COVID-19: Staying safe on public transit
TTC travel tip 1:
Respect fellow riders
If you’re feeling unwell, stay home. Cough/sneeze into a tissue. We’re in this together.
TTC travel tip 2:
Face masks are strongly recommended while on the TTC
By following public guidelines, you protect yourself and other customers .
TTC travel tip 3:
Keep your hands clean
Sanitize your hands before and immediately after riding transit. You can find hand sanitizer dispensers at the main entrance of all TTC subway stations, inside the paid area. Dispensers are also being installed on streetcars, inside the vehicle near the middle door.
TTC travel tip 4:
Don't Rush
We’re monitoring service and adding more vehicles on the busiest routes, according to demand.
TTC travel tip 5:
Plan your trip
Plan your trip to allow for extra travel time, and try to travel off-peak hours. Check ahead for planned subway closures, and use alternate routes.
TTC travel tip :6
Stay informed
Stay on top of the latest COVID-19 information from Toronto Public Health and Public Health Ontario.
In addition to the tips outlined above, it’s also critical to continue to follow the safety and security measures already in place. The following provides you with changes we've made as we adapt to current conditions.
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Face masks
Masks that cover your nose, mouth and chin are strongly recommended when travelling on the TTC.
- Children under two years of age.
- Persons with an underlying medical condition which inhibits the ability to wear a mask.
- Persons who are unable to place or remove a mask without assistance.
- Additional accommodations in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code will also be considered.
The TTC will not be enforcing the use of masks. Customers who do not have a mask will still be permitted to board TTC vehicles. Not all medical or other conditions are visible.
*TTC By-law No. 1, s. 3.13(a)
This also applies to Operators when they are behind the protective barrier or in the cab.
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Travelling in a bus
- You must pay your fare by cash, TTC ticket, token or with a PRESTO card or PRESTO Ticket when you board the vehicle through the front door.
Windows on buses remain unlocked
TTC bus windows will remain unlocked in order to allow fresh air to enter the vehicle. These are tip-in windows that can be opened by customers for their comfort. Air conditioning and/or heating will continue to operate however it may be slightly less effective since windows may be opened.
Open windows on buses
The windows on our buses will be open for further ventilation. If you see a window that has been closed feel free to open it.
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Travelling in a streetcar
- You must pay your fare by cash, TTC ticket, token or with a PRESTO card or PRESTO Ticket when you board the streetcar.
- If you are paying by cash, TTC ticket or token, you can still use the Fares and Transfers Machines. If you are paying with a PRESTO card or PRESTO Ticket, you must tap your card or ticket on a reader when you board a vehicle.
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Travelling in a Wheel-Trans bus or contracted sedan taxi
- Customers must pay with a PRESTO card, PRESTO ticket, cash, TTC ticket or token.
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Entering a subway station
- You must pay your fare by cash, TTC ticket, token or with a PRESTO card or PRESTO Ticket when you enter the station.
- If you don't have a PRESTO card or PRESTO Ticket you can purchase one from the Fare Vending Machine at all stations.
- If you purchase a card, you can load it with money at these machines as well. All PRESTO cards are automatically set to deduct an adult fare, if you are a senior, youth, or post-secondary student, you must take your card to a Shoppers Drug Mart location, along with your government issued identification or TTC post-secondary photo card so that your PRESTO card can be reset to deduct your specific fare type.
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Follow advice from Toronto Public Health
Toronto Public Health recommends that we all continue to use the following infection prevention measures:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are ill
- Stay home when you are ill
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the garbage and wash your hands
- If you don't have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
- When possible, consider social distancing (ideally 2 metres).
- As soon as possible or when you reach your destination, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer.