Toronto Transportation Tips by johngayton

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Subway/Metro
Getting TO/AROUND: Subway, Metro, Bus, Tram, TCC covers the lot. If you are just visiting Toronto itself the public transport system is really excellent, easy to navigate and the staff at the subway stations are really helpful and provide free maps.

The transfer system seems a little complex but if you intend to use public transport for more than a couple of journeys then buy either day passes ($8.50) or weekly at (I think) $30. The passes are valid on all services and are a great way of getting around.

There is one minor drawback with the passes in that at certain times the subway has a "fast track" gate in some locations which you can only use tokens to access. I discovered this at a station on Bloor and was trying to work out how to get back to the main entrance when a local guy, noticing I was having a "dazed and confused moment" handed me a token and said something to the effect of. "Yep, I know - have this on me." I told you this is a friendly city!

The other photo is the reverse.

The website is excellent BTW.

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Website: www.ttc.ca

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Subway/Metro
Getting TO/AROUND: The subway runs from about 6am until about 1.30 am and there is a night bus service which covers many of the routes. In many cities late night subways are definitely not advised but here in Toronto, no problems. The trains will have a few drunks but happy ones (me included) and seem perfectly safe. I haven't taken any of the night buses but the consensus has it that these are just a continuation of the evening's festivities.

Compare this pic to your recollections of travelling by tube in London!

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Website: www.tcc.ca

'Mode': TO,AROUND
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: Union Station is the main railway station in Toronto and connects directly to the subway and bus system. TTC again!

If you aren't sure of where you want to be then the taxis parked outside are reasonably cheap and the drivers are, in my limited experience, really nice guys - they work for their tips, not to overcharge the unsuspecting. Another example of nice people!

All the phone numbers are on the site below (scroll past the london bits!).

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Website: www.infotaxi.org/city-1042.htm
Other Contact: www.ttc.ca

'Mode': TO
Category: Airplane
Getting TO/AROUND: Pearson was a strangely quiet airport on the morning I left Toronto and having an hour or so before boarding I did what I usually do, find a bar! Breakfast was the order of the day and this virtually empty bar landside fitted my spec exactly - bacon, eggs, toast, coffee, beer AND a smoking room!!! Joy of Joys!!

BTW this is The Second City in the US terminal.

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Website: www.gtaa.com

'Mode': TO,AROUND
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: Whilst not quite up to New York's Grand Central elegance, Union Station here in Toronto is well worth a visit. If you're not arriving by train then get off the subway here during your visit (It is the easiest stop for the CNN Tower and most of downtown) and admire the building both internally and externally, just for its own sake. The high-vaulted main hall reminds us of when rail travel was THE transport system that opened up the Americas (OK Canada as well) and how many cities evolved by being mainline rail transit junctions.

Union Station is still a major transit hub for visitors to Canada and the site below is worth a visit.

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Website: www.viarail.ca