Mastering Toronto’s Transit TTC – A Newcomer’s Guide

Navigating a new city’s public transportation can be overwhelming, especially at busy intersections. Understanding the transit system is crucial for getting around efficiently. This guide will help you find the right bus stop and make your journey smoother. As an example, bus route 102 is taken as reference.

Finding Your Bus Stop

Check upcoming Buses

• Open Google Maps and zoom in on your location
• Tap the blue transit icon above street names (e.g., St Clair Ave East)
• View all upcoming buses for that stop.

Pro Tip: If transit icons are misplaced, check nearby icons.

Accurate Timing

• Google Maps may not be precise sometimes.
• For accurate timings, text the bus stop number to 898882

Choosing the Right Bus

Understanding Bus Types

Regular routes: Normal bus numbers (e.g., 24, 167, 169)

Express routes: Numbers starting with 9. (e.g., 985) They will stop only at major intersections. 

Night routes: Numbers starting with 3 (e.g., 385)

Important: Bus number 902 follows the same route as 102 but stops only at major intersections. If your destination is not at a major intersection, you may want to wait for 102 or 9 if the destination is in between.

Reading Bus Stop Information

Bus Stop Poles display all scheduled buses for that stop. It will Show route numbers and types (regular, express and night)

Next Vehicle Information

Each stop has a unique number.

Text this number (e.g., 7161) to 898882 for upcoming bus details for 7161 bus stop.

Boarding the Correct Bus

Check Bus Signs

Before boarding the bus, make sure to check the bus sign as there are multiple routes for several series of buses.

• Always verify the bus sign before boarding.

Example: Route 102 has four variations (102A to Centennial College, 102B to  Steeles, 102C to Steeles via Dynamic Drive, 102D to Major Mackenzie which requires extra fare if traveling north of Finch) from Warden station.

Navigating During Busy Hours

Finding Space

• Consider express routes during peak times.
• Check for the next bus if it’s arriving soon.

Get Real-Time Information

• View live waiting times on TV screens at subway stations.

Or check the stop number on the TTC website and text to 898882 for updates on multiple routes.

Happy exploring!

That’s it for the bus. You can checkout guide for TTC Subway and save time by staying on right platform.