Getting Around

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation has established an extensive webcam network to monitor traffic on Highway 401, along Queen Elizabeth Way, in the Niagra region, and in downtown Toronto. Each set of cameras is presented with a map illustrating camera locations. Before travelling between points in the Toronto area, you can jump from camera to camera, and get a sense of what traffic will be like on your route.

To illustrate the system, visit the information page for the Highway 401 traffic cameras at Highway 401.

Toronto also has an excellent subway/streetcar/bus system.

The Yonge-University-Spadina subway line runs in a U shape from Finch station in the North East area of the city, south under Yonge Street to Union Station near Lake Ontario and then North on University/Spadina West on the Allen Expressway to Downsview station (near Sheppard Ave West). The Bloor-Danforth line runs East-West and the newer Sheppard line in the North East corner of the city, from Yonge to Don Mills. 

Streetcars are plentiful downtown, running on every major road and buses run throughout the rest of the city. Current cost as of June 2005 is $2.50/adult or $7.75 for a day pass which allows unlimited travel from 9am to 5am the next day for up to 2 adults and 2 children. The TTC also offers weekly, transferrable unlimited use passes. There is also the option to buy a Metropass for $98.50/month.

It should also be noted that the TTC operates 24 hours on at least 25 of their lines, with maximum waits of 30 minutes during overnight hours.  The Yonge 320 Blue Night Bus and the Bloor Danforth 300 Blue Night Bus operate 15 minutes or better.

At most subway stations, you should be able to request the TTC Ride Guide, which has a regional map of services by the TTC and surrounding agencies.

As a rule of thumb, there's rarely a wait over five minutes for a subway car, and rarely a twenty minute wait for buses or streetcars (on primary lines).

During rush periods, try to avoid the Yonge Subway between Bloor and Union Station, the Queen 501 Streetcar and King 504 Streetcar.  These lines frequently operate PAST CAPACITY and can create an uncomfortable ride if you are transporting children or carrying baggage.

For further information on routes, fares and service disruptions, visit http://www.ttc.ca