For newbies to Canada’s largest metropolis, there are several ways to navigate the city day and night.
The most convenient way to travel short distances is by taxi, but unless you’re here on one heck of a scholarship, avoid the temptation. The metre starts at $4, quickly climbing into the double digits.
Your best bet is likely public transit. One trip on the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) — whether by subway, streetcar and/or bus — costs $2.75. If you’re going to use the TTC every day, buy a monthly metropass for the discounted $96 student rate at your university or college.
The subway system and most streetcars stop running by 1:30am, so if you’re staying out till last call, you’ll need to make use of special Blue Night routes. Running east and west, your options include 300 Bloor-Danforth, 301 Queen, 305/307 Eglinton and 306 Carlton. Running north and south, you’ve got 310 Bathurst, 329 Dufferin, 316 Ossington and 320 Yonge (appropriately dubbed the Vomit Comet). Check the TTC’s website (www.ttc.ca) for route and schedule details, or call 416-393-INFO before 4pm, Mon-Fri, for directions.
For an even greener way of getting around, consider buying a bike. The Community Biking Network (761 Queen W., ste. 101, 416-504-2918) sells cheap bikes through their recycling program, and you can also get some good deals at Dave… Fix My Bike (254 Christie, 416-944-2453) and Set Me Free (653 College, 416-516-6493). But be warned: the city suffers from a lack of dedicated bike lanes and riding on major streets can be intimidating. Check out the Toronto Cycling Map (at www.toronto.ca) to plan a safe and speedy route.
If all else fails, you can always walk. If you don’t know which way’s which, look for the CN Tower standing proudly to your south — and, remember, the best way to learn the city’s streets is by getting lost and finding your way home again.