Beginnings and Endings: Toronto’s Streetcar Loops

Toronto streetcars are iconic and the city is investing more in its streetcar infrastructure. As these increasingly longer vehicles glide by, do you ever wonder how they turn around? Where they begin and where they end? Here’s as close to an answer as you’ll get.

Presto isn’t Magic – Yet

Presto is a plastic card that will replace cash, Metropasses, tickets and eventually tokens on the TTC. Sounds good but implementation troubles have meant delaying its launch. We look at the promise and problems of Presto.

Transit Geek in the City

Councillor Joe Mihevc’s dedication to the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is unwavering. Like a proud father, the self-described transit geek dotes over this growing colossal public service, which in 2021 will celebrate its 100th anniversary. His own father was a TTC mechanic.

St. Clair Streetcar is 100!

One hundred years ago St. Clair Avenue was Toronto’s northern city limit; a dirt road with few commercial or residential buildings. The first streetcar heralded the beginning of the neighbourhood’s development and the creation of the thriving and diverse community we enjoy today.

When the Barns Were a Workplace

The first of the Wychwood Carbarns was built in 1913. At the turn of the 20th century Toronto was growing rapidly and streetcars were essential to its expansion. Subsequently four more barns were added to serve ten TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) routes and house as many as 167 streetcars. Hundreds of workers were employed at the Wychwood site in its heyday.

STREETCARS: Visible History

A visit to New Orleans evokes reminders of the city’s rich streetcar history and prompts contemplation of the construction frenzy in Toronto that has demolished much of our urban history leaving us to suffer from antiquities envy.