In addition to excellent subway service, the TTC also maintains a very extensive bus and streetcar service. Most buses and streetcars depart from and end up at various subway stations throughout the city, making for an easy commute for passengers.
You may transfer between any and all TTC vehicles, provided you have the appropriate transfer, which can be obtained from your vehicle operator, or from machines at all TTC subway stations. TTC vehicles cannot be hailed, and can only be boarded at TTC stations or posted TTC stops, throughout the city. All buses and streetcars need to be boarded at the front, with the fare paid directly to the driver. Drivers cannot provide change. It’s important to make sure that you obtain your transfer at the start of your journey, as operators are not allowed to issue transfers as you exit the vehicle.
Buses
There are simply too many bus routes in Toronto to list here, but this link will take you directly to the TTC’s bus service page, where every bus route is displayed.
Hours of operation for TTC buses vary, according to the route. Most major TTC bus routes run 24 hours. Routes that are used primarily during peak hours usually begin service at 6:00 AM, Monday to Saturday and 9:00 AM on Sundays, then run until 2:00 AM and 12:00 AM, respectively.
After Hours Service
TTC buses are also used to shuttle passengers along Toronto subway routes after 2:00 AM, when the subways close down. Known as the “Blue Line”, stops for these buses can be found outside all Toronto subway stations. Please bear in mind that Blue Line buses do not operate while the subway system is open. These buses and streetcars run from 1:30am to 5:00am, with pick-ups every 30 minutes. This service runs on the 16 routes listed below.
- 300 Bloor-Danforth
- 302 Danforth Rd-McCowan
- 303 Don Mills
- 305 Eglinton East
- 307 Eglinton West
- 308 Finch East
- 309 Finch West
- 310 Bathurst
- 313 Jane
- 316 Ossington
- 319 Wilson
- 320 Yonge
- 329 Dufferin
- 353 Steeles East
- 354 Lawrence East
- 385 Sheppard East
Streetcars
Toronto is one of the few cities left in North America that uses streetcars as a means of public transit. Although not as extensive as TTC bus routes, Toronto’s streetcar routes are fairly effective in getting passengers from place to place, and offer a comfortable smooth ride from point A to point B. Here is a list of Toronto’s streetcar routes. Click on each link to get to TTC website information on each route.
501 Queen
502 Downtowner
503 Kingston Road
504 King
505 Dundas
506 Carlton
508 Lakeshore
509 Habourfront
510 Spadina
511 Bathurst
512 St. Clair
Fares
All TTC vehicles, including subways, buses, and streetcars operate on a fare system. Fares are as follows:
Adults: $3 per ride
Seniors/Students: $2 per ride
Children under 12: $.75 per ride
Children under 5: free
Fares can be paid to the driver directly, using either cash, tokens, or passes. Tokens and passes can also be purchased at all TTC subway stations, or from participating stores throughout the city. It is important to remember that TTC drivers cannot make change.
Etiquette
We’ve all gotta ride together, so please keep in mind the following courtesies:
- When boarding, please move to the back of the vehicle to ease loading.
- Seats at the front of the vehicle are reserved for the elderly or infirm. Please give up these seats if you are able.
- Remove all backpacks to avoid bumping into other passengers.
- Please place all bags and bulky items on the floor or your lap. Do not take up an empty seat.
- The driver needs to do his job! Please do talk to him/her unless it is absolutely necessary.
- Stay behind the yellow line at the front of the bus while the vehicle is in motion.
- It’s nice to give up your seat to a passenger who is elderly, infirm, or pregnant.
- Always try to exit the vehicle using the rear doors, to allow boarding passengers room to board at the front.
