How to ride the TTC

Riding the TTC is easy, convenient, and affordable. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you travel on the TTC.

Before you go

1. Plan your trip
   • Plan your trip using the Trip Planner on ttc.ca, or any transit app available on Google Play or the App Store.
   • Check the Service Advisories page before you leave to make sure your route is clear.
   • Sign up to receive real-time email notifications about service disruptions at MyTTC e-Services.

Paying your fare

1. Get a PRESTO card
   • Buy one for $4 from any TTC station, Shoppers Drug Mart, or online at prestocard.ca.
   • You can also load a virtual PRESTO card to your mobile wallet (the virtual PRESTO card is not available for children 12 and younger to load).
   • [insert image/illustration of PRESTO card]
2. Set up your PRESTO card
   • Change your fare type to youth (ages 13-19) or post-secondary student at the TTC Customer Service Centre or any Shoppers Drug Mart with ID.
   • Load your card with funds or a monthly pass at:
     • Shoppers Drug Mart
     • Fare Vending Machines at TTC stations
     • Online at prestocard.ca
     • Through the PRESTO app
3. Pay your fare
   • Tap your PRESTO, debit, credit card, or device on the reader when boarding a bus or streetcar on the street, or when entering a subway station.
   • An electronic transfer will be applied to your card, allowing unlimited travel within two hours of your first tap.
   • You can also deposit exact cash, TTC ticket or token into the Fares and Transfers Machine on streetcars and at subway stations.
   • For more information on paying your fare, visit Student fares, passes, and photo IDs.

Riding the bus and streetcar

1. Find your stop
   • You can board a bus or streetcar at a stop along the route on the street or at a subway station.
   • Find bus and streetcar stops along your route or at subway stations using any transit app, or checking the Routes and Schedules page online.
   • Note: Not all streetcars stop at all subway stations. Check the Routes and Schedules page for details. 
   • [image of stop number/stop pole card]
2. Board the bus or streetcar
   • Wait at the stop and make sure the Operator sees you.
   • Paying your fare:
     • On a bus: Tap your PRESTO, debit or credit card, or device, on a reader or deposit your cash, TTC ticket, or token into the fare box.
     • On a streetcar: Tap your card on the reader, or use the Fares and Transfers Machine in the middle of the car to deposit your cash fare or validate tickets.
   • If you pay with cash, ask the Operator for a paper transfer. This paper transfer is your Proof-of-Payment, which you might need to show to a TTC employee during your trip.

1. During your bus or streetcar ride
   • Find a seat or hold onto a handrail.
   • Keep your belongings close to you and out of the aisle.
   • For more travel tips, check out the Transit etiquette page.
2. Get off at your stop
   • Pull the yellow cord or press the red stop button when your stop is next.
   • Exit through the rear door if possible to avoid crowding at the front.

Riding the subway

The TTC has 75 subway stations across its network. You can find the station closest to you by visiting the Routes and Schedules page.

1. Entering the subway station
   • If you are entering a subway station from the street, tap your PRESTO, debit, credit card, or device on a fare gate reader, or deposit exact cash, a TTC ticket, or token into the fare box beside the Collector booth.
   • If you pay by cash, TTC ticket or token, get a paper transfer from the Transfers Machine. This ipaper transfer is your Proof-of-Payment, which you might need to show a TTC employee during your trip.
   • Follow the signs to your subway line and direction you are heading (e.g., northbound, southbound). 
   • [image of TTC subway wayfinding signage]
2. On the platform
   • Stand behind the yellow line while waiting for the train.
   • Let other passengers exit the train before you board.
   • If you drop something on the platform, do not go down to get it. Speak to a TTC employee for help.
3. During your train ride
   • Find a seat or hold onto a handrail.
   • Listen for station announcements and watch the digital display for upcoming stops.
   • Keep your belongings close to you and out of the way of other passengers.
   • For more travel tips, check out the Transit etiquette page.
4. Exiting the train
   • When your stop is next, make your way to the door.
   • Exit the train and follow signs to the station exit or to transfer to another subway line, bus or streetcar.

Priority Seating on TTC vehicles

1. What is Priority Seating?
   • Seats with blue fabric are for customers with disabilities, seniors, or pregnant persons.
   • These seats are near the entrance of accessible TTC vehicles.
   • [image of priority seating window decals]
2. Being considerate
   • Please leave these seats for those who need them.

Helpful tips to remember

• Stay behind the curb at bus and streetcar stops.
• Stay behind the yellow line on the subway platform.
• Never try to board or exit a vehicle when the doors are closing.
• Offer your seat to those who need it, such as people with disabilities, the elderly, or pregnant persons. Remember that not all disabilities are visible.
• If you are travelling in a group, keep noise to a minimum and use headphones when listening to music.
• Avoid blocking doors and aisles with your belongings.
• If you lose something on the TTC, visit the Lost Articles Office at Bay Station or call 416-393-4100.
• If you need help at a station, look for a TTC employee or use the Passenger Assistance Intercoms located at the Designated Waiting Area or at the entrance of subway stations.
• For more travel tips, visit the Student safety and Transit etiquette pages.

Enjoy your journey on the TTC! Whether you’re heading to school or exploring the city, the TTC is here to help you get there safely and easily.