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Toronto Transit Commission: Since 1921

Published: January 24, 2025

By: Adam Burns

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is one of Canada’s oldest and most extensive public transit systems. From its inception in the early 20th century to its current status as a vital transportation network, the TTC has played a critical role in shaping Toronto's urban landscape and connecting its diverse communities.

It operates most of the city's bus and rail services. As the oldest and largest transit agency in the Greater Toronto Area, it also offers various connections to neighboring municipal transit systems.

Originally established in 1921 as the Toronto Transportation Commission, the TTC manages three rapid transit lines that encompass 70 stations, over 150 bus routes, and 9 streetcar lines.

By 2023, it recorded a ridership of 736,712,000, averaging about 2,449,800 weekday riders as of the third quarter of 2024. Notably, the TTC is the most utilized urban mass transit system in Canada.

While never a true interurban operation, TTC is included here due to its historical significance as part of North America's streetcar history.

This article delves into the expansive history of the TTC and sheds light on its present-day operations, underscoring its impact on the city of Toronto.

Historical Background

Toronto Transit PCC #4630 and other cars are stopped at Bathurst Street in Toronto on September 8, 1965. Roger Puta photo.

History

The Early Years (1861-1920)

The roots of public transit in Toronto date back to 1849 although it wasn't until the Toronto Street Railway Company began service on September 11, 1861 (from Yorkville Town Hall via Yonge and King Streets to the St. Lawrence Market) via horse-drawn streetcars along fixed routes did the city achieve a reliable transportation.

By the late 19th century, with Toronto's population expanding, the city saw the need for a more robust transit system, prompting the introduction of electric streetcars by the Toronto Railway Company (TRC) in 1892.

In the 20th century, several private and municipal operations ran concurrently, leading to fragmented services and varying standards across different routes. The inefficiencies and challenges faced by these operators led to the demand for a single, cohesive transit authority.

Formation of the TTC (1921)

The modern Toronto Transit Commission was officially formed in 1921 as a public corporation governed by the city. The TTC's creation marked a significant shift towards coordinated transit planning, integrating various standalone operations under one umbrella. One of its first major achievements was the consolidation and expansion of the streetcar networks throughout the city, giving citizens reliable access to different neighborhoods.

At that time, streetcars were the mainstay. Then in 1954, things shifted up a gear: the TTC got its current name, opened the inaugural subway line, and extended its reach to encompass the newly created Metropolitan Toronto—what we now know as the City of Toronto.

Toronto Transit PCC #4475 turns from Roncesvalles Avenue onto Queensway on July 4, 1966. Roger Puta photo.

Expansion and Modernization (1930s-1960s)

Throughout the 20th century, the TTC continually evolved to meet the changing demands of Toronto’s rapidly growing population. The post-World War II era, particularly the 1950s and 1960s, was a period of territorial and infrastructural expansion. The TTC launched its first subway line in 1954, connecting Union Station and Eglinton Avenue, marking the beginning of a modern, rapid transit era in Toronto.

The expansion of the subway network during the 1960s, including the opening of the Bloor-Danforth Line in 1966, facilitated greater transit access across the city, serving as a catalyst for urban development.

Challenges and Developments (1970s-1990s)

The latter part of the century was characterized by both challenges and achievements. Rising operational costs, increasing road congestion, and the financial constraints of maintaining extensive infrastructure demanded pragmatic solutions. This led to the introduction of the Transit City Light Rail Plans in an attempt to connect outer suburban areas with the city through dedicated light rail lines.

Present-Day Operations

Diverse Transit Modes

Today, the TTC is a vast multimodal network comprising subways, streetcars, and buses, alongside specialized services for individuals with disabilities. This comprehensive network serves approximately 525 million riders annually (pre-COVID figures), making it the third most heavily used urban mass transit system in North America.

- Subways: Spanning four main lines—Yonge-University, Bloor-Danforth, Scarborough RT (recently closed with plans for replacement by Line 2 extension), and the Sheppard Line—the subway system is the backbone of the TTC, facilitating high-capacity, high-frequency transit in the city.

- Streetcars: The streetcar network, a historical mainstay of Toronto transit, remains integral, comprising 11 routes and offering quintessentially Toronto views as it weaves through downtown corridors.

- Buses: With over 140 routes, TTC buses support gap-filling and feeder services, operating in nearly every neighborhood throughout Toronto and reaching areas not served by the fixed-track network.

Other Transportation Modes

Beyond buses, streetcars, and the subway, the TTC also managed the Toronto Island ferry service from 1927 to 1962, before it transitioned to Metro Parks and Culture (or today's Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation).

The TTC also oversaw Gray Coach Lines, a regional intercity bus service that operated from 1927 until 1990, linking Toronto with southern Ontario destinations and offering tours alongside Gray Line Tours. Their central terminal was on Elizabeth Street, just north of Dundas Street downtown.

Moving forward to 1954, Gray Coach further expanded by absorbing suburban routes from smaller bus operators that hadn’t merged with the TTC. However, by the 1980s, competition heightened, prompting the TTC to sell Gray Coach in 1990 to Stagecoach Holdings. This later resulted in splitting operations between Greyhound Canada and the Ontario government.

The Impact of Technology

Recent advancements have seen the TTC embrace technology to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience. The introduction of Presto fare cards has streamlined payment processes, integrating TTC services with regional transit systems. Real-time vehicle tracking through apps and digital displays provides passengers with updates, reflecting the TTC’s shift towards a more commuter-friendly approach.

Challenges and Future Directions

In the face of ongoing urbanization, the TTC continues to grapple with challenges such as congestion, aging infrastructure, and a need for sustainable practices. Galvanizing funding for maintenance and expansion while advocating for environmentally friendly transit solutions are pivotal in shaping the future operations of the TTC.

The transit authority is currently investing in significant projects to enhance its service delivery. Key initiatives include the expansion of the Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (LRT) and the proposed Ontario Line, which reflect ongoing efforts to expand connectivity and address capacity issues.

Over the years, the network has transformed with the subway lines at its core. Notably, on February 17, 2008, the TTC rolled out numerous service enhancements, reversing years of cutbacks and modest tweaks

Slogans

The catchy slogan "Ride the Rocket" traces back to the scarlet-hued G-series trains that whisked passengers from 1954 to 1990. Those initial Gloucester subway cars, affectionately dubbed "red rockets" thanks to their striking red paint, have since been retired.

Today’s T-series trains carry on the red theme inside, with "Ride the Rocket" still capturing the essence of the TTC in ads, express bus names, and even the latest "Toronto Rocket" subway cars, which hit the tracks on July 21, 2011. Another familiar phrase? "The Better Way."

Toronto Transit PCC #4695 is at Howard Park on Roncesvalles Avenue in Toronto on July 2, 1966. Roger Puta photo.

Overview

The Toronto Transit Commission has come a long way since its humble beginnings. Today, the TTC not only represents a critical aspect of Toronto’s infrastructure but also embodies the identity of the city—a bustling metropolis that thrives on connectivity and diversity.

As the TTC continues to evolve to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, it remains an indelible part of Toronto’s story, committed to providing efficient, reliable, and inclusive transit services for all.