Toronto transportation advice (in the winter)
Words by Emerald Bensadoun
So you’ve made it to Toronto. You might be asking yourself, where did all of these humans come from? Why do they all know where they’re going? The City of Toronto is actually comprised of hundreds of tiny little grids. Entire lanes are dedicated to bicycles, with another solely for streetcars — which differ from buses, by the way — and then of course, there’s a lane or two for cars. It can be a little confusing, but we’re here to help!
During the winter time in Toronto your best friends will consist of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), transponders and Uber. Here are our tips for commuting in Toronto during the winter.
IF YOU’RE USING THE TTC:
Been there, Dundas. By far the most inexpensive way to travel, a single TTC fare is $3.25 for adults over 18.
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) offers 24-hour service from Pearson Airport. The most efficient route for arrivals is the 192 Airport Rocket, which connects at Kipling Station on the Bloor-Danforth subway line. To reach the Chelsea Hotel, board the eastbound train to Yonge/Bloor station and transfer to the southbound platform. Take the train to College station and walk south on Yonge Street before turning right at Gerrard Street.
For all of your accessibility needs, there are elevators located inside main subway stations, and accessible transportation can be booked in advance. Accessible curb ramps have been installed for easier access to the second door of the new streetcars and any bus, and are available at all times. Wheelchair taxis are also a thing that you can arrange in the city, please message farnia@cup.ca if this is something you want us to help you with.
Subway and subway etiquette: When waiting for your train, always wait on either side of the door. Waiting directly in front of the door might seem like a great way to ensure you’re the first person inside the train, but fare warning (ha-ha), you might come across as rude, and will subsequently be pushed, elbowed and subjected to mean glares. Always refrain from taking up more than one seat when possible and leave the blue seats for passengers with accessibility needs.
A little bit lost? Feel free to ask any driver for directions and they’ll happily help you out.
WHEN TO UBER/LYFT IN TORONTO:
In the big taxi versus Uber debate, Toronto is renowned for having the biggest savings when it comes to Uber. In Toronto, Uber charges between 30% and 50% less than what a taxi would charge for the identical route (unless they’re on surge pricing, keep an eye out for that).
As a rule of thumb, when UberX prices begin to surge to 2x, it’s usually time to look towards public transportation. If you find yourself in a situation where you must taxi, we recommend calling Beck Taxi. Beck Taxi can be reached at (416) 751–5555.
IF YOU’RE WALKING:
Bundle up! It can get a little chilly in the concrete jungle. Especially during NASH weekend, when there’s a freakish cold spell (good omen? Bad omen? Let’s hope good).
Wear good shoes that cover your feet entirely, try to ensure you’ve got some grip because it gets slippery. Pants? Double pants? Exposed skin is not going to feel good when it is -30 C with the windchill. That also goes for your fingers (your tool as a journalist) so keep ’em warm! Frostbite is a reality at this time of year, don’t be dumb.
IF YOU’RE DRIVING:
Rule no. 1 of driving in Toronto: a transponder is your best friend. If at all possible, I would highly recommend taking Highway 407. Being the only toll highway in Ontario, you get what you pay for. Over the years, it’s become a great way to avoid traffic. Commuting from out of town? The 407 stretches from Whitby almost all the way to Hamilton.
Pearson Airport is approximately 30 km and 30 minutes west of the city centre. Airport limousine services and taxis are located on the ground level of Terminal 1 and the arrivals level at Terminal 3. Fares average approximately C$50.
If you’re driving from Pearson Airport:
- Head east and follow signs to Highway 409 East. Take Exit 1 and travel to Highway 427 or 401
- Exit onto 427 South to 401 West. Keep left and follow signs for Gardiner Expressway/Toronto and merge onto Gardiner Expressway East
- Take the Spadina Avenue exit
- Turn left onto Lower Spadina Avenue
- Turn right onto Adelaide Street
- Turn left onto University Avenue
- Turn right onto Gerrard Street. Chelsea Hotel, Toronto is on the right
