue, or you may be hit by an old man with a cane yelling the words ” young whippersnapper.” I guess I should have said mostly personable. At this platform, you have a choice of 6 of the 2000 buses in the fleet. No worries, you will be fine. Only two other transit services in North America can boast such an enormous fleet – New York and Los Angeles.

Streetcars

Fascinated by what you see on the other side of the station, it is longer than a bus and rides on rails, you seem to be drawn towards it. Hulking like a locomotive with an accordion-style midsection for maneuverability, this behemoth of ground travel is for many the most elegant trolley in the TTC’s fleet. Sadly you need to go north, and this vehicle is heading southbound, you make a note for the next time.

Streetcars or Trams are very common in many parts of Europe. In North America, they still hold a romantic place in urban travel. In Toronto, the vehicle is above ground and incorporates right into city traffic. Many cities have LRT ( Light Rapid Transit), which is closely related to the subway, so they have been excluded here. Moving as if silent across the urban cityscape, trolleys help enhance the downtown of the city. They may slow traffic on some city streets, making them contentious with some Streetcar naysayers. Others believe that they are an iconic form of transportation that is unique to this region. The service here is long storied, going back to 1861. 

Toronto Transits: The Routes

Subway Lines: Moving around   

Individual parts, as mentioned above, do not make a system. This has to be comprised of many moving parts to be considered a network. While the subway is the hub of the service consisting of four lines-an an additional three still under construction. The subway service will account for almost 100km (60 miles) of rail service. Line 1 Yonge/ University line runs north and south is the most extensive line on the system. Now with its most recent extension completed this route now extends to the city of Vaughn in the north. The well established Line 2, the Bloor/ Danforth, moves traffic from east to west. While Line 3, the newer Scarborough(a Toronto Suburb) LRT ( Light Rapid Transit), serves some of the communities to the eastern portion of the city. Lastly, and the newest is the Shepherd Line 4. This line services the Northeast portion of the municipality previously known as North York.

With three more rail systems on the horizon, the expansion will be vast and allow service for much of the ever-growing GTA (Greater Toronto Area). Although I have yet to hear if funding has been secured for the last line. Like I said, glacier. 

Buses: Hold on tight

At most subway stations, you will find a bus/ streetcar platform. Here you will find additional vehicles to help you continue on your journey. Some locations have many bus terminals, these are located at the end of the service line. While others may serve as a minor junction point. Beyond the metal and wheels, an imposing figure on the roads. It seems to get in everyone’s way and somehow manage to “pop out” from between traffic when you least expect it. Buses have a much more critical purpose than moving people, they have their own climate.

Air-conditioned in the summer when you are trying to beat the heat and, most importantly, heat. Standing near the bus stop, huddled together with other passengers for warmth. You catch a glimpse of the bus moving slowly towards you. Relief is in sight from the bitter cold. If the subway is the artery, then the bus is the veins. Arriving at and from the subway station on a schedule that can be difficult to adhere to. Very often, the coaches will connect with many Streetcar lines. Either way, it will get you there and has its own micro-climate. Please hold on. It can be a wild ride.

The TTC also offers assisted programs. The Wheeltrans program helps those that find it very difficult to get around, especially during the winter months. For those that are not aware, the winter can run from early November until May, although December to March is more consistent. You can see that this service is invaluable to these users.

Streetcars: Smooth as Jazz

Think of the Streetcar like a bus on rails or a subway with no home, nomadic -if you will. The Streetcar is the predecessor of the Subway. This vehicle rides majestically above ground like the bus. You are grateful to see it rolling around the track on those hot and cold days to enjoy its interior climate control environment. Of course, if you are running late, it is also a magnificent sight. Unlike buses where they seem to get in the way of traffic, the Streetcar is the opposite. You have to stay out of its way. The newest ones are 18m (60feet) long and can be imposing.

As the name implies, this rail vehicle has a specific route with minimal variation. You will find them primarily in the city of Toronto proper with a few exceptions into the suburbs. This is urban transportation! Streetcars also pose a new set of rules that automobile drivers. You must stop behind the Streetcar as it allows passengers to enter and exit. For those new to driving in the city, this sometimes poses a challenge. Like the subway, it is a means to connect to buses that can and will bring you to a subway station. Personally, I like the Streetcar, it has set itself apart from the rest of the transit system. Uniquely historical and Torontonian. Yes, distinctly different. 

While in Toronto, with no prior transit service history, you may find the system very intimidating. With route maps everywhere, on the platforms and in the surface vehicles, moving around the city can be very enjoyable, safe and practical. In most cases, the automated voice command can let you know in advance what stop is next. Route maps are available for download. Below there is more information you should know.

Tip:1

If you have the time, may I recommended the Queen 501 streetcar. This can take you from Longbranch in the west to Neville Park in the east- Beach to Beach. The route takes you right through the heart of the city in the downtown core. From this vantage point, you can see much of what the city has to offer. Be prepared; it may take some time to complete the journey and all for the low price of 3.25 CDN one way.

Tip:2

Remember to get a transfer when you initially get on a TTC service. The “transfer” allows you to move from Streetcar to Bus to Subway for one fare. There is a time signature on the “transfer” so you can not ride indefinitely.

Tip: 3

You can get on and off the transit service, providing you do so within 2 hours of your initial fare/ride. An example: you can get off a streetcar, get a coffee at Tim Hortons and reenter the next or subsequent vehicle providing it is within the 2-hour limit.

Tip 4:

Many try transit hopping- getting on a vehicle without paying. From the last statistic, I read many actually get away with it, not all, just many. I would not advise it. This is especially prevalent on the Streetcar. The Transit police may catch you. This is entirely up to you.

If you encountered some of the larger systems in the world, then you will find “the better way” quite easy to navigate. You should take advantage of all the system has to offer. From the windy subway tunnels to the air-conditioned buses to a sightseeing tour that you can experience like no other. Public transit in Toronto can become more than just a necessity. It can be a contributor to the environment and tourism.

Making transit seem sexy is a task that I have tried to proclaim…Transit is sexy!! Transit is warm! Transit is cool! Transit is quirky!
I hope I have convinced at least one person that while in Toronto to take the bus or subway. It is convenient and safe and can take you to all regions of the city. If I can help anyone with there urban transit woes, please drop me a line (no pun intended) in the comments section below, and I will be sure to get back to you.
Until next time, may you place a token in the pay box grab a transfer and enjoy the metropolis we call Toronto.

It is Your Vacation, Your Escape.

VTE

Quick Facts

Fares

Adult 3.25 CDN

Senior/ Youth with ID 2.20 CDN

Children under 12 Free

Daily Schedule

Buses

6am(06:00)-1am(01:00)

8am (08:00) Sunday

Subway

6am(06:00)-1am(01:00)

8am (08:00) Sunday

Streetcars

24hrs.

Blue Night Bus- All night Bus (Zoo bus)

1am (01:00)-6am (06:00)

Lines

Yonge University line 1         

38.8 Km ( 24.1miles)   38 Stations

Bloor Danforth Line (2)

26.2 KM (16.3 Miles) 31 Stations

Scarbrough (LRT) Line 3

6.4 KM (4.0 miles)6 Stations

The Sheppard Line 4

5.5KM (3.4 miles) 5 Station

Vehicle Facts

Subway    

TTC has 858 Vehicles
System length 83Km (52 miles)               
Power for subways 600V DC             
Subways can carry 120-180people per car.
Ridership: 1.58 million people per day.

Streetcar

685 Stops on routes      
Power 600V DC overhead trolley line
Length: 15m old version/ 30m new
Top Speed 70 Km per hour
Ridership: 470,000 daily

Buses

213 Routes
Total number buses: 203
Power: Diesel/ Hybrid Electric
Ridership 1.0 Million per day