A Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) passenger looks out from a subway train. Canva photo, Mabuhay Canada Media
If you’re accustomed to riding jeepneys in the Philippines, navigating the TTC’s subway system could be quite an adventure.
I remember well the terror of riding public transit in Toronto for the first time a few years ago as a 20-year-old Filipino immigrant brand new to Canada.
I was used to hopping onboard jeepneys in the Philippines, where the methods of payment, finding routes and transfers, and telling the driver to stop at your destination are so wildly different from the TTC’s (Toronto Transit Commission) subway, streetcar and bus system.
Here’s a handy comparison guide between jeepneys and the TTC.
How to pay for TTC
Jeepneys: Pass your fare to the person sitting next to you, and they will give your payment to the driver at the front of the jeepney. If change is owed, the driver calculates change, and hands it back to the rider behind him (while driving!).
Passengers are shown inside the jeepney, Philippines’ major mode of transportation. Handle bars are a necessity to prevent from falling as there are no seatbelts. Canva photo, Mabuhay Canada Media
TTC Subways/Streetcars/Buses: Purchase a $6 Presto Card at any Shoppers Drug Mart and at every subway station. Load the card with money upon purchase. Your fare will be deducted automatically when you tap your Presto card at the entrance of subway stations, streetcars and buses. Do not tap the card when you exit.
A Presto card is a handy way to pay for public transportation in Toronto, Canada. Photo by Yona M. Harvey, Mabuhay Canada Media
You may set your Presto card to autorenew for a monthly pass or automatically load funds through the Presto app or online. Cards are also pre-set for an adult fare, so if you’re purchasing as a youth, a post-secondary student or a senior, present proper identification at a Shoppers Drug Mart to have it set to the right pricing.
Kids ages 0-12 ride the TTC for free. A full listing of requirements for youth, student and senior rates can be found here.
How to find TTC Routes and Destinations
Jeepneys: Routes are displayed on the front of jeepneys, or check with the driver before boarding. You may also ask the passengers on the jeep–they’re almost always friendly and helpful.
A typical Philippine jeepney is shown with colourful art and signage. Canva photo, Mabuhay Canada Media
TTC Subways/Streetcars/Buses: Subway maps are found on billboards overhead on every subway train. The routes aren’t as complicated as other major cities like New York City, however, transferring from one subway line to another (for example, a westbound train to a southbound train at Bloor and Yonge station) needs a little more attention. Just watch for overhead signs to make sure you’re on the right platform.
A TTC subway train arrives at a station. Photo by Yona M. Harvey, Mabuhay Canada Media
As there are no barriers on subway platforms, make sure you stay behind the yellow lines closest to the train tracks. Wait for passengers to exit the doors before entering the trains.
