Toronto's public transit system is fast and easy to use.A variety of fare options fit the needs of both frequent and single trip riders and there are plenty of useful trip planning tools at your disposal.You can head to the platform after paying your fare.Since trains arrive every two to five minutes, you will be on your way to your destination in no time.
Step 1: Use the trip planner to plan your trip.
There is a tripplanner on the Toronto Transit Commission's website.Set your departure or arrival time by entering your starting point and destination into the appropriate fields.The planer will let you know which train to take and when to catch it.The tripplanner can be found here: http://ttc.ca/Trip_planner/index.jsp.
Step 2: An interactive map is available.
You will be less likely to miss a stop if you have a subway map with you.If you don't have a mobile device, you can ask the operator at any station's staffed collector booth for a hard copy.The map will let you know if a station has handicap accessible parking or not.There is a link to the interactive map on the TTC subway page.
Step 3: You can schedule information with the TTC transit app.
The app is available on both the App Store and the Play Store.Real-time arrival and departure updates are offered in addition to a map and trip planning functions.During peak hours, trains arrive every two minutes and every five minutes at other times.You can use the app to see when the next train will arrive and if there are any issues affecting your route, even if you won't have to wait long for a train.
Step 4: Social media has service updates.
If you check social media, you won't have to arrive at a station to find out there's a delay.Stay on the safe side by following the TTC on social media.
Step 5: If your station has a parking lot, check it out.
You might plan on taking the subway into the city and parking your car at the station.There is a station on your route with a parking lot.Stations charge between $4 and $7 for parking on weekdays.On weekends and holidays parking is free.You can pay with a coin, credit or debit card, or download a mobile pay app.
Step 6: You can purchase any fare form at the station's collector booth.
There is a staffed collector booth at every station.Cash and credit can be used at collector booths, but automated kiosks only accept credit and cash.There is a $10 minimum for credit and debit transactions.The operator can give you a map or directions.
Step 7: You can save money by buying multiples of token.
If you buy token, you will pay $3 for a one-way trip.It is worth saving some change if you are taking more than one trip.You can buy token at vending machines at most stations.There are token vending machines.
Step 8: Purchase passes at vending machines.
If you plan on taking at least two trips a day, an adult weekly pass could be cheaper than one-way tickets or token.The same goes for a monthly pass.You can buy passes at collector booths and automated vending machines.It might be quicker to get a pass from an automated vending machine if there is a long line.They are only credit or debit.
Step 9: You can find tickets, token, and passes at an authorized TTC Fare seller.
You can buy tickets, passes, or token ahead of time if you aren't at a TTC station.In and around Toronto, there are over 1,200 authorized TTC Fare sellers.There are gas stations and convenience stores.The TTC website has a search tool that you can use to find a nearby seller.
Step 10: Purchase a PRESTO card if you ride a lot.
The PRESTO card is a reloadable card with a mobile pay system.It costs $6, so it is a better investment for frequent riders.You can order a card, register your account, and reload it at the PRESTO website.
Step 11: At the station you can get a student or senior ID.
Seniors and students pay discounted rates if they have a valid TTC Photo ID.You can get your picture taken at the Photo ID Centre.You will be eligible for discounted fares when your ID is mailed to you.
Step 12: Pay your fare and walk.
If you want to pay with your PRESTO card, insert your ticket or token.Look for signs that will lead you to the line and direction you need.Go to the platform and wait for your train once you have found your bearings.Pay attention to the signs because many stations run on multiple lines.Line 1 Northbound and Line 2 Eastbound can be taken if you need to.
Step 13: You can get a transfer after you pay your fare.
You have to transfer from the subway to the bus or streetcar when you plan your trip.After you pay your fare, look for a red machine.You will get a free paper transfer when you show the bus or streetcar driver.If you are going from a bus to a subway, you should ask the driver for a paper transfer.You can only use transfers where there are two routes intersecting.If two routes don't intersect but are close enough, you can still transfer for free.There is a full list of walking transfer locations on the TTC website.
Step 14: The other commuters have exited the train.
Stand clear of the yellow line until your train arrives and comes to a complete stop.When the doors open, allow passengers to exit the train before you board.There is a small gap between the platform and the train.
Step 15: Listen for the stop announcement.
There is a map displayed in each train car.You can get off the train at the right station with automated stop announcements.
Step 16: Go to the exit or transfer point at your stop.
You have to take the next subway line if you want to get off the train at your stop.You might have to transfer from Line 1 Yonge-University Southbound to Line 2 Bloor-Danforth Eastbound at St. George Station.Near exits, there are metal plaques in the ground.compass directions and nearby street names are included.