…. like the TTC.
TTC stands for Toronto Transit Commission. It’s our Metro system. And it sucks and sucks and sucks. Now don’t get me wrong, I’d totally rather be on the subway than driving but c’mon Toronto – we’re supposed to be a world class city. Obviously the NYC system is amazing. I was particularity impressed by the Chicago transit system – the subway goes right to the airport. Geez what a novel idea 
(detect sarcasm).
But there is one street car line by my house that makes me rage more than any other. The one I use to have to take to work everyday at my old job.
(picture from The Great Balancing Act)
Last night, I had to work at one of my stores that would make me get on THAT streetcar. I just couldn’t bring myself to do it.
So how do you solve a problem like the TTC? Jason Bourne! (That’s my bike.)
Now I couldn’t ride my bike the entire way to work, it was way too far (and hot out). But I did ride it across town so that I could skip the streetcar. Et voila – considerably less rage!
How would you rate the transit system in your city?
I don’t have one but the one in Boston isn’t too bad. My favorite was the Metro in DC. SO clean!!
clean?!?!? I didn’t know that was possible in a transit system hahaha
I agree with you on using your bike. I have been trying all week to find a route from my place to work and there is just no way… I am frustrated with TTC to a point where I hate going in to work! Good thing I love my job
Ha! I had to laugh when I saw this because in many other circle…TTC means something else. Trying To Conceive. It’s a big one on message boards.
I don’t think that streetcar is so bad actually! It’s our bus that makes me bonkers. I’ve been using my bike as my main source of transportation lately – I feel better for skipping the rage, for working out and for saving money AND for being nice to Mama Nature.
Booyah!
PS: My bike is Stella. She says Jason is cute.
Okay true that bus is horrible, I dot even attempt it – it helps with the rage!
I hate public transit. Hate it.
I think our system downtown is probably ok. Its not AWFUL at least, but I dont really use it. I would assume if you live in the actual city, a car wouldnt be necessary, but where I am it absolutely is. I will never understand how people out here get around using only the bus. Its crazy.
We don’t have one, the city’s pretty small but if I’m given the option I’d definitely rather jump on my bike then drive or take the bus! Btw just wanted to say how much I love your blog, I’ve been reading for a while and you always inspire me to do my workouts when I’m not really feeling them
. Now that I have my own blog I thought I’d say hi!
Hey Sophie – wow thanks for the compliment! I’ll be sure to head over to your blog later (on my phone right now) and welcome to the bloggers club
Wow, I think that’s the first time I’ve heard someone say that NYC’s transit system is amazing! Haha. I haaaaate it more than life itself. I don’t think efficient=waiting 7 minutes for a train. Chicago’s is definitely awesome, you’re right, and I agree with a previous commenter that DC (my home come next month) is great. Clean indeed.
I guess I’m particularly cynical regarding North American transit because I spend a while in Eastern Europe and though Communism may not be the smartest economic system, boy, did they get their metros/public transit built and functioning like butta! Not only are they clean, but a train comes every TWO MINUTES or less at all stops. The commuter trains to suburbs are cheap (>$8 for a 2.5 hour trip!) and clean, and long distance trains- psh! let’s not even go there. You can get a bed on an overnight train from St Petersburg to Moscow for under $70. WHY CAN’T WE MAKE THIS WORK?!
- end of rant -
Kudos to you for ditching public transport and getting around on your bike!
No I definitely don’t call 7 minutes efficient! But what I appreciate about NYC is that there are so many lines – in Toronto – there’s basically 2! Not joking. And yes I hear that European cities have awesome transit.
Oh the TTC, one of the things i DO NOT miss about living in Toronto
You are a smart girl bringing out the bike even in this hot weater!
Lol that you named your bike, it does look like a jason
Ps: the transit system in europe is amazing – the majority all have lines to the airport!!!
I totally suffered from TTC rage while in Toronto. Funny, because I’m a very easy going driver. But put me on a crowded, delayed streetcar surrounded by a bunch of mean idiots and I lose it. My old roommate actually hated the Queen car so much that she biked to work every day even through the winter. Like, even on the -20C days. I think that says a lot!!
P.S. My sister Jane actually took that photo, I probably should have given her credit on my blog
As I live in a small village, our transportation system is pretty much non-existent. There’s one bus line that goes to the next small town three (!) times a day, and it takes about 60 minutes. The same distance by car takes less than 30 minutes. It’s ridiculous!
I hope that one day I will live in a place that has at least some kind of public transportation.
I live in Dallas Texas and our transit system is still what you would call in its development stage. A couple of years ago any type of transportation was pretty much non existant in old Texas but we are woking on it. If you live more than 5 miles away from down town you’re pretty much out of luck! I feel your frustration!
So random you posted on this because just yesterday Shane and I were discussing the silliness of our transit. I remember when I looked up the bus route to see if I could take it to work….entirely highway from my house to work so I thought it might work.
Not so much. I learned it would take me two and a half hours with two miles of walking and six miles of biking. Not cool, not cool at all.
we’re like twelve minutes from downtown, straight shot, all highway and it would take an hour and a half on the bus because it goes from South of downtown to North of downtown before actually going to downtown. LAME.
Negative 32. That’s my TTC rating.
Hey! Just found your blog – love finding fellow Canadians (and Ontarians) out here!
The Ottawa transit system stinks – its only buses, and one train system (that doesn’t run downtown). Many of my TO friends complain about the TTC too! Gah!