Yelp Review 2023 #74:…read more Whenever I'm in Toronto, I rely on trams aka streetcars to get around using my Presto card. I normally stay at hotels along or near Queen Street because they are more accessible. 501 streetcar runs during the day and is the longest tram line. It runs east and west of Toronto. From Neville Park to Dufferin which is over 20km. If I want to go to lululemon, it's a quick streetcar ride. The City Hall is along Queen Street. You can also get to Eaton Center using 501 streetcar. If you're a fan of the show Kim's Convenience, just get off Sherbourne. The times I've used the 501, I've not really experienced any riff raff. Except for when I went to Kim's Convenience. I didn't know it was in a bad neighborhood and people were openly talking about drugs and they're dealing in broad daylight as I was waiting for a streetcar to go back to my hotel and it was 10 minutes delayed and I had to tell myself I'll be fine. And then the streetcar was delayed another 5 minutes. I can see how a visitor's experience might be different from a local's experience because visitors aren't here long enough to know how it really is. I did notice that in the winter, homeless people ride the tram and go up and down, or left to right on trams for hours just to stay warm. If I were homeless, I'd probably do the same thing too. I don't blame them. A problem in Toronto that seems more obvious in the winter than when I went in the summer.

Out of all the TTC routes, the 501 Queen route is closest to my heart. I grew up in the Beaches and…read morelived on Queen Street East. There was a streetcar stop right in front of the apartment building where I grew up, heading eastbound, at Scarborough Beach Boulevard. Recently, I drove by and noticed that this streetcar stop is no longer there. It has moved a block east to Glen Manor Drive. It's a bit sad to see a stop that has been there for decades move. I could start a petition, but will likely not get the results that I want. Going westbound, I had the option of either boarding at Glen Manor or Wineva. I always did the latter because there were a set of traffic lights and it was safer to cross. The 501 route is one of the longest that the TTC offers. I know the eastern part better. The Neville Loop is where the streetcar turns around. The loop is a few steps away from Scarborough and the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant. It's actually a beautiful area with a nice park and Lake Ontario as its backdrop. It opens up once a year, so you can do a tour inside. On the other end of this route is Long Branch. i have recently spent some time in this area, as two of my favourite empanada and ice cream places are on that end of the spectrum. I dig it. Tourist or not, I used to enjoy plopping myself on the streetcar and cutting through the city. You go through a series of cool neighbourhoods, such as Leslieville, downtown Toronto (Eaton Centre, Old City Hall, and Nathan Phillips Square are all viewable from the streetcar if you do not have time to drop by), Parkdale, and more. A number of cool parks are also along the way. High Park, Trinity Bellwoods Park, and Humber Bay Park are just a few. I am biased and love seeing Kew Gardens, because I will always be a Beacher at heart. I have been on this route countless times. I used this route to commute to my summer jobs at the Ex and resting my tired feet after standing all day. Heading to Chinese school, both at the Spadina and Broadview Chinatowns, required taking this streetcar and transferring to another streetcar or bus. Going downtown? I'd take this streetcar to Yonge Street and walk around like the teenager that I was. I haven't taken the TTC for several years. It's what happens when I live in the suburbs and use a car to get around. I hope to board one of the newer streetcars as a passenger someday. As of late, I am either admiring them while waiting for the traffic light to turn or I'm trying to drive past one. Service had its hits and misses. When things were running smoothly, it was a treat taking the streetcar along Queen Street East and West. When it was bad, I'd be waiting for the third or fourth streetcar to come along so I could actually board it without feeling like a suffocating sardine. I do like this route and now I'm all nostalgic. It was nice to see the streetcars on this route in action when I was recently in Leslieville and the streetcar tracks along Queen Street East again. (25)

Getting from the arrival area at the airport to the express train is a long and winding walk. But…read moreit is well signed, and once we got there, staffed with friendly people to help the clueless. Pay for the ticket at the kiosk just before the platform to save a few dollars. You can use your credit card to pay, swipe to get in, and then swipe to get out once you exit the train. Union Station is the last stop, and from there you can easily connect to the subway. Once you know how to do it, this is probably the least stressful and most economic way to reach the city. And the most environmentally friendly too!

Very convenient service but needs an extension of hours! I know it may be wishful thinking but 24/7…read moreservice would be amazing. Or at least starting around 4am, as there are many early flights. Coming in late also might limit folks, as they plan to take the UP and come in later than expected. However, fast and efficient!

Toronto's union station is well laid out with many connection options available to travelers…read more Walking distance to many downtown Toronto locations and light rail or bus options for those places a little further away. Plus tunnels connect many of the buildings nearby meaning that you can walk to different places but remain inside which is especially helpful when the weather is bad. I love the public transportation options in and around Toronto.

Union Station is a remarkable hub that seamlessly combines history with modern convenience. As one…read moreof Canada's busiest transit stations, it is not only a vital transportation link but also a stunning architectural landmark. The blend of old-world charm and contemporary design is truly impressive. Inside, you will find a vibrant atmosphere with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. Whether you are grabbing a quick bite, enjoying a coffee before your journey, or looking for unique gifts, there is something for everyone. My favourite is Alley Bubble Tea and Chocollata Brigadeiros gelato shop. They even have various sorbets and vegan cone! The spacious concourse is well-maintained and organized. It is an easy space to navigate. From Uniqlo to Sephora, the options are endless! Pro tip: if you see a long line up near the entrance by the % Arabica coffee shop , there is a good chance companies are giving away freebies! Pro tip 2: there is a TD lounge for special TD credit card holders!

I was trying to recall when I last took the TTC anywhere. It was likely in 2011 when I took the…read moreBathurst 511 streetcar to and from the Canadian National Exhibition (The Ex). Last Thursday, I drove down to Chinatown at Spadina and Dundas. I parked my car there before meeting my friend and his sister for lunch. We planned to take the 510 Spadina streetcar southbound and then walk to Rogers Centre (I keep wanting to call it SkyDome because it has more character) for the Taylor Swift concert. We headed to the streetcar stop in front of Dragon City and waited. I grew up commuting on the TTC. I suppose that your commuter senses never die. All I saw were buses running along Spadina Avenue. This stop didn't have signs that said that streetcars weren't running. It was clear to me that they weren't. A lack of proper communication irks me. How about a sign that says to board the bus on the northwest corner?! We all walked across Dundas Street West and waited for the bus, which ran frequently. My friend's sister asked me a question about transit. I used to take Cantonese classes on Saturdays, so this area still feels the same. I let her know that this route used to be the Spadina 77 bus. It's kind of funny that I didn't have a chance to ride the streetcar along this route. I felt like nothing had changed, other than the bus number. My guess is that the 510 Spadina notation aligns with the 5xx series for streetcars. With streetcars being temporarily out of service along this route, buses are keeping the same notation. During my brief time commuting along this bus route, it had two buses numbers: 510 C and D. We were on the 510 D bus. Don't ask me what the difference is between the two. I was happy that this bus got us near Rogers Centre. After the concert, my friends took the train home. I walked over to Spadina. Three buses were waiting there. I took one back up to Chinatown. What hasn't changed is a TTC conductor missing a requested stop. A woman requested a stop at Dundas. I heard the ding. The conductor did not. He flew past the stop. The woman was rightfully upset. He called out Sullivan, the next stop. He flew past that stop, too. Dundas was the next stop, which was mine. Since the requested stop was still on, I couldn't request it. Luckily, Dundas had a red light. The bus stopped. I exited from the front. I felt bad for the woman who had to walk down a major street now. I hope that streetcars return to this route. I'd like to ride it and see what it's like. I was pleased that the buses got me to where I needed to be, but I want to ride a streetcar for the first time on Spadina. (456)

Who writes reviews about streetcars? I write reviews about streetcars!…read more After moving to Toronto from Montreal, I had to get used to the idea of streetcars, which haven't been a thing in Montreal for some 40 years or more. The 510 Spadina streetcar was my first exposure to the new Bombardier Flexity Outlook cars, based on the models used in some European cities. And I have to say, I like them a lot more than the older Canadian Light Rail Vehicle (CLRV) units. Having multiple entrances and exits, all with PRESTO card readers, and more comfortable acceleration and braking definitely helped me avoid the motion sickness that I usually get on the older model cars. It took way too long, but Bombardier finally delivered the last of the 204 vehicles on January 24, 2020, just two short weeks ago. Aside from all this talk about the models of streetcars, one of the best things about this line is how it's configured with two dedicated protected lanes in the middle of Spadina, so aside from at intersections, the streetcars don't have to deal with interference from other road vehicles. If only they could do this for all the other lines... Keep an eye out for the various art installations atop the poles on either side of the streetcar tracks as you go down the Spadina line, and enjoy the ride!

I like GO Transit. Maybe it's because I grew up taking the TTC that I like a more comfortable,…read moresmooth ride, and a change of transporation. I've had three stints taking GO Transit. My first experience was taking a the train between Danforth (I grew up in the Beaches) and Pickering for a job interview. I had just completed grade 12. I had a driver's licence, but didn't have access to my dad's car. He was at work! Back then, I got a ticket from the machine. The ride was smooth and exciting. I got another ticket returning. Just before I exited the train at Danforth, a conductor was checking proof of purchase. He didn't get to me, as I had left the train. My second stint was working for a bank by Union station. I took the train between Milliken and Union. I loved it. I had a monthly pass. The commute between Union and Kennedy stations took 17 minutes. It allowed me to take a nap heading home! I rarely got a seat heading to Union from Milliken catching the 7:53 am train. I learned how to cean against a wall with my back and sleep upright. When it was March break or near the Christmas holidays, I'd manage to get a seat heading to work. I felt like I had won the lottery. I always managed to get a seat on the train at Union. It may have required my walking down a bit to get a seat, but I was always pleased to take a breather. The Markham-Stouffville-Uxbridge line rarely had delays. It happened a couple of times during the wintertime. I was a grad student and barely made it for my Tuesday online class! My recent stint was taking the Lakeshore East/West line between Pickering and Exhibition. I visited The Ex for the first time in sixteen years. It was also the last time I took anything on GO Transit. The seats on the train are roomier. The washrooms need better door locking mechanisms. The one heading to Pickering kept sliding, which was weird and comical. I liked using the free wifi. It worked well throughout my commute. I ended up making a reel while on the train. It was nice to have someone drive me somewhere. Some would say that taking the GO train or bus is expensive. Maybe. I think it's a fair trade-off to shell out more for a smoother ride, fewer train delays, less aggravation dealing with unruly commuters, and free parking at the various stations that I've parked my car at. I also like PRESTO. Maybe it's because I'm new to the entire loading money and tapping experience. You tap your card or barcode at the station before boarding your train or bus. You do the same when you arrive at your destination. The challenge is remembering to tap on and off. I can see that being an issue if you are preoccupied. The trains that I boarded recently were nicely air-conditioned. One train had a five-minute delay, which was negligible. I liked that the train conductor apologized for the delay. I remember being the case taking the train to and from work back in the day. The apology part is a nice touch. The only downside is parking at some stations. They fill up early in the morning, as folks are heading to work. Pickering has the most parking spots and I liked finding a decent surface parking spot at 10:30 am on a Friday morning there. I like GO Transit. I don't take it often. When I do, it gets me to and from where I need to be without shelling out a ton of money. (384)

There's little to no bathroom access at most stations around the Golden Horseshoe while waiting for…read morethe trains themselves so the platforms often smell like urine. It costs more than it's worth more often than not, as updates to delays etc are not posted where tickets are sold or in areas easily accessible by the public using said "public transit" The trains are usually delayed or early meaning scheduling around a train usually takes an extra hour, or two, of time just to make up for the trains poor punctuality and lose oversight. Like why is west harbour to Niagara taking an extra hour to arrive? Watched a via rail pass as we sat stopped in a field like it was children of the corn. The train conductor then proceeded to mention a service guarantee over the PA that the website won't honour apparently.

Highly recommended. April 2026…read more OK, let's acknowledge that I love trams (like subways). We took the tram every day during our week-long visit. Modern, Comfortable. Stops are clearly marked on the streets and clearly announced in the car. Easy to pay with iPhone or Apple Watch. The routes cover the central city very well. The cost is reasonable at $3.30 CAD for 3 hours.

I left the following review on 75 Sherbourne Bus Yelp page many years ago but I am copy-posting…read morethis here as an "updated review" so it is actually seen because it seems like bus-route specific pages are buried. Many years later, I am still traumatized by the experience just remembering living through such blatant discrimination and hostility in Toronto on a PUBLIC transit system. I still remember how NO ONE defended me or urged the driver to drive and not waste their time. All the passengers just sat there quietly as this unhinged man targeted and harassed me with impunity! I was so young and naive back then and only left this lone review on the bus's yelp page... years after it occurred (face palm). I don't believe I even left a TTC complaint! Urggh! If this had happened today, a Human Rights Complaint would be absolutely MINIMUM. Poor young me. I wish I could stop beating myself up in HINDSIGHT and instead, imagine giving her a hug and guiding her hand. She REALLY needed that. She was so horrified, hurt, confused, humiliated, and felt so alone. Here it goes: "75 Sherbourne Bus A few days ago, a TTC driver profiled and harassed a poor woman on a Queen streetcar going East, kicking her off the bus for no reason. This brought back memories. Turns out, you can review buses on yelp so here it goes: Years ago, I was profiled by a TTC driver(s) on a Northbound Sherbourne bus going into Rosedale and I had a metropass!! This happened at the Bloor/Sherbourne bus stop going north. He (they) obviously didn't think a POC had any business being in that area and took it upon himself (themselves) to harass me. It happened twice! I don't know if they were told to do this in that area since I'm not sure it was the same person. The first time, he just stopped me from boarding and drove off. It happened so quickly! Didn't get a good look at him. Took me a minute to realize what just happened since everyone else was allowed to board. Second time, I just walked right on and showed my metropass. Driver refused to drive. Asked me where exactly I was going and started yelling, SCREAMING at me to get off the bus. I just quietly sat there. No one on the bus came to my defense. He called the cops then called his own TTC people to complain while waiting for the cops to get me. His TTC people yelled at him to drive off, asking what he was doing. He stayed put. When the cops that he called were approaching, he finally drove off. The memory is still so unpleasant years later. This woman's experience juggled it. I wish I filed a complaint then but I definitely filed a complaint now on her behalf because it is not ok that this is still happening in 2018. It is not ok that people should feel anxiety about using the TTC, never knowing if today is the day they get profiled/harassed by a TTC staff on a power trip. You can never get used to racism. It's always a shock. I sincerely hope the TTC finally takes this behaviour very seriously because the fact that it is still happening is saying otherwise."

Never on time, the streetcars are always being blocked and they always bunch up. Most days I have…read moreto walk all the way from the start of Roncy near Queen to Dundas West Station because the streetcars do not come.

Toronto has really good public transport especially when you compare it to other American cities…read more It was a hot hot day in downtown Toronto and I was dreading a walk from the waterfront to the Union Station. Streetcar to the rescue. A nice short underground trip brought me in style to Union Station with no sweat dropped.

Tip: Remember to tap your PRESTO card at the station before you start your trip and after when you…read moreget to the station that is your final destination. Last Friday, I decided to take the GO train from Pickering GO station to Exhibition GO station for the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), which is also affectionally called The Ex. I live in Markham. If I were to take the TTC, my commute would be at least 1.5 hours with four transfers to get to The Ex. I thought that a direct GO train ride would be better and it was. It took an hour. What can be confusing is how Lakeshore East and Lakeshore West routes work for a major event like The Ex. I found that what the GO Transit site was saying versus what was actually happening on this line were different. When The Ex is happening, Lakeshore West runs from Durham College Oshawa GO to Union station. The train stops for a bit, as Union station is a hub, and then continues west to Exhibition GO. It's out of convenience for tourists and locals alike for such an event, which I appreciate! When there isn't an event like FIFA or The Ex, if you are taking Lakeshore West, it stops at Union station and then goes back east, becoming Lakeshore East. If you want to continue going west, you need to transfer to a different train platform and take Lakeshore West that continues westbound. A bit weird. It is what it is. Similarly, if you are taking Lakeshore West eastbound and there isn't an event like The Ex happening, it stops at Union station. You need to transfer to get the Lakeshore East train to get you eastbound. My experience was that I took the Lakeshore West train from Pickering GO station to Exhibition GO station. The conductor made an announcement before we stopped at Union station, saying that this train would briefly stop at Union before continuing westbound, stopping at all stops, including Exhibition GO. It was the clarity that I was seeking, although I knew that this train would continue westbound. I made the mistake of looking at the GO train schedule. It told me to transfer at Union station, which is the regular schedule without The Ex. The ride to Exhibition GO was pleasant. The train was delayed by five minutes right off the bat. It was minor and we got to Exhibition GO five five minutes later than usual as a result. Everyone left the train and headed down to the main CNE exit in an orderly, civil fashion. It was nice to see. This station has a lot of stairs and three elevators. Most folks took the former. Families with strollers or folks in wheelchairs did the latter. I was trying to figure out where to tap my PRESTO card to conclude my trip. GO Transit did a good job having a ton of PRESTO machines when you exit the station and head directly to the entrance to The Ex. I tapped and felt accomplished that I completed my trip. Heading home, I entered Exhibition GO station and immediately tapped my PRESTO card. I looked at the screen and needed platform 4, which was in front of me. I took the Lakeshore East train from platform 4. Passengers left the train first. We then boarded in a civilized manner once again. My ride back to Pickering was smooth. This train did stop briefly at Union station. The conductor announced it and did a countdown four minutes before the train would continue eastbound. I hadn't taken any GO train since I last worked at Union station many moons ago. It was nice to hear that countdown again. Exhibition GO station has four tracks: - Tracks 1 and 2 are on the north side of the station. It handles westbound traffic to Mississauga, Oakville, and Hamilton. - Track 3 is an inner bypass track. - Track 4 is the south platform handling eastbound traffic to Union station (normal) and beyond if there's a major event happening, like The Ex. Other than the weird confusion between the regular schedule on GO Transit's online site versus what I had experienced heading to this station, I had a wonderful experience taking the train to and from Exhibition GO. I'd do it again when I want to go to The Ex. (378)

A work in progress but I eagerly anticipate the completion of the new station on the GO & Ontario…read moreline.

The 509 is poor service it is been late for 15 mins now. 509 to union this morning is not acceptableread more

Its alright. This streetcar gets me from point a-to-b…read more What sucks? -The lake destroys the surface underneath and causes the tracks to go awry every 6 months. they have to close part of Queen Quay for track repairs and seem to occur between Lower Simcoe and Rees St. -It wakes me up in the morning!! What's cool? The route -- flies up/down into the Ferry Docks bat cave returning to Union Station. I like it when the TTC drivers feel a bit hurried and reckless and let loose on the throttle down the tunnel. It really feels likes you're riding the red rocket :)

The station is wheelchair accessible and had 4 entrances from all sides of Yonge-College & Carlton…read moreintersection. The southwest entrance is through College Park building and you pass through the food court and shopping center to get to the station. It can get busy at times, so you need to plan ahead.

My sweetie and I are headed to downtown TO usng public transit to watch a hockey game…read more I'm finally able to use my two remaining TTC tokens which has been mainly phased out and replaced by cash payment or the Presto Card. To ensure the shortest & timeliest trip, I had already used the trip planner function at TTC.ca last night. Now, it's time for action as a snow storm bears down on the Six. We arrived at TTC College Station and it's a short walk from here to the Mattamy Athletic Centre.