Know before you go: Five TTC tips for a smoother trip

A large group of people wait on the sidewalk to board a 41 Keele Street TTC bus.

Every day, the TTC brings together people travelling for all kinds of reasons: commuters heading to work, students on their way to class, individuals running errands or attending appointments, concertgoers, visitors, and everyone in between. With so many people sharing the same buses, streetcars, subway trains and light rail transit (LRT) vehicles, a few small acts of courtesy can go a long way towards making the ride more enjoyable for everyone.

Here are five simple tips for a more comfortable trip.

1. Let customers off before you get on

Before boarding a bus, streetcar, train or LRT vehicle, allow customers to exit first. Waiting a few seconds, especially when it’s busy, helps everyone board and exit vehicles faster.

2. Be mindful of priority seating

Two blue patterned priority seats on a TTC light rail transit vehicle.

Seats with blue fabric on all vehicles are designated as priority seating for customers who need it most. Decals also indicate where priority seats are located, typically at the entrance of buses and streetcars.

Priority Seating decals with black and white icons showing seniors, individuals who use mobility or assistive devices and who are pregnant, and a blue and white wheelchair icon.

Offer your seat when you see someone who may need it, including seniors, individuals who use mobility or assistive devices, who are pregnant or with small children, and give up your seat when asked. It is also important to remember that not every need or disability is visible, and a simple gesture of kindness by offering a seat can make someone’s trip much more comfortable.

Learn more about priority seating on TTC vehicles.

3. Make space for everyone

People standing on a subway platform, including one person wearing a backpack, as a TTC subway train pulls into the station.

If you’re not getting off at the next stop, try not to block doorways and move toward the centre of the vehicle to make room for others. Keeping doorways and aisles clear makes it easier for customers to board and exit more quickly, helps customers using mobility devices navigate the vehicle safely, and creates more room for everyone during busy periods.

On crowded vehicles, backpacks take up more space when worn on your back and can bump into other customers. When space is at a premium, remove your backpack and hold it at your side or place it on the floor between your feet. If you’re carrying bags or other large items, avoid blocking the aisle with them by keeping them close to you.

Remember: Seats are for people, not backpacks, bags, or feet. Keep seats available for customers, especially when it's busy.

4. Use headphones

Respect our shared space by keeping conversations, whether in person or on the phone, at a reasonable volume, and listening to audio with headphones. This helps create a more comfortable environment for everyone on board.

5. Bringing your bike? Ride responsibly

A person wearing a helmet and holding a bicycle standing in front of a 91 Woodbine TTC bus.

Planning on riding your bike and the TTC? Use the bike rack on the front of the bus whenever possible, being sure to remove any loose items before you load your bike. If you’re bringing your bike on board a vehicle, travel during off-peak hours – before 6:30 a.m., between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., or after 7 p.m. on weekdays – or anytime on weekends and statutory holidays, if space is available.

Remember: E-bikes cannot be placed on bus bike racks. E-bikes and e-scooters are not permitted on TTC vehicles or property between November 15 to April 15.

Every trip on the TTC is a shared experience. By following these five simple tips, you’re helping make transit safer and more comfortable for everyone.