Toronto Transportation Tips by coolpanda87

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: Once known as one of North America's most efficient public transportation systems, the TTC is now a underfunded system. North American car culture has overtaken Toronto, & has left transit in Toronto messed up.

However, TTC is still the best way to get around downtown. Though parking in Toronto is not terribly expensive, experiencing downtown through the TTC is just much more fun!

The TTC is based on the backbone of three subway lines with streetcar & bus routes that connect to it. If you are in need of a map, simply ask the ticket booth at a subway station and they will give you a free copy.

TTC is a based on a single fare system, where no matter how far you go, you pay the same fare. In order to switch from bus to bus or to subway/streetcar, a transfer is often needed. Usually, the bus driver will have transfers to give you if you ask for it. Click here to see the TTC's latest fares.

TTC is not the fastest transit system in the world, & many times there will be delays & other inconviences (e.g. drivers switching shifts). Also, the manual fare collection at the subway station is often slow & you could be stuck in a long line up...

At TTC, you can either pay cash fare, tokens or tickets. Tokens are coins that you can purchase at any TTC subway station booth. Usually they are purchased at a vending machine. You can also purchase tickets at TTC subway stations or at certified TTC ticket vendors.

The reason why tokens are bought are because they are still effective after a price increase. On the other hand, if you have outdated TTC tickets, you have to go to Shelbourne subway station & refund them. If you are coming to Toronto for a one time visit, TTC tickets or even a day/weekly pass may be prove to be more useful for you. Tickets purchased in bulk is discounted, so if you cannot justify the cost of a transit pass, you could save money through ticket purchase. Tokens purchased in bulk also offer a discount, though it is less than tickets.

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Phone: 416-393-INFO
Website: www.ttc.ca

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Subway/Metro
Getting TO/AROUND: Toronto has three subway lines, including the Yonge- University - Spadina line (yellow), Bloor-Danforth Line (green) & the new Sheppard Line(purple). There is also a Scarborough RT line (similar to Vancouver Skytrain), indicated with blue.

Since there are no barriers between the platform & tracks, remember to stand behind yellow line. Even better is to stay near the wall, for there is always a crazy person who wants to push someone into the tracks. It has happened before...

Yonge - University Spadina line runs North to South, forming a parabola shaped line...

Stations starting from NE end(runs along Yonge Street): Finch, North York Centre, Sheppard-Yonge, York Mills, Lawrence, Eglinton, Davisville, St. Clair, Summerhill, Rosedale

Stations forming downtown loop: Bloor- Yonge, Wellsley, College, Dundas, Queen, King, Union, St. Andrew, Osgoode, St. Patrick, Queen's Park, Museum, St. George & Spadina

Stations up to NW end: Dupont, St. Clair W, Eglinton W, Glencairn, Lawrence W, Yorkdale, Wilson, Downsview

Bloor-Danforth line runs along Bloor/Danforth Street & goes from West to East.

Stations from W end: Kipling, Islington, Royal York, Old Mill, Jane, Runnymede, High Park, Keele, Dundas W, Lansdowne, Dufferin, Ossington, Christie, Bathurst

Stations through downtown: Spadina, St. George, Bay, Bloor-Yonge, Sherbourne,

Stations heading East: Castle Frank, Broadview, Chester, Pape, Donlands, Greenwood, Coxwell, Woodbine, Main Street, Victoria Park, Warden, Kennedy

Scarborough RT stations: Lawrence E, Ellesmere, Midland, Scarborought Town Centre, McCowan

Yonge-Sheppard Stations: Sheppard-Yonge, Bayview, Bessarion, Leslie, Don Mills

Click here for TTC subway map.

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Phone: 416-393-INFO
Website: www.ttc.ca

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Bus
Getting TO/AROUND: Toronto's bus system mostly connects to a subway station, & usually operates on one street. (Toronto has a grid street pattern) If you are in downtown, rarely do you have to take the bus, for streetcars & subway already serve most of it.

On main arteries, it is usually on time, though that gurantee does not extend to smaller residential bus routes.

TTC buses are relatively old, but are kept pretty clean for their age. Usually maintenance is okay, but sometimes the buses loses heat in winter & others do not have airconditioning in the summer. It relies on an open hatch at the roof for fresh air. Bus rides are sometimes a little bumpy & the brakes could squeak...

Please check the transit bus poles for bus schedules & route maps.

Important Routes to note:

192 - Airport Rocket from Toronto Pearson Int'l Airport to Kipling Subway station

165A - Weston Rd. North with seasonal serivce to Paramount Canada's Wonderland

100 - Flemingdon Park N to Ontario Science Centre

85A/86A - Sheppard Ave. E to Toronto Zoo

If you are planning to buy TTC tokens, remember to separate them in a different wallet or bag, for they are easily confused with money, especially Canadian currency!

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Phone: 416-393-INFO
Website: www.ttc.ca

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: Though it was discontinued for a while, the Toronto streetcar has made a revival & has become one of the dominant transportation modes in the downtown area.

Its historic look & convenience make it all the more appealing to the rider. Many new streetcar stops/stations have been built & info on its routes are clearly posted. Since the streetcar is smaller than a bus, room runs out fast.

Sometimes wires fall out & the driver has to go out and rewamp the wiring, so there could be delays. However, the streetcar is a very ecofriendly transport method, for no emissions come out of it.

Getting on board sometimes can be a hassle, especially if the streetcar is in through traffic. Usually, the streetcar is seperated on a seperate island.

Important Routes to Note:

501 - Queen East, from Long Branch GO train station to Woodbine Ave. It is connected to Osgoode & Queen subway station. Attractions along line include Woodbine Beach, Greek town & Humber waterfront.

504 - King Street, through financial district, entertainment district, connects to St. Andrew, King & Broadview subway stations

505 - Dundas, connects to St. Patrick & Dundas subway station. Attractions along the line include Chinatown, University Street.

506 - Carlton/ College, connects to Queens Park & College subway station. Important places along the line include Queen's Park & University of Toronto

508- Lakeshore, connects to St. Andrew & King Subway stations. Takes you along Western Waterfront, along Humber Bay & Etobicoke area.

509 - Harbourfront, connects to Union station. Runs along Queen Quay W, the heart of Toronto's waterfront. Best transit method (after walking,jogging or rollerblading) to explore this area. Runs to Exhibition Place, home to CNE & Ontario Place(need to walk a little further).

510 - Spadina, connects with Spadina & Union subway station. Goes through Chinatown, Entertainment district, downtown & Garment district.

511- On Bathurst Ave., leads to Exhibition place from Bathurst Subway station

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Phone: 416-393-INFO
Website: www.ttc.ca

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Ship/Boat
Getting TO/AROUND: Toronto Ferry is a service that connects Toronto Islands with the mainland. It is operated by the City of Toronto. From the ferry docks, you can either choose to go to Hanlan's Point, Centre Island or Ward's Island. The less busy ferries (Hanlan's & Ward's) may allow bikes/rollerblades.

The ferry docks are located at Queens Quay, at the foot of Bay Street. It is just West of Westin Harbour Castle Hotel.

To get there by TTC, take 509 Harbourfront or 510 Spadina Streetcar to Bay/Queen's Quay stop.

The ferries usually set off every 30 min/1hr depending on time of year & weather. It is about a 15/20 minute ride to the other side. There are two levels on the ferry & usually I & almost everyone else prefer the top.

Fares - updated 2004 (include return):

Adults: $ 6.00
Students/Seniors:$3.50
Juniors (under 14): $2.50
Children under 2: free

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Phone: 416-392-8193
Website: http://www.city.toronto.on.ca/parks/to_islands/ferry.htm

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: GO transit provides integrated public transportation to the Greater Toronto Area, from Hamilton all the way to Oshawa. GO transit operates both train & bus services. Click here to see a map of its system.

GO transit also operates a bus service from the Airport to Yorkdale subway station. It costs $ 3.50 one way, & takes 30-35 minutes to reach Yorkdale. Since not all GO buses can handle high volumes of lugguge, use GO bus only if you are carrying a light & easily movable load.

GO trains are two storey train cars that move @ speeds of around 50-70 km per hour. The seats are relatively comfortable & the ride is usually very smooth.

GO buses usually vary in size & some are bigger than others. Some seem to be a variation of Greyhound buses while others follow the public transit bus model. GO buses are not as comforable as train & are usually backlogged by traffic. However, they are the only transportation method in some areas serviced by GO.

GO trains are based on fare zones & bus/train service is based on the same fare. In order to find the suitable fare, you will have to ask customer service or use its Fare Finder (click on link). They offer single -ride tickets, a day pass, 10-ride ticket, monthly pass, Student/Senior discount & Group pass. Find out which one is suitable for your transport purposes.

GO transit is notorious for its schedule delays & last minute canceling. Be prepared for late trains/buses (could be up to two hours)...Sometimes the bus/train could pass by & not stop, so when you take GO transit, you will have to slow down your pace & have patience.

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Phone: 1 888 GET ON GO (438-6646)
Website: www.gotransit.com

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Car/Motor Home
Getting TO/AROUND: Outside of downtown, Toronto is endless miles of Urban Sprawl, so be sure to rent a car, or you could waste all your time waiting for a bus that might not come, or a train that is a hour late!

You could easily rent a car at Toronto International Airport or at any hotel.

If you are driving in Toronto, or even Canada for an extended period of time(more than 3 months), make sure you have an International Driving Permit from your own country. For more Ontario driving information, click here.

Remember to follow the driving rules & to wear seatbelts. Toronto allows all cars to turn right on a red light.

Toronto drivers are typically well mannered, but in case of an accident, remember to get the other person's name, driver's licence number, telephone # & insurance policy #. You could be deep trouble if you do have any information! Best to find witnesses, for they are most trusted evidence...

Some major Car Rental Companies include:

Hertz
- usually Ford & Mazda
1-800-263-0600 OR 416-620-9620

Budget
-usually Ford
1 800 268-8900

Dollar
-Chrysler & Suzuki
1-800-800-3665

Alamo
-GM
1-800 GO ALAMO - 1(800) 462-5266

Avis
-GM & Ford
1-800-272-5871

Thrifty
-Chrsyler
1-800-THRIFTY (847-4389)

Enterprise
-GM
1-800-rent-a-car (1-800-736-8222)

National
-GM
1-800-CAR-RENT

Usually, I find that Hertz is the most expensive & Budget, Thrifty more economical.

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Website: http://www.travelocity.ca/

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Car/Motor Home
Getting TO/AROUND: Toronto (& Ontario) has large scale freeways that keep the city moving. Most of Ontario's main freeways are in the 400 series.

Hwy 401 - East to West freeway running through North area of the City of Toronto. Has collector lanes (3/4) & express lanes (3/4) each way. Express lanes allow you to drive through area without passing exits. Express lanes exit to & are entered from collector lanes, with exceptions of highway interchanges & Allen Rd. exit. Second busiest highway in N. America based on car volume, Hwy. 401is the GTA & Canada's most congested freeway, especially during rush hours. Beware the bottleneck between Hwy 400 & Hwy 427 interchange, for it shrinks to five lanes each way & gets really jammed.

DVP - Don Valley Parkway - Freeway running North to South from Hwy 401 to downtown Gardiner Expressway. DVP is the only freeway to downtown from the East area of GTA. Maximum speeds on this freeway is only 90 km/h, since it has many curves & tight spots. Toronto's most scenic freeway, the DVP was built cutting through Don Valley (now a park & conservation area). Very congested, even during weekends & non-rush hours & is nicknamed Don Valley Parking Lot. There is only three to four lanes each way.

Hwy 404 - Runs North of Hwy 401, continuation of DVP. This eight lane freeway serves York Region, going through Richmond Hill, Markham & up to Newmarket.

Gardiner Expressway - Running East to West from DVP, (Expressway East of DVP has been dismantled) the Gardiner is Toronto's only elevated freeway. The Gardiner goes to QEW & Hwy. 427. This freeway offers wonderful views of the Toronto skyline & allows you to easily access downtown. The Gardiner seperates the waterfront (on the left) from downtown (on the right). Currently, there are plans to dismantle the Gardiner Expressway (an eyesore) & create a more people friendly waterfront.

Click here for a map of Toronto's Highways (PDF file)...

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Website: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/traveller/compass/camera/camhome.htm

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Car/Motor Home
Getting TO/AROUND: Hwy. 400 - Runs North from Hwy. 401 passing through West area of York Region, Vaughan, Maple (Canada's Wonderland), Barrie & terminates @ Parry Sound. Hwy. 400 is almost always congested, especially in the industrial areas of Toronto & Vaughan. Highway maintains 8 lanes in Toronto & eventually becomes 4 lane.

Allen Expressway - The result of civic disapproval towards paving Toronto into an Americanized freeway obsessed city. It is called a stub, & starts from Hwy 401(near Yorkdale Mall) to Eglinton Road. Traffic is relatively smooth & there is the Yonge-University-Spadina subway line running in the middle of it. Reminds me of a similar situation I saw @ the suburbs of Washington DC & at Los Angeles.

Hwy. 427 - Runs North South from QEW/ Gardiner Expressway to Hwy. 407. This 8 lane highway serves the City of Toronto, Brampton & Mississauga. To reach the airport, enter hwy. 409 through interchange.

Hwy. 409 - Splits out from Hwy. 401, & is the only direct highway into Toronto Pearson Int'l Airport. Once on Hwy. 409, you will see airport terminal information signs.

Hwy. 407 - ETR (Electronic Toll Route) The only toll expressway in GTA, Hwy. 407 goes East to West from Pickering to QEW at Burlington, passing through Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Brampton, Milton & Halton. It uses licence plate recording technology to charge its customers, & currently all customers from Canada & USA could be mailed a bill. If you are driving a rental car, your rental company could pass the cost on to you, so beware! Yes, it is less congested, but driving the whole length of the expressway costs $18.31 without a transponder & $14.96 with it.

Click here for a map of Toronto's Highways (PDF file)...

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Website: www.mto.gov.on.ca

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Car/Motor Home
Getting TO/AROUND: QEW - Queen Elizabeth Way - From the Western terminus of Gardiner Expressway to Niagara Falls & the Fort Erie Peace Bridge(to USA), QEW serves as the main freeway for the Golden Horseshoe. QEW includes two of the GTA's largest bridges, including the Burlington Skyway (views of Hamilton) & the Saint Catherines Skyway (above Welland Canal). Since this is the main artery freeway for USA - Canada border trade, it is filled with trucks on weekdays, so be careful and keep a safe distance.

Hwy. 403 - Starts From Hwy. 401 in Mississauga and goes to Woodstock. In between, from exits 100 to 123 it merges with the QEW. Hwy. 403 is the focal centre of Central Mississauga, where its prime office buildings, shopping centre (Square One) & City Hall is located at the Hwy. 10 exit.

Hwy. 410 - From Highway 401, this freeway heads North towards Brampton till Highway 7. It is one of the shortest controlled access highways in the GTA, with a length of only 13.5 km.

Bayview Ave. Extension -Though this is not a freeway, it is a fast alternative route to the DVP, especially during the tyanny of rush hour. It starts from Leaside & continues South to Front Street. Bayview Ave. winds through beautiful parts of Don Valley (passing by the prestigous neighbourhood of Rosedale), so it is worth a scenic detour.

Black Creek Drive - Continuing from Highway 400, Black Creek Drive extends from Highway 401 to Weston Road. At the southern end is the former municipality of York. It is a major arterial road that could provide better access to the Western part of Toronto.

Macdonald-Cartier Freeway - Known as Hwy 401 in Ontario & Autoroute 20 in Quebec, it connects Windsor Ontario (border city to Detroit) to Riviere-Du-Loup Quebec. Outside of Toronto, it serves as central Canada's main freeway, connecting over ten million Canadians & one quarter of the nation's GDP.

Click here for a map of Toronto's Highways (PDF file).

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Website: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/traveller/compass/camera/burlington/camhome.htm