Toronto Transportation

By Public Transportation

The Toronto Transit Commission, or TTC (tel. 416/393-4636 for 24-hr. information; recordings available in 18 languages; www.toronto.ca/ttc), operates the subway, bus, streetcar, and light rapid transit (LRT) system.

Fares, including transfers to buses or streetcars, are C$2.75 (£1.38) or 10 tokens for C$22.50 (£11.25) for adults. Students, ages 13 to 19, with valid ID and seniors pay C$1.85 (93p), or 10 tickets for C$15 (£7.50); children 12 and under pay C70¢ (35p), or 10 tickets for C$5 (£2.50). You can buy a special day pass for C$9 (£4.50) that's good for unlimited travel for one person after 9:30am on weekdays and all day on weekends (there has been talk of removing the weekday rush-hour restriction, but that hasn't happened yet).

For surface transportation, you need a token, a ticket, or exact change. You can buy tokens and tickets at subway entrances and at authorized stores that display the sign TTC TICKETS MAY BE PURCHASED HERE. Bus drivers do not sell tickets, nor will they make change. Always obtain a free transfer where you board the train or bus, in case you need it. In the subways, use the push-button machine just inside the entrance. On streetcars and buses, ask the driver for a transfer.

The Subway -- It's fast (especially compared with snarled surface traffic), clean, and very simple to use. There are two major lines -- Bloor-Danforth and Yonge-University-Spadina -- and one smaller line, Sheppard, in the northern part of the city. The Bloor Street east-west line runs from Kipling Avenue in the west to Kennedy Road in the east (where it connects with Scarborough Rapid Transit to Scarborough Centre and McCowan Rd.). The Yonge Street north-south line runs from Finch Avenue in the north to Union Station (Front St.) in the south. From there, it loops north along University Avenue and connects with the Bloor line at the St. George station. A Spadina extension runs north from St. George to Downsview station at Sheppard Avenue. The Sheppard line connects only with the Yonge line at Sheppard Station and runs east through north Toronto for just 6km (3 3/4 miles).

The LRT system connects downtown to Harbourfront. The fare is one ticket or token. It runs from Union Station along Queens Quay to Spadina, with stops at Queens Quay ferry docks, York Street, Simcoe Street, and Rees Street; then it continues up Spadina to the Spadina subway station. The transfer from the subway to the LRT (and vice versa) at Union Station is free.

The subway operates Monday to Saturday from 6am to 1:30am and Sunday from 9am to 1:30am. From 1am to 5:30am, the Blue Night Network operates on basic surface routes. It runs about every 30 minutes. For route information, pick up a "Ride Guide" at subway entrances or call tel. 416/393-4636. Multilingual information is available.

Buses & Streetcars -- Where the subway leaves off, buses and streetcars take over. They run east-west and north-south along the city's arteries. When you pay your fare (on bus, streetcar, or subway), always pick up a transfer so that you won't have to pay again if you want to transfer to another mode of transportation.

Taxis -- In many cities this is an expensive mode of transportation, but this is especially true of Toronto. In June 2008, rates were raised (again) because of the high cost of fuel. It's C$4 (£2) the minute you step in and 25 cents (13p) for each additional 155 meters. Fares can quickly mount up. You can hail a cab on the street, find one in line in front of a big hotel, or call one of the major companies -- Diamond (tel. 416/366-6868), Royal (tel. 416/777-9222), or Metro (tel. 416/504-8294). If you experience problems with cab service, call the Metro Licensing Commission (tel. 416/392-3082).

Ferry Service -- Toronto Parks and Recreation operates ferries that travel to the Toronto Islands. Call tel. 416/392-8193 for schedules and information. Round-trip fares are C$6.50 (£3.25) adults, C$4 (£2) seniors and children 15-19, C$3 (£1.50) children 3-14, free for children 2 and under.

By Car

Toronto is a rambling city, but that doesn't mean that a car is the best way to get around. Toronto has the dubious distinction of being recognized as the worst city in Canada in which to drive. It has gotten so bad that the government has started monitoring certain intersections with cameras, some especially designed to catch cars running red lights, which have been sarcastically dubbed "red-light districts."

Humor aside, driving can be a frustrating experience because of the high volume of traffic, drivers' disregard for red lights, and meager but pricey parking options. This is particularly true downtown, where traffic inches along and parking lots are scarce. I strongly recommend that you avoid driving in the city.

Rental Cars -- If you decide to rent a car, try to make arrangements in advance. Companies with outlets at Pearson International Airport include Thrifty, Budget, Avis, Hertz, National, and Enterprise. The rental fee depends on the type of vehicle, but keep in mind that the quoted price does not including the 13% in sales taxes. It also does not include insurance; if you pay with a particular credit card, you might get automatic coverage (check with your credit card issuer before you go). Be sure to read the fine print of the rental agreement -- some companies add conditions that will boost your bill if you don't fulfill certain obligations, like filling the gas tank before returning the car. Note: If you're under 25, check with the company -- many will rent on a cash-only basis, some only with a credit card, and others will not rent to you at all.

Car-rental insurance probably does not cover liability if you cause an accident. Check your own auto insurance policy, the rental company policy, and your credit card coverage for the extent of coverage: Is your destination covered? Are other drivers covered? How much liability is covered if a passenger is injured? (If you rely on your credit card for coverage, you may want to bring a second credit card with you, as damages may be charged to your card and you may find yourself stranded with no money.)

Parking -- It's not fun finding parking in downtown Toronto, and parking lots have a wide range of fees. Generally speaking, the city-owned lots, marked with a big green "P," are the most affordable. They charge about C$2 (£1) per half-hour. After 6pm and on Sunday, there is usually a maximum rate of C$12 (£6). Observe the parking restrictions -- otherwise, the city will tow your car away, and it'll cost more than C$100 (£50) to get it back.

Driving Rules -- A right turn at a red light is permitted after coming to a full stop, unless posted otherwise. The driver and front-seat passengers must wear seat belts; if you're caught not wearing one, you'll incur a substantial fine. The speed limit in the city is 50kmph (30 mph). You must stop at pedestrian crosswalks. If you are following a streetcar and it stops, you must stop well back from the rear doors so passengers can exit easily and safely. (Where there are concrete safety islands in the middle of the street for streetcar stops, this rule does not apply, but exercise care nonetheless.) Radar detectors are illegal.