Now that U of T is transitioning back to in-person learning, making it to class can seem more difficult. But commuting doesn’t have to be a pain — with the right planning, Toronto’s public transit might provide a more convenient or cost-effective journey than walking to campus or driving during rush hour. Here’s a list of options that might help you make the best of your commute.
TTC subway
Public transit within Toronto is largely controlled by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), which is the most commonly used name for the subway system here in Toronto.
The TTC has four main lines, which are designated on the transit map in different colours: Line 1, referred to as Yonge–University; Line 2, referred to as Bloor–Danforth; Line 3, referred to as Scarborough; and Line 4, referred to as Sheppard.
You can commute between different areas of the UTSG campus using four different subway stops — Spadina, St. George, Museum, and Queen’s Park. You can reach these stops using both Line 1 and Line 2.
The TTC offers the option to buy a one-way ticket for $3.25, a two-way ticket for $6.50, or an all-day pass for $13.50. However, the TTC also offers various discounts available for students, seniors, and youths. For example, full-time postsecondary students can set up a monthly pass for $128.15.
The most efficient way to make TTC payments, however, is to buy a PRESTO card, an electronic, reloadable fare card used on various public transit systems in Toronto. You can buy the card at various stores or stations for $6.00 with a minimum load of five cents. With PRESTO, you can also expect free transfers if you make multiple trips within two hours of starting your journey.
According to the TTC’s website, more than half of its subway stations are wheelchair accessible. Additionally, riders with accessibility needs can request a “Please Offer Me a Seat” button or card, which are intended to create awareness among riders when those with accessibility needs require a seat.
TTC streetcars
While the TTC subway system provides access to various busy locations within Toronto, the southern area of the city is largely inaccessible using this method. If you’re travelling to a region where the nearest subway stop isn’t as close by, taking a streetcar might be the best option. Streetcars operate across several streets including Queen, Dundas, Bathurst, and Spadina.
Streetcars such as the 510 for Spadina Avenue are largely popular amongst UTSG students for exploring landmarks within Kensington-Chinatown, such as the Art Gallery of Ontario, Kensington Market, and various thrift stores and eateries that are oftentimes more affordable than those located closer to UTSG.
According to the TTC’s website, its streetcars are entirely wheelchair accessible, and its new streetcars also contain no internal steps, are larger, air-conditioned, and have priority seating at every door. TTC streetcars also follow the “Please Offer Me a Seat” program.
Buses
TTC buses also provide access to several neighbourhoods within downtown Toronto and its surrounding areas at the same cost of taking the TTC subway. Additionally, bus routes tend to be more reliable in case of delays or restricted service on the subway.
The TTC bus system also contains several bus routes connecting neighbourhoods across Eglinton Avenue to UTSC. After riding the subway’s Line 2 to Kennedy Station, one can take the 905 bus — Eglinton Express — to UTSC.
U of T also runs shuttle buses between UTM and UTSG. For UTM students, the shuttle bus is free because its cost is covered under student tuition fees. For UTSG students, however, one ride costs about $7. There is also an option to buy a Semester Pass for students that take more than three trips per week between these campuses throughout the term.
TTC buses also follow the “Please Offer Me a Seat” program.
GO Transit
For students living in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, Metrolink’s GO train service can provide a more comfortable journey to school than travelling by car ride. GO trains depart from Toronto’s Union Station and reach several cities including Hamilton, Niagara, Milton, Oshawa, Barrie, and Kitchener.
UTSC students living in the Durham Region can commute to campus by taking the GO train to Pickering Station, then transferring to the Hwy 407 Express West. Alternatively, students living closer to Toronto can take the Hwy 407 Express East from Scarborough Town Centre.
All GO trains and buses also accept PRESTO and provide full-time postsecondary students a 40 per cent discount on all rides.
All GO trains and buses are wheelchair accessible and contain priority seating, though not all stations are wheelchair accessible. On GO trains, priority seating is located on the lower level of its accessible railcar, which is the fifth railcar from the locomotive. On GO buses, priority seating is located in the first few rows near the driver and, on double-decker GO Buses, it’s near the stairs.
Additionally, if you need to travel with a support person, they can ride with you for free on all GO transit methods. If you buy your ticket at the counter, your support person will receive a Support Person Ticket. If you use PRESTO, you can ask employees at the ticket counter to put a Support Person sticker on your card.
As I have outlined, there are various options for public transportation in Toronto that can provide a comfortable and affordable journey for students. Hopefully, making the best of the different routes available will make your daily commute less stressful.