The Toronto Transit Commission is the 3rd heaviest used transit system in North America after New York City and Mexico City. The TTC operates Rapid Transit, Streetcar and Bus Services in the City of Toronto and recently expanded (like most other transit systems) operating a door to door para-tranist service for disabled citizens.

Quick Facts:

Type: Public, Owned by the City of Toronto

Fleet Size: 1,851 Single Deck Low Floor Buses

Routes: 149 Bus Routes, serving alongside 248 Streetcars

Manufacturer and Powerplant: Despite Canada's lack of a major Domestic passenger vehicle manufactuer (As this sector is taken up by Ford and GM) Canada is well known for its heavy vehicle manufacturing industry of which the U.S. is a major customer. TTC uses buses domestically manufactured by New Flyer and Nova Bus. TTC also uses Orion Models jointly produced in Oriskany, New York and Mississauga, Ontario. Orion now defunct was an American subsidiary of Daimler AG. The majority of the fleet is Diesel-Hybrid.

Fare Collection: The contactless card payment system in Toronto is called Presto. The card is a realization of a common joint fare structure. It is valid in the Cities of Toronto, Hamilton and Ottawa. Various transit agencies spread out among these cities and areas utilize this card making its use convenient when traveling out of town. As Canada has two official languages, instructions regarding use are provided in English and French.

Livery: In true Canadian fashion, TTC buses and Streetcars are painted in Red and White livery.

Driving Dynamics: Despite being a large city, Toronto has a well developed transportation system which gives priority lanes to Streetcars and adequate alighting space for buses. The biggest problem which plauges the TTC appears to come from within. (some) TTC operators are routinely exposed violating traffic laws and having weak and poor customer service skills in the event of customer displeasure or emergency. The TTC has also been effected by eight workers strikes since 1952 most recently in 1999, 2006 and 2008. The Province of Ontario declared the TTC and "essential service" which now bars its employees from striking. This however I do not think reflects the service as a whole.