The city of Toronto has a lot to offer, and the easiest way to explore it is by taking the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) buses / subway / streetcar lines. Its distinctive red design makes it easy to spot throughout the city, for many, it is the central way of getting around from home to work everyday. This is precisely why the TTC is recognized as the second largest public transit system in North America. As a University of Toronto student, you are given special discounts to help explore the city at your convenience. The TTC routes cover a wide range of the city and work in conjunction with subway and streetcar routes. You can buy a discounted TTC monthly metropass from the SCSU, or you can find fare prices for single trips, tokens or weekly passes.
The TTC is directly connected to UTSC via three bus routes
- From York Mills Subway, take bus 95/ 95B/ 95E/ 95F
- From Scarborough Town Centre, take bus 38
- From Kennedy Subway, rush-hours only, take bus 116E
Take a look at the TTC Info sheet prepared by the ISC.
GO Transit is also a great way of travelling around Toronto and Ontario. It is the Canada’s first and Ontario’s only inter-regional public transportation service for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area of Southern Ontario, with service extending to Niagara Falls and Kitchener-Waterloo in the west; Orangeville, Barrie, and Beaverton in the north; Stouffville, Uxbridge, and Peterborough in the northeast; and Oshawa and Newcastle in the east. The GO Transit is a collection of bus and train routes that run parallel to TTC for easy switching between the two transit lines. GO transit is directly connected to UTSC through the east- and west-bound Route 51 – York University – Richmond Hill -Scarborough – Centennial College -U of T Scarborough – Pickering bus, and indirectly to the Rouge Hill train station via the TTC #38 bus. Fare and route information is available from the GO Transit website.
Car (Driving in Ontario)
International students are considered residents of Ontario for licensing purposes. If you have a valid license from another country or an international driver’s license, you may use this for up to 60 days, after which you must obtain an Ontario license. If you are bringing a car into Ontario, you must obtain Ontario license plates for it within 30 days of your arrival. You will also need appropriate insurance valid in Ontario. This can be fairly expensive. If you have any questions concerning new drivers, licensing and/or insurance, please call the Ministry of Transport Ontario Ontario at 1-800-268-4686.
Obtaining a driver’s licence in Ontario
Obtaining a full drivers license in Ontario is a multifaceted and lengthy process. You must be at least 16 years old to begin the drivers licensing process. First, you must pass the written G1 knowledge test as well as the vision test. In order to pass the G1 knowledge test, it is recommended that you read and study the Official Driver’s Handbook, issued by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. You also need to respond to medical questions. If the medical requirements are not met, no further licensing business may be conducted. If you meet the medical requirements and pass both tests, you will be issued a restrictive permit called the G1 level licence.
In order to progress to the less-restrictive G2 licence, a minimum period of 8-12 months must have passed after receiving your G1 licence, and you must pass a road test. After another year and a final successful highway road test, you will be issued a full G licence. For detailed information about driving in Ontario, please refer to the website of Ministry of Transport Ontario.
Exchanging an out-of country licence
You may be able to get credit towards the Ontario graduated driver’s licence with a driver’s licence from your home country and proof of your driving experience. For more information, visit the DriveTest website.
