Toronto Transit Commission Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Toronto Transit Commission
Montage of TTC 2.jpg From top-left, clockwise: A Flexity Outlook streetcar, a CLRV streetcar, an S-series rapid transit train, an Orion bus, wall tile signage at Eglinton station featuring the Toronto Subway typeface, a Wheel-Trans bus, and a Toronto Rocket subway train
Info
Owner	City of Toronto
Locale	Toronto, Mississauga, Vaughan, Markham
Transit type	Bus, subway, streetcar
Number of lines	149+ bus routes 4 subway lines 10 streetcar routes
Number of stations	75 in use 39 under construction
Daily ridership	1.69 million weekday passengers
Chief executive	Rick Leary
Headquarters	William McBrien Building 1900 Yonge Street Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Operation
Began operation	1921
Number of vehicles	1,869 buses, 752 rapid transit cars, 250 streetcars, 214 Wheel-Trans buses
Technical
Track gauge	4 ft 10 ⁷⁄₈ in (1,495 mm)

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is the public transport system in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It helps people get around the city using buses, streetcars, and subway trains. The TTC started in 1921 and has grown a lot since then.

Today, the TTC has four subway lines with 75 stations. It also runs over 149 bus and streetcar routes. Many of these routes connect to subway stations, making it easy to switch between different types of transport. The TTC is one of the busiest public transport systems in North America. It's the third most used, after New York City and Mexico City.

A Wheel-Trans bus helps people get around Toronto.

The TTC also has a special service called Wheel-Trans. This service is for people with physical disabilities. It picks them up at their home, shops, or work and takes them where they need to go. About 5,500 trips are made by Wheel-Trans every day. It costs the same as a regular TTC trip. In 2007, the TTC had 11,235 people working for it.

How the TTC Works
- Buses and Streetcars
- Subway System
Getting Around with the TTC
- Paying for Your Ride
- Finding Your Way
TTC Headquarters
Images for kids
See also

How the TTC Works

The TTC uses different types of vehicles to move people around Toronto. These include buses, streetcars, and subway trains. Each type of transport helps people travel to different parts of the city.

Buses and Streetcars

Buses and streetcars run on the streets of Toronto. They cover many different areas, reaching places the subway doesn't. Buses are very common and can go almost anywhere. Streetcars are like electric trains that run on tracks in the street.

Subway System

The subway system runs mostly underground. It's a fast way to travel long distances across the city. The subway has several lines that connect many important places. There are 75 subway stations in use, and more are being built.

Getting Around with the TTC

The TTC makes it easy for people to travel for work, school, or fun. You can use a Presto card or tokens to pay for your ride.

Paying for Your Ride

To ride the TTC, you need to pay a fare. You can use a Presto card, which is a reloadable card you tap when you enter. Some stations also have paddle-style fare gates that read your Presto card.

Finding Your Way

The TTC has maps and signs to help you find your way. Many bus and streetcar stops have displays that show when the next vehicle will arrive. Subway stations also have large screens with news and service updates.

TTC Headquarters

The main office for the TTC is called the William McBrien Building. It's located at 1900 Yonge Street in Toronto. This building is next to Davisville Yard, which is a place where subway trains are maintained.

Images for kids

Two buses used by the TTC in 1936. The bus on the left was for longer trips between cities, while the one on the right was for local routes.
The TTC's nickname, "Ride the Rocket," came from these red G-series subway trains, used from 1954 to 1990.
A passenger getting on a TTC bus. The TTC has one of the largest bus fleets in North America.
A Toronto Rocket subway train arriving at Museum station. This station is one of 75 on the subway lines.
An older ALRV streetcar (left) and a newer Flexity Outlook streetcar (right).
The front and back of a Toronto Transit Commission token, used for single rides.
New fare gates at Toronto subway stations use Presto card readers.
Some TTC shelters show when the next bus or streetcar will arrive.
Union Station is a major hub where TTC passengers can connect to other train and bus services.
Wheelchair spots on a Toronto Rocket subway train have automatic folding seats.
A typical TTC bus stop pole.
The TTC head office, the William McBrien Building, near a subway maintenance area.
A designated waiting area (DWA) at Glencairn station. These areas are well-lit and monitored for safety.
Fare inspectors from the Transit Enforcement Unit checking tickets on a TTC streetcar.
Large screens in subway stations, like Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, show news and TTC updates.