The Toronto Transit Commission is the transit system serving the City of Toronto and the GTA with bus and rail services. The TTC operates several rapid transit and streetcar lines. Most notably is the Toronto Subway and rapid transit system acting as the commission’s backbone. Save for a few routes, all bus routes start/terminate at one of the subway stations. Most streetcars also operate out of the stations.
Presto is the automated fare collection system for Toronto, the Greater Toronto Area and select major cities in Ontario. For those connecting from GO Transit, Ontario’s One Fare Program passengers only pay for one fare.
Credit cards and mobile wallets are also accepted.
Fares
TTC uses a timed ticket system. Ride and transfer for up to 120 minutes (2 hours).
Services
Most notably is the Toronto Subway and rapid transit system acting as the commission’s backbone. Once inside the fare paid zone, travellers can transfer to subway, LRT, streetcar, and buses all without leaving the system. The TTC’s stations act as hubs and passengers board the buses within the fare paid zone.
Destinations
The TTC covers the entirety of Toronto. Some subway lines and bus routes extend more into York Region.
Baggage
TTC’s “Carry-on Items Policy” page breaks down what riders can and cannot bring onboard.
Of note, the TTC’s 900 Airport Express buses offer dedicated luggage racks when travelling to Toronto Pearson (YYZ).
Classes
Pros
- Very Extensive coverage across Toronto.
- Large subway network for Canadian standards.
- Extensive bus and streetcar network
- Good integration with regional GO Transit and nearby transit services.
- Expanding electric bus fleet.
- Large network makes it possible to travel and explore Toronto without a car.
Cons
- Crowding, especially during peak rush hour.
- Limited, dedicated streetcar and bus routes.
- Limited subway network with a lack of redundant routes can lead to serious delays.
- Construction projects are causing major route diversions and delays.
- Buses can bunch up due to delays at peak.
Notes
- For visitors and tourists, riding the 501 Queen streetcar its entire length is one of the best ways to discover the city through slow travel.