Public Transportation Toronto has an extensive transportation network that forms the hub of the road, rail, and air networks in the Greater Toronto Area and much of southern Ontario. With a mix of railways, highways, public transit, bicycle lanes, and pedestrian paths, the city ensures seamless connectivity for its residents and visitors.
Operators: The primary operators in Toronto include the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), GO Transit, Via Rail, Amtrak, and several taxi and rideshare services.
Rapid Transit Systems: Toronto’s TTC operates an extensive subway system with two main lines: Line 1 Yonge–University and Line 2 Bloor–Danforth, connecting the city’s outlying areas with its bustling downtown core.
Major Airport Services:
- Toronto Pearson International Airport: Managed by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, it’s Canada’s principal airport with global connections. Travellers can take the UP Express (Union-Pearson Express) from the airport to Union Station downtown, departing every 15 minutes. The journey takes about 25 minutes.
- Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport: Located on Toronto Island, this airport is minutes from the downtown core and is served by both Porter Airlines and Air Canada.
Commuter Rail: GO Transit provides inter-regional bus and train services, linking Toronto with the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. The Niagara GO Train offers a summer weekend excursion from Union Station to Niagara Falls.
Buses: The TTC operates around 150 bus routes, many of which connect to subway stations. Additionally, the TTC runs a streetcar system, one of the few remaining in North America with significant in-street operation.
Table: Transportation Systems:
| Transportation | Operator Name | Website URL |
|---|---|---|
| Subway | TTC | TTC Website |
| Commuter Rail | GO Transit | GO Transit Website |
| Intercity Rail | Via Rail | Via Rail Website |
| Bus & Streetcar | TTC | TTC Website |
Guide on Ticket Purchasing: For public transit within the city, the TTC operates subways, buses, and streetcars. A single flat fare is applicable for any trip, regardless of distance or transfers. For frequent travellers or those planning to use multiple transit services, the PRESTO card is recommended. It’s a reloadable payment card that works on the TTC, GO Transit, UP Express, and other transit agencies in Ontario, eliminating the need for tickets, tokens, or cash.
Major Passenger Airports and Ways to City Centre:
- Toronto Pearson International Airport: Located on Toronto’s western boundary with Mississauga. The UP Express connects the airport to Union Station downtown.
- Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport: Located on Toronto Island, it’s connected to the city by a short ferry ride or pedestrian tunnel.
Walking & Biking Facilities: Toronto promotes cycling with a major program to expand the network through on-road separate bike lanes. The city aims to have any cyclist within a five-minute ride of a designated bike route. Toronto was also ranked as the 2nd most walkable city in Canada in 2013. The PATH network, the world’s largest underground shopping complex, provides an underground pedestrian pathway connecting various downtown buildings.
Also Read: Top 10 Places to Visit in Toronto