Way, way, back, Torontoist reported that transit activists were busy organizing a transit forum in an attempt to promote civic engagement in public transit. You've probably been wondering, "what ever happened to that forum? Could Torontoist have misreported?" Well, we were a year off in our prediction as to when it was to happen, but it is happening: this Friday and Saturday join transit activists, politicians, and the staff of various transit providers to... [continue]

Sometimes life gets too complicated for simple ideas, but inevitably they rise up to our consciousness. Over a year ago, the TTC said that they were revamping ttc.ca. It's still not done yet, and one oft-repeated suggestion is the ability to select a bus or streetcar route off a list sorted by name along with the current number sorted list. Picking out your timetable on the TTC's current list of 361 selections can be... [continue]

If you were at one of the myriad events in the city this past weekend, you may have noticed, and perhaps even used, Toronto Water's utilitarian marketing campaign: an H2O to go trailer. Trailers usually tap into a water main to provide thirsty patrons access via fountains and taps. They can be found around the city at outdoor events, and if you're organizing your own event, you can request a free* H2O to go... [continue]

Would you rather have graffiti or ads on your subway cars? Photos: graffiti car: anonymous; wrapped car: neuroticjose... [continue]

Financial stability and the weather don't mix, according to CityTV. After returning from a four week holiday, Harold Hosein, the station's super popular long-time weatherman received a phone call telling him not to come into work. Harold says no reason for his departure was given, but CityTV are using the old "he wants to become a financial planner" excuse. Harold says he's not a financial planner, and besides, we can still hear his warm and... [continue]

2009 will bring the new TTC subway cars, which will run for up to 35 years after they're introduced. If you take two 45 minutes trips a day, and half of these trips are on the new cars, you'll end up spending 9,587 hours on these vehicles. With that in mind, it might be worth your while providing feedback, including your thoughts on the colour scheme, new features, and if you don't like the... [continue]

I thought the TTC's latest efforts to revamp their website looked interesting. Latest Update: Good news may come before noon on whether or not Toronto's favorite public transit commission will be up and running later this afternoon.... [continue]

54east, the half-art, half-BIAish, bus route inspired magazine recently released its Spring 2006 issue. The cover story, points of origin, profiles in a positive, hard working way, successful entrepreneurs whose businesses line the Wexford neighbourhood. The article includes photos of Ian Leventhal's murals of the same business owners. Fortunately, the subscribe button on the 54east website doesn't work, which means you'll have to go out and visit this free-from-gentrification-worry neighbourhood and pick yourself up... [continue]

Inspired by Spacing's subway buttons, icon wizard Grrliz created icons for TTC stations on lines that don't begin with the letter S.... [continue]

Those who attended the transit-themed Spacing magazine launch this past Tuesday may have noticed something not unlike Spacing's subway buttons floating around, except featuring Robot Johnny's anagrammed station names instead. These were the brainchild of Liz Clayton, who yesterday received cease and desist letters from lawyers at both Spacing and Robot Johnny. She has since approached ttcrider.ca to organize a protest against their bullying.... [continue]

Futons as Architecture II: The Impenetrable Fortress Submitted by: Liz Clayton... [continue]

This story is a few days old, but none the less, if Sidetrack Technologies/Sub Media get their way, the windows on the TTC's subway trains will effectively be turned into video screens displaying advertisements. As a train speeds through the tunnel, a technology born out of flip books will display lit up still pictures that when viewed at the proper speed look like video. The College to Dundas tunnel is the first slated to be... [continue]

The April TTC Metropass now costs an extra dollar, but it could end up being worth a lot more - depending on where you shop. Sierra Club and Car Free Day are launching MAP: Metropass Affinity Program tomorrow, to counteract the bad news fare hikes. Several stores around Toronto will now offer discounts to Metropass holders. There's also information on the MAP's website on how to encourage your local store to get on board.... [continue]

Despite the big money recently announced by the province for transit, and the current city council budget debates to stop the fare hike, taking the TTC is slated to cost you more beginning tomorrow: Adults Cash: $2.50 (current fare) --> $2.75 (new fare) Tickets / Tokens: $2.00 --> $2.10 Students / Seniors: Cash: $1.70 --> $1.85 Tickets / Tokens: $1.33 --> $1.40 Kids Cash: $0.60 --> $0.70 Tickets / Tokens: $0.45 --> $0.47 Day... [continue]

Lately there's been more and more attention paid to the TTC and it's conservative ways. It either doesn't embrace affection shown towards it (Spacing Subway Buttons, TTC Subway Rider Efficiency Guide), or outright rejects affection (TTC Anagram Map). But have things always been this way? A trip into the past reveals that they might have been worse: Hearsay: In 1986, the Shuffle Demons requested permission to film a video on a bus for their... [continue]

Wednesday, March 15th brings the launch of [murmur] at Hart House. [murmur] currently exists in several places, including Toronto's Kensington Market and along Spadina Avenue. It is an audio archival project made up of signs of big green ears. You call the number on the ear with your cell phone to hear a story that took place in the exact spot you're standing. Details: [murmur] at Hart House Launch March 15, 2006 at 6pm Debates... [continue]

Normally an $8 TTC day pass during the week will take one person as many trips as they can muster after 9:30am. But for March break, all this week (March 13th thru March 17th), the day pass will operate like a weekend day pass - and take up to 6 people (maximum 2 adults) all day long. Assuming you use tickets or tokens, you'll break even on a round-trip for two, and any travel... [continue]

Futon frame cannibalized for railing. Very international! Spotted on Coxwell Ave. Submitted by: Liz Clayton... [continue]

Forget war and poverty, a new cause worth fighting for has emerged: the upper echelons at the TTC have sent a cease and desist order to the creator of the miraculous A Warmer Soupy Butt anagram map for trademark violations. Grab your protest signs and subway tokens and meet at the TTC Davisville Headquarters to let them know the TTC belongs to the public. Well, maybe that's not warranted, but at least join the... [continue]

Over on the Transit Toronto forum, a transit fan uncovers an interesting quote from the January 5th, 1950 Toronto Star: "We will keep our stations very high-class, with no cheap advertising posted around or unsightly vending machines. This is our duty because these things don't add to the dignity of the station." - TTC Chairman William C. McBrien... [continue]