Toronto Transport

TCC
TCC is usually the easiest, fastest, and cheapest way to get around central Toronto, making it ideal for travellers. Most downtown routes have very frequent service, some run 24 hours, and the fleet of subways, buses, and streetcars is safe and graffiti-free.

Buses in Toronto operate the same way as most buses in other North American cities. Bus stops in Toronto are white, with two red stripes on top, and an iconogram of a bus on the stop. Major stops will have timetables and route maps posted. Most bus routes have branches, these are noted by a letter next to the route number on the route sign (For example: 87 Cosburn - To Broadview Station as the main route, and 87B Cosburn - To Coxwell as a branch). Branches are noted on the timetables by the letter of the branch next to the time. If the route sign displays a street name and the word "station" then the bus is terminating at a subway station. If it displays just a street name, assume that it is not terminating at a subway station. (For example 8 Broadview - To Coxwell is not terminating at Coxwell Subway Station, but 70 O'Conner - To Coxwell Station is terminating at Coxwell Subway Station).
NOTE: Buses with route numbers starting with "14" are special rush hour expresses that require payment of a double fare.

Streetcars
Streetcars operate much like buses on rail. The stops look exactly like bus stops, except with a picture of a streetcar. Some stops are shared by streetcars and buses. If the stop has a platform for the streetcar, wait on the platform; otherwise, wait on the sidewalk. The streetcar will stop in the centre lane of the street. Board through the front and pay the same way you would on a bus. To signal to the driver that you want to get off, pull the yellow cord, just like on the bus. The route signs display the route number and destination, but not the route name. For example 506 Landsdowne, the 506 is the route number (in this case the 506 Carlton route) and Landsdowne is the name of the street where the streetcar terminates. As with buses, if the word "station" (or abbreviation "stn") is used on the route sign, it means that the streetcar is terminating at a subway station. Unlike buses, short turns (the turning of the streetcar before it runs the entire route) are often not scheduled. Ask the driver if you are unsure. Since streetcars often stop in the centre lane of the street, make sure that traffic is stopped before you step out of the streetcar. The exception is stops that have platforms in the middle of the street for the streetcar.
NOTE: The 501 Queen route operates on a Proof-of-Payment system, unlike the other streetcar routes. If you are paying with cash, a token, or a ticket, enter through the front doors of the streetcar. You must obtain a transfer after paying, no matter whether or not you are changing routes. If you have a pass or are transferring from another line, enter through the back doors. A TTC employee may ask you for your pass or transfer at any time.

Subways
Toronto's Subway system is comprised of 4 lines: The East-West Bloor-Danforth line (Green), the North-South Yonge-University-Spadina line (Yellow), the East-West Sheppard line (Purple), and the L-Shaped Scarborough RT (Blue). The lines that tourists will most often need to use are the Bloor-Danforth and Yonge-University-Spadina. The subway runs from approximately 6:00 AM to 1:30 AM, except on Sundays, when service starts at 9:00 AM. When the subway is closed, buses run in lieu of the subway. Fares are paid in the station. Some stations have unmanned, secondary entrances where only tokens, weekly passes, and monthly passes can be used, but the main entrances are always manned. Every station has pay phones, and most have a newsstand. Trains arrive about every 2 minutes in rush hours, and about every 5 minutes during other times. Stand back from the edge of the platform when waiting for a train, as trains enter stations at upwards of 50 kilometres per hour. If there is a delay for any reason, it will usually be announced, and the screens on the platform list delays. If the delay is serious, buses will be provided to take over for the subway. There are no local and express trains, all trains stop at all stations along the route. However, during morning rush hours, some Northbound trains on the Yonge University Spadina line terminate at St. Clair West Station, as opposed to the normal terminus at Downsview station. The name of the next stations is announced immediately after the train leaves the station, and again as the train enters the station. It is illegal and dangerous to walk between subway cars.

Cash Fare, Tickets, and Tokens
You can pay cash for each ride ($2.75 as of July 2006), but it's the most expensive option and you won't get change.
You can buy tickets in groups of 5 at any subway station and many convenience stores. They're about 20% cheaper than paying cash. Reduced-rate tickets are available for children and seniors (65+).
Tokens are priced the same as adult tickets and can be used the same way. Unlike tickets, tokens can also be used at automated turnstiles. Each station has at least one staffed entrance, but using an automated entrance may be faster. Tokens are sold from vending machines at subway entrances as well as the collector's booth.

Transfers
Your cash fare, ticket, or token allows you to travel to any destination in the city of Toronto; you can connect to other route(s) for free. However, if you make a stopover or a return journey, you have to pay a new fare.
A transfer is a small piece of paper that shows where and when you paid your fare. At subway stations, get a transfer from the red machine just past the turnstiles; on streetcars and buses, get one from the driver after paying your fare. When you change routes, just show the transfer to the driver or, when entering the subway system, at the collector's booth.
You may not need a transfer — at some subway stations, buses and streetcars load and unload within the "fare-paid" area. But since you must get your transfer at the start of your trip, it's easiest to take one even if you're not sure you'll need it.

Passes
The TTC Day Pass , only $8.50 as of July 2006, is good for unlimited travel on the TTC for one day (until 5:30 am the next morning). It's a good deal if you're taking more than four rides in the day, and gives you the option of taking short streetcar and subway rides downtown if you're tired of walking.
On Saturdays, Sundays, and statutory holidays, the day pass is an even better deal because the same $8.50 pass can be shared by two adults and as many as four youths 19 or younger (or one adult and up to five kids).
You can buy day passes at subway stations and TTC ticket agents such as many convenience stores. They can also be bought in advance (you scratch off and write in the date yourself).
Weekly and Monthly Passes
TTC Weekly Pass allows you unlimited travel for one week, which must run from Monday to Sunday. Unlike a day pass, it's never good for more than one person at a time (though you can let someone else use it when you're not). It's worthwhile if used for 15 rides or more. Make sure you don't accidentally buy the more expensive GTA Weekly Pass, which is only useful if you're travelling around the suburbs.

Maps
You can get a free Ride Guide, with maps and travel tips, at the collector's booth at any subway station.
The TTC's downtown map (180 KB PDF) covers most major attractions and is handy even if you're walking or driving. Maps and schedules for every bus and streetcar route are available on the TTC web site.
Unfortunately, the TTC doesn't have an online trip planner to calculate best routes and travel times. For subway travel, assume two minutes per station; for streetcars and buses multiply the distance in kilometres by 3 for the approximate number of minutes. The TripAdvisor Toronto Forum can help you find the best route, or you can call the TTC at (416) 393-INFO (4636).