How to ride the TTC

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.

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).
   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
2. 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.

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. 
   • 
   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.

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.

The TTC has 70 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 the platform.
   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.
2. 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.
3. 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.