History
TTC history is inseparable from the history of Toronto. Get the historic details on the TTC, how it was built and how it has grown since 1861.
3. Milestones
2017
- TTC wins APTA Transit System of the Year award.
- St Clair West becomes an accessible subway station.
- Woodbine becomes an accessible subway station.
- Coxwell becomes an accessible subway station.
- 2017 we introduced adult and senior TTC Monthly Passes on PRESTO.
- Downsview Station is renamed Sheppard West Station.
- The Line 1 subway extension between Sheppard West and Vaughan Metropolitan Centre stations opens.
- All six of the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension (TYSSE) stations are accessible: Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, Highway 407, Pioneer Village, York University, Finch West and Downsview Park.
2016
- TTC reaches record level of 538.1-million annual customer-trips.
- Subway service started at 8 a.m. on Sundays, one hour earlier than the traditional 9 a.m. Sunday start time.
- Main Street Station became the first station in the subway system to get modern, paddle-style gates when the main entrance was equipped with eight bi-directional fare gates, six of which were PRESTO-enabled.
- The new Leslie Barns streetcar facility officially opens.
- Toronto Rockets trains replaced T-1 trains in revenue service on Line 4 Sheppard.
- The first train with one crew member entered revenue service on Line 4 Sheppard, officially starting One-Person Train Operation (OPTO). With OPTO technology, Subway Operators drive the train and operate its doors from the lead cab, with a Subway Guard no longer be onboard.
- The entire TTC network is PRESTO ready, with at least one entrance at every subway station with PRESTO, and all buses, streetcars and Wheel-Trans buses.
- Ossington becomes an accessible subway station.
- At least one entrance of every subway station had PRESTO
- All buses, including Wheel-Trans and accessible taxis became PRESTO-enabled
2015
- TTC reaches record level of 537.6-million annual customer-trips.
- On Aug. 3, 2015, the TTC carried its 30 billionth customer – or four times the world’s population – since its inception in 1921.
- Proof of payment (POP) and all-door boarding went into effect on all 11 streetcar routes. TTC riders with POP could board any streetcar through any door.
- All streetcars became PRESTO-enabled.
2014
- Union Station second platform officially opens for service, doubling platform capacity at the station.
- The first, new accessible streetcars (#4400 and #4403) launched into revenue service on the 510 Spadina route.
- The TTC’s online store, shop.ttc.ca, was launched, selling vintage posters, route maps and other merchandise.
- A new Support Person Assistance Card was introduced.
- Blue priority seating introduced on the new articulated buses.
- TTC reaches record level of 535.0-million annual customer-trips.
- Dufferin becomes an accessible subway station.
- Lawrence West becomes an accessible subway station.
2013
- Five-Year Corporate Plan and Customer Charter introduced, outlining the TTC’s commitments to Toronto and to transit customers.
- TTC reaches record level of 525.2-million annual customer-trips.
- Pape becomes an accessible subway station.
2012
- TTC ridership reaches record level of 514.0-million annual customer-trips.
- St Andrew becomes an accessible subway station.
2011
- First “Toronto Rocket” accessible subway trains enter service.
- TTC ridership reaches record level of 500.2-million annual customer-trips.
- Victoria Park becomes an accessible subway station.
- All TTC bus routes are accessible.
- Last non-accessible buses retired from regular service.
2010
- TTC ridership reaches record level of 477.4-million annual customer-trips.
2009
- TTC ridership reaches record level of 471.2-million annual customer-trips.
- The Transit City Bus Plan, which recommends initiatives to improve bus service on key routes across Toronto, is approved by the Commission.
- North York Centre becomes an accessible subway station.
- York University busway opens from Downsview Station to York University.
- Presto fare card readers installed, at limited number of subway stations.
2008
- TTC ridership reaches record level of 466.7-million annual customer-trips.
- Service increased so that most bus and streetcar routes operate all day, every day.
- TTC service suspended during one-and-a-half-day strike.
- Adult tickets eliminated.
2007
- Osgoode, St Clair and York Mills become accessible subway stations.
- The Transit City Light Rail Plan, which recommends a network of new light rail lines throughout Toronto, is approved by the Commission.
2006
- Broadview Station and Jane Station become accessible subway stations.
- First production diesel-electric hybrid buses enter TTC service.
- TTC service suspended during one-day strike.
- CNG-fueled buses retired from service.
- Day Pass becomes valid for travel during Monday-Friday morning peak period.
2005
- Day Pass becomes valid for family or group travel on Saturdays.
- Transferable Weekly Pass is introduced. Adults do not require photo identification.
- Monthly Metropass becomes transferable. Adults no longer require photo identification.
- Eglinton West Station becomes an accessible subway station.
2004
- Eglinton Station and Main Street Station become accessible subway stations.
2003
- Articulated buses retired from service.
- The Ridership Growth Strategy, which recommends significant service improvements and fare initiatives, is approved by the Commission.
2002
- Davisville Station, Dundas Station, Dundas West Station, and Queen's Park Station become accessible subway stations.
- Sheppard Subway opens from Sheppard-Yonge Station to Don Mills Station. All five stations on the new subway – Sheppard-Yonge Station, Bayview Station, Bessarion Station, Leslie Station, and Don Mills Station – are accessible subway stations.
2000
- Scarborough Centre Station becomes an accessible subway station.
- Harbourfront streetcar extended west from Spadina & Queens Quay to Exhibition.
1999
- Bathurst Station, Finch Station, Kennedy Station, Kipling Station, and St George Station become accessible subway stations.
- TTC service suspended during two-day strike.
1998
- First low-floor full-sized accessible buses enter service.
- The amalgamated City of Toronto replaces Metro Toronto and six area municipalities.
1997
- Spadina streetcar opens between Spadina Station and Union Station.
- Queen Station and Spadina Station (Bloor-Danforth Subway) become accessible subway stations.
1996
- Spadina Subway extended north to Downsview Station.
- Downsview Station, Bloor-Yonge Station, and Union Station become the first accessible subway stations.
- First lift-equipped accessible buses enter service.
- First of 372 “T-1” accessible subway cars enter service.
1995
- Last PCC streetcars retired from regular service.
1994
- Unlimited-ride GTA weekly pass introduced, valid on TTC and other surrounding transit agencies.
1993
- Electric trolley coaches retired from service.
1992
- Free commuter parking introduced for Metropass customers.
1991
- TTC service suspended during 8-day strike.
1990
- Community bus service for seniors and people with disabilities introduced.
- Harbourfront streetcar opens between Union Station and Queens Quay & Spadina.
- Gray Coach Lines is sold.
- Last original red " Gloucester " subway cars retired from service.
- Day Pass replaces Sunday/Holiday Pass. Valid for one person from Monday to Saturday and for family or group travel on Sundays and holidays.
1989
- First CNG-fueled buses enter service.
- TTC service disrupted during 41-day labour dispute
1988
- First production Articulated Light Rail Vehicles (ALRV) enter service.
- TTC assumes full responsibility for Wheel-Trans operation.
- TTC ridership reaches record level of 463.5-million annual customer-trips.
- Gray Coach Lines purchases one-third interest in charter airline Vacationair. GCL stake is sold in 1989.
1987
- High-capacity 18m-long articulated buses enter service.
- North York Centre Station opens.
- Blue Night network of expanded overnight bus and streetcar routes is introduced.
1986
- Gray Coach Lines purchases intercity coach and school bus operator Trentway-Wagar Inc.
1985
- Scarborough RT opens between Kennedy Station and McCowan Station.
1980
- Unlimited-ride monthly Metropass introduced.
- Bloor-Danforth Subway extended west to Kipling Station and east to Kennedy Station.
1979
- First Canadian Light Rail Vehicles (CLRV) enter service.
1978
- Spadina Subway opens between St George Station and Wilson Station. University Subway re-opens during the late evenings and on Sundays.
- TTC service suspended during eight-day strike.
1975
- Exact cash fares introduced.
- Wheel-Trans established, operated by a private contractor using lift-equipped vans.
- TTC mini-bus service begins operation, on the Maple Leaf and Glenorchy routes. Regular buses replace mini-buses on Maple Leaf in 1978 and on Glenorchy in 1981.
- Women are employed as Operators for the first time since the Second World War.
1974
- Yonge Subway extended north to Finch Station.
- TTC service suspended during 23-day strike.
1973
- Yonge Subway extended north to York Mills Station.
- Zone fares eliminated on TTC services within Metro Toronto.
- Sunday/Holiday Pass is introduced, valid for family or group travel.
- GO Transit dial-a-bus service begins in North York, and operates until 1976. Service provided under contract by TTC using mini-buses.
1972
- Streetcar abandonment programme is canceled, and work begins to rebuild and retain the streetcar network.
1970
- Last year that fare revenues meet TTC operating expenses.
- Senior citizen fares introduced.
- TTC service suspended during 12-day strike.
- GO Transit regional bus service begins. Most service operated under contract by Gray Coach Lines, until 1989.
1969
- University Subway is closed and replaced by buses between Union Station and St George Station, during the late evenings and on Sundays.
1968
- Bloor-Danforth Subway extended west to Islington Station and east to Warden Station.
1966
- Streetcar abandonment programme is approved; all streetcars are expected to be replaced by buses by 1980.
- Bloor-Danforth Subway opens between Keele Station and Woodbine Station.
1963
- Last Peter Witt streetcars retired from regular service.
1963
- University Subway opens between Union Station and St George Station.
1962
- First 23-metre-long Canadian-designed aluminium-bodied subway cars enter service.
1961
- The Metro Toronto parks department takes over all Toronto Island ferry service.
1955
- First TTC commuter parking lot opens, at St Clair Station.
1954
- Toronto Transportation Commission is renamed Toronto Transit Commission.
- Yonge Subway opens between Union Station and Eglinton Station.
- TTC becomes the sole provider of public transit in Metro Toronto, and takes over operation of the bus routes operated by the privately-owned Danforth Bus Lines, Hollinger Bus Lines, Roseland Bus Lines, and West York Coach Lines.
- TTC takes over winter ferry service to the Toronto Islands from Metro Toronto.
1953
- The Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto is created.
- Tokens are introduced, for payment of adult fares.
1952
- TTC service suspended during 19-day strike.
1948
- North Yonge Railways radial railway service to Richmond Hill is replaced by buses.
1947
- Electric trolley coaches re-introduced.
1939 to 1945
- TTC contributes to the Second World War effort. Record numbers of passengers are carried.
- Women are employed for the first time as drivers, conductors, and in maintenance positions.
1938
- First of 745 Presidents' Conference Committee ("PCC" or "Red Rocket") streetcars enter service.
1937
- First diesel-electric hybrid coaches enter Gray Coach Lines service.
1936
- Radial railway service to Scarborough is replaced by buses.
1935
- Radial railway service to Port Credit is replaced by buses.
1933
- White poles with red bands at top and bottom introduced as marker for TTC streetcar and bus stops.
1931
- Gray Coach Lines intercity coach terminal opens at Bay Street and Dundas Street.
1930
- TTC operates, under contract, the municipally-owned North Yonge Railways radial railway line to Richmond Hill.
1930
- Radial railway service to Lake Simcoe is replaced by buses.
1927
- The City purchases the Toronto Islands ferry operation from the privately-owned Toronto Ferry Company. TTC operates ferry service to the Toronto Islands during the spring, summer, and fall, and the City operates winter service.
- TTC operates, under contract, the municipally-owned York Township Railways streetcar routes.
- TTC takes over the City-owned Hydro Electric Railways – Toronto & York Division interurban radial railway lines outside the City of Toronto to Port Credit, Lake Simcoe, and Scarborough.
- Gray Coach Lines, the TTC's intercity bus operation, is incorporated.
1923
- TTC takes over the Canadian National Railways -owned Toronto Suburban Railway Company local streetcar routes.
- First gasoline-electric hybrid bus enters service, and is used until 1926.
1922
- First electric trolley coaches enter service, and are used until 1925.
- TTC takes over the City-owned Toronto & York Radial Railway local streetcar route on Yonge Street.
1921
- Toronto Transportation Commission begins operation, taking over the operations of the Toronto Railway Company, the Toronto Civic Railway, and parts of the City-owned Toronto & York Radial Railway. Nine separate fare systems were replaced by one TTC fare system.
- First of 575 new "Peter Witt" streetcars enter service. A multi-year project begins to rebuild worn out streetcar track and other facilities.
- First motor buses are introduced.
1920
- Toronto Transportation Commission is established, and begins planning for municipal operation of transit service after the expiry of the Toronto Railway Company's 30-year franchise.
1912
- Toronto Civic Railway, a City department, begins operation of several new streetcar routes in developing areas of Toronto.
1894
- Last horse-drawn streetcar is withdrawn.
1892
- First electric streetcar in Toronto is operated, on Church Street. Conversion of the entire system to electric operation begins.
1891
- Transit service is briefly operated by the City before a new 30-year franchise is granted, to the privately-owned Toronto Railway Company.
1861
- The privately-owned Toronto Street Railway Company is granted a 30-year franchise by the City of Toronto to operate public transit. Horse-drawn streetcars provide the service in the summer, and horse-drawn sleighs are used in the winter.
TTC Official Opening Dates
| Opening | Date |
| Yonge Subway (Union Station to Eglinton Station) | March 30, 1954 |
| University Subway (Union Station to St George Station) | February 28, 1963 |
| Bloor-Danforth Subway (Keele Station to Woodbine Station) | February 25, 1966 |
| Bloor-Danforth Subway extensions to Islington Station and Warden Station | May 10, 1968 |
| Yonge Subway extension to York Mills Station | March 30, 1973 |
| Yonge Subway extension to Finch Station | March 29, 1974 |
| Spadina Subway (St George Station to Wilson Station) | January 27, 1978 |
| Bloor-Danforth Subway extensions to Kipling Station and Kennedy Station | November 21, 1980 |
| Scarborough RT (Kennedy Station to McCowan Station) | March 22, 1985 |
| North York Centre Station | June 18, 1987 |
| Harbourfront streetcar (Union Station to Queens Quay & Spadina) | June 22, 1990 |
| Spadina Subway extension to Downsview Station | March 31, 1996 |
| Spadina streetcar (Spadina Station to Union Station) | July 27, 1997 |
| Harbourfront streetcar extension to Exhibition | July 21, 2000 |
| Sheppard Subway (Sheppard-Yonge Station to Don Mills Station) | November 22, 2002 |
| York University busway (Downsview Station to York University) | November 20, 2009 |
| Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension (Downsview Park to Vaughan Metropolitan Centre) | December 15, 2017 |