I'm Staying in Toronto. Here's Why.

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Ever wondered why your city's transit just doesn't seem quite up to snuff? RMTransit is here to answer that, and help you open your eyes to all of the different public transportation systems around the world!
Reece Martin (the RM in RMTransit) is an urbanist and public transport critic residing in Toronto, Canada, with the goal of helping the world become more connected through metros, trams, buses, high-speed trains, and all other transport modes.

[@williamdixon4936]

I want to encourage all the Toronto viewers to look up the candidates in your ward for the municipal election coming up. I noticed in my ward, the incumbent counsellor is very car centric and the most popular opponent is campaigning on upgraded transit and bike share. Even if I don't swing the vote, I think city officials notice when candidates get more support than expected, and take seriously the issues that garnered support.

[@neckenwiler]

Yes!

[@Mineathon]

Will do

[@dukenukem191]

A vote is a vote, atleast your voice was heard

[@matthewbugeya1401]

I really love this view! I'll encourage even my car centric friends to do so.

[@thecadeaujournals3980]

Excellent point.

[@goromir7093]

Well, almost every urban planner inluencer that i follow is from Canada, it was a matter of time since cities started to improve. I think the awareness everyone of you is bringing to people is part of why things are getting better. I'm not from north america actually, i live in Italy but it's good these topics have the attention they deserve, so we realize how lucky we are and also how we are going in the right direction here in europe improving our public transit and livability in our cities

[@RMTransit]

Nice to hear :)

[@bigshotaviation8570]

Not just bikes is from America. Alan fisher is from America. City nerd is from america etc. It’s not just Canada, it’s North America as a whole.

[@SemiDoge]

@@bigshotaviation8570 NJB is from London "Fake London", Ontario. I'm not sure where you got that from.

[@bigshotaviation8570]

@@SemiDoge he did live in teenage years in the states.

[@ciso]

@@SemiDoge But Fake London is in America. I dont see whats wrong about what the are saying.

[@NotJustBikes]

Great video, Reece! I've said many times before that one of the biggest reasons I hate Toronto is because it shows so much potential, but never seems to get there. There are lots of grandiose plans, but they always end up cancelled or implemented in such a half-assed fashion that they don't perform well. I will not be moving back to Toronto (that ship has sailed), but it does look like some of these major projects in Toronto might actually happen, and if so, that will be a _huge_ turning point for the city. I am particularly impressed at just how extensive and pervasive Bike Share is these days, and the GO electrification is an absolute game-changer. Fingers crossed that Toronto might actually start living up to its potential, and if so, it could easily be the best city in North America. And if/when that happens, nobody will be happier about it than me.

[@RMTransit]

Haha, unfortunately the future of Fake London is less certain! (At least the trains will get a lot nicer!)

[@lucky247365]

Isn't it already one of, if not, the best city in North America? It seems to always be ranking super high on prominent global livability indexes.

[@therealdutchidiot]

@@lucky247365 That doesn't actually mean it's any good, you know. That's like saying "McDonalds pays workers better than others in North America" while in other countries they actually pay a living wage.

[@RMTransit]

@@therealdutchidiot global livability is global!

[@bobbbxxx]

If that is one of the biggest reasons, what are the other reasons you hate Toronto?

[@Wrswest]

I've always called the TTC "The worst actually good transit system", which is to say that it frustrates me endlessly and yet it's reliable enough at the same time that I could still use it on a regular basis and, on average, have no worries about being able to actually get to places.

[@lemonade4181]

People complain about it a lot but still use it all the time.

[@nanaokyere7141]

Lolol this is the comment I was looking for. On good days the TTC is top tier. On its bad days the TTC gets reckless and just sends ppl out to shuttle busses without warning or you end up being stuck on the train in the tunnel for a few minutes. It's crazy.

[@nanaokyere7141]

@@lemonade4181 Because we rely on it heavily and most ppl don't drive. Also Uber/Lyft ain't cheap.

[@Chydova]

@@lemonade4181 because there is no other affordable transportation lol!

[@Wrswest]

@@amyl.9477 If you aren't aware, not all TTC routes are frequent service! While all rail transit is (in theory) frequent service (10 minutes or less), TTC buses are only frequent on busier routes - if you take the 40A to get to work as I used to, that's something you have to account for. Now, that said, I've been screwed by buses being late on frequent service routes before, but I've never generally lost more than 15 minutes to that, and I used it basically daily through four years of high school, because it's the TTC, and the TTC is the worst (out of a selection transit systems that aren't actually terrible).

[@WilliamChan]

For all its flaws, Toronto is a lovely place to call home. In particular, the food options (while sometimes pricey) are world-class. Thanks for pointing out the positives despite most people focusing on the negatives!

[@WilliamChan]

@@jandron94 Where did I say I don't?

[@peskypigeonx]

@@jandron94 You know there are local traditions across big cities too, right?

[@jtsholtod.79]

@@jandron94 I think it's fair to say that "food" encompasses a broad array of options, from restaurants to grocery stores and markets. Living in a place that provides access to diverse ingredients to prepare one's own food was part of the point. But, don't dismiss the fact that diverse restaurant options are very attractive for the travel industry. This is a massive part of Toronto's economy, injecting billions into the local economy and supporting nearly one hundred thousand local jobs.

[@WilliamChan]

@@jandron94 Still doesn't imply that I don't cook my own food too. And I just meant that people from around the world call Toronto home and they bring their own food and culture here to share. I get you weren't trying to be negative, but at the very least, your follow up comment should have been your first comment. Hope you enjoy the city if you visit, or even if you do live here

[@rivengle]

@@jandron94 Helps that Canada doesn’t have a strong unified historical food culture besides poutine, which in itself is a humble dish.

[@sharktobear]

I love Toronto and couldn't really imagine leaving, but I wish Toronto loved me back. It's so frustrating trying to settle down in a place that is so totally unaffordable.

[@michaelrmurphy2734]

Sounds like you are in an abusive relationship!

[@torink8229]

This is exactly the words my friend said the other day.

[@ChispyReddit]

Trudeau recently said the status quo isn't working, so hopefully something will be done about affordibility soon. It's stupidly unfair right now. It's as if inequality has been hyper engineered.

[@torink8229]

@@ChispyReddit Me too, although frankly I do not trust politicians these days in Ontario. I think though with enough pressure, housing will be built.

[@cdb5001]

@@ChispyReddit you mean Trudeau who has been in charge for 7 years? Please tell me what he will be rolling out that he couldn't have done already?

[@kaicandoit]

I'm an architectural designer from Boston, and I do look forward to the day I can move to Toronto. The city is absolutely beautiful, and there's just so much opportunities to grow there. I've been a couple times and I cannot wait to visit again in the near future. I'm not giving up on US cities, but I'm also not entirely hopeful they can pull forward in time enough to make major necessary changes.

[@RMTransit]

Do it! Move on up!

[@Kyle_Fall]

What do you think is wrong with most US cities?

[@nanaokyere7141]

@@Kyle_Fall The US urban sprawl never stopped spreading like it did in some parts of Canada. In Toronto for example we created the green belt act, where our sprawl could only go a certain amount until it wasn't allowed to without destroying farmlands and forests. So now in the GTA were starting to see a lot of satellite cities with their own mini downtowns popping up throughout the GTA. This is also being fueled by our subway expansion into our suburbs for the first time. So now ppl living close to these stations won't need to drive as much or be stuck in traffic because they could just take the train straight to work in Toronto. And it also cuts their commute times in half. All of these factors is what's making this region grow at such a rapid pace. All of the transit construction now is and will be VERY painful but it's for our long term gains.

[@kaicandoit]

@@Kyle_Fall A lot of my problems lies on the state taking their concerns seriously. US States for the most part, despite giving most of their attention to their population centers, actually often disregard cities very serious concerns. When it comes to housing, climate change or transportation infrastructure, the city only has so much money to make advances before having to go to the state. Often these issues are meant to be a-political ones, that aim to better help the people, but because of American politics today something as easy as implementing a bike lane is considered a political stance between the left and the right. Its no secret one party doesn't believe in climate change, and the other party isn't exactly doing enough to take it seriously. Many US cities are at high risk/or are experiencing flooding, infrastructure failure, growing inequality, spiraling rent prices, corporate family housing buyouts, suburban sprawl, and lack of transportation access. Even my city of Boston, despite how loud they talk about their plan to prevent rising sea levels, talk more than they take action without giving a sense of urgency to the residents who will be affected. Granted, they are not entirely to blame, as they have a cohesive plan outlined (which is arguably one of the best in the country---Climate Ready Boston 2030), and they do need funding from the state and federal level in order to achieve their goals. Until then, a lot of cities are just sitting ducks until the government continues its reactionary response to issues, as opposed to being more foresighted. New York's Hudson tunnel is a great example of the political turmoil that tainted an infrastructure project that is direly needed for the northeast corridor.

[@bigshotaviation8570]

@@nanaokyere7141 NYC has similar rules. Litterly every other city in Canada is sprawled.

[@aerob1033]

Toronto is in an interesting position in that it's the only really huge city in the US & Canada where the population is growing rapidly, the urban density in central neighborhoods is growing rapidly, and the transit is being expanded rapidly. Toronto is well on its way to becoming a "megacity"; the existing megacities within the US & Canada are pretty much just New York, Chicago, and LA and none of them are growing much (if at all). Dallas and Houston are in roughly the same weight class as Toronto in terms of population, and they're growing quickly, but their growth is largely being driven by suburban sprawl and supported primarily by highway building, and transit growth in those cities is anemic.

[@alexhaowenwong6122]

Seattle is also growing very fast especially in the urban core. It's a mini Toronto.

[@aerob1033]

@@alexhaowenwong6122 Yeah, Seattle would be the closest contender. Not anywhere close to the same population though; if you just look at the metro area population it doesn't look *that* far off, but if you look at the CSA (combined statistical area) and compare it to the "Golden Horseshoe" it's literally like half the population of the urban agglomeration that is the larger Toronto area.

[@tyjoseph7343]

Very true, in fact, Toronto and Montreal’s metro areas were some of the few major North American megalopolises to grow over the past 3 years. The energy is vibrant, dynamic and the city feeds off that. It’s beautiful seeing so many ideas and cultures convalesce into a thriving city that never stops working to make things better, even if it means never knowing how exceptionally lucky they are.

[@jamesnotfound]

The only city in North America that’s growing? That’s completely wrong-Seattle, Boston, DC, Mexico City, Monterrey, Vancouver are all growing rapidly and they’re growing in the same sense the GTA is-around transit and high density corridors. Yes, Toronto’s growth is moving at a rapid pace but it’s not unique among major North American cities for that.

[@aerob1033]

@@jamesnotfound I didn't say it was the only city in North America that's growing, I said it's the only "really huge" city in the "US & Canada" that's growing fast; by which I meant a region that is starting to approach the megacity category. (The Golden Horseshoe is nearing 10 million population.) Obviously those are some a kinda-vague qualifiers, but they exclude the places you mentioned. But yeah, gotta give credit to Mexico City for consistently having massive population growth and being the biggest city on the continent and actually building housing and public transportation and and (on the list goes)... if only we had their culture/approach to city planning in the Anglosphere.

[@jacoobaloo]

I feel like the longer you stay in a city, the more you get annoyed with all of its flaws, but I'm glad to see you paused for a second and thought about all the things you love about Toronto!

[@RMTransit]

I try my best to remain objective :)

[@harrisonthorburn7415]

It's great to hear you're staying. I'm an ex-GTAer and every time I go to visit my family, I notice how much better the transit system and urban re-development is making the city and region more livable. Southern Ontario has plenty of problems, but I think it's by far one of the best places in North America to call home.

[@Kublai_jesus]

My buddy is working on the Portlands project and it truly is one of the most promising aspects of Toronto in the near future. Looking forward to it.

[@AlexGetsAroundTO]

Really glad you're staying here, I'm an avid viewer of your channel (and I make my own vids) and I always say, the future of transit in Toronto is really bright. Being born and raised here, I can not wait to see what the future has in store for TTC and Metrolinx as it's going to shape the GTA region constantly with urban planning and the need for convenient and accessible transit . Good job Reece.

[@WebVid]

Reece, when I saw the title of your video I was overjoyed. Watching the video just galvanized that feeling. Thank you for staying around to provide us with so much insight - both on the things that concern you, as well as the things that please you. There is so much to be excited about for the green/transit enthusiast here.

[@RMTransit]

Thanks for watching!

[@Demonetised_]

You have been one of my inspirations to move to toronto and now I finally have. I feel so much more comfortable than the suburb I grew up in with how walkable it is and how much transit development is going on.

[@katbryce]

It is good that the bike sharing system is based on docking stations. Some cities have tried bike sharing systems that don't have docking systems and they have been a disaster due to bikes being dumped everywhere. Where I live, we had a bike share system operated by Hourbike, and the problem with it was that it was a really complicated process to pay for the hire, and only worked on Android, not iPhone, so usage was very low.

[@dedward4]

I was just in Paris and used dockless bikeshare for the first time. They (Lime) use geofencing in Paris - so you can only end your ride in designated parking spots. It was pretty cool as I expected bikes to be dumped everywhere like you said. Hopefully this becomes more common elsewhere!

[@goosevillage]

If I had stayed in Montreal I would have been out of a job within one year. I was a teacher. Toronto saved me and my family. I got a teaching job here. This was MIRACULOUS . It gave us hope for the future. THANK YOU TORONTO ! We love it here. We immigrated to Toronto from Quebec. We found our piece of paradise and we kiss the ground we now are proud to call OUR HOME .

[@pykepyke_]

I'm glad you're staying, I lived in Toronto for years and loved it although I worry about affordability. I recently came from Ottawa for a visit and I agree with all you said about the amazing bike share system. Ottawa's recreational pathways are great but when I was in Toronto, wandering the city all day, I often found myself gratefully grabbing a bike from Bike Share TO. It was often the reason I got further and saw more on hot days, I wish we had the same thing here.

[@anteeklund4159]

This is a similar reason why I see myself staying in Gothenburg, Sweden for the forceable future. Other cities in Sweden as well as elsewhere in Europe are better in several ways, and while what’s being done isn’t in my opinion enough, it’s definitely going in the right direction. I just really want to see the city develop and become a better place

[@longbranchmike488]

Any chance that Goteburg (Gothenburg) will re-examine building a cable car / gondola line? Seemed really cool!

[@beckobert]

Really? I was in Göteborg just 3 weeks ago and thought that it is a pretty amazing city. Maybe staying for just 2 days and than continuing to Norway, which had pretty disappointing cities (but incredible nature) didn't give me an accurate impression. Living in Prague, I was amazed by how little car traffic there was. I don't think I have ever seen a city of that size with such little car traffic. Though public transport and bike lanes were fairly empty as well, so maybe I just was there for two days when no one else was in the city.

[@anteeklund4159]

@@beckobert It’s not bad, if it was I’d probably be more keen on leaving. But I do see too little investment into public transport and bike infrastructure. The city centre is definitely cozy and walkable, but having trams as the backbone of your transit system in a city of this size is inadequate (especially when looking at Stockholm’s Metro, with 100 stations and a further 15 under construction)

[@breearbor4275]

as someone who recently moved from a smaller Ontario city to Toronto, i can honestly say i love it here. yes it has its problems with housing and cost of living (really just the same problems as everywhere else at the moment), but there's a lot of good here and a lot of potential. it's definitely a more pleasant place to live than where i came from.

[@ricequackers]

The only big problem Toronto has is one that also affects NYC, London, and just about every major Western city - property prices and rents are plain unaffordable for normal people, or even the middle class. Ordinary people soon won't be able to enjoy this infrastructure because it'll become yet another playground for the wealthy and for international investors.

[@jtepper]

I see that too. The connection of "green spaces" is a euphemism for affluent neighborhoods.

[@jeanmoke1]

Ordinary people already cannot afford rent prices in this city. We crossed that threshold during COVID.

[@m.a.118]

This is why Montreal is Canada's better big city when it comes to affordability. Does it have problems? Yea sure- But a huge plus it's generally more affordable than Vancouver or Toronto. The only major "turn offs" for Montreal is way more on going construction projects, and the French language thing (Which shouldn't be a turn off, but for some it is).

[@zeusvalentine3638]

@@m.a.118 Montreal is no longer cheap (I live there)

[@michaelrmurphy2734]

Its like that now really. And just has a knock on affect for smaller cities like mine.

[@sams3015]

Great video, I’m moving to Canada soon and my heart is set on Montreal (I spend the last 2 years learning French) but Toronto is my second choice. So this and your other videos are so useful. If you ever want to indulge me with a direct comparison between the two cities in terms of “livablity” and transport…that would be cool

[@ctalcantara1700]

Great choices. The two cities are a short train ride from one another.

[@Laughandsong]

Knowing French in Toronto, no matter which job you have, is a guarantee against long-term unemployment.

[@Laughandsong]

@@jandron94 Je suis francophone à Toronto depuis 28 ans et je vis en français à 60%. Quand on veut, on peut.

[@RMTransit]

@@christophertweed5576 There are hardly only one or two in Toronto but yes there are more in Montreal

[@RMTransit]

I think the thing I love is how much Toronto feels like a multicultural global city. I also appreciate AC on the subway 😂

[@transitthinker]

Completely agree, progress is slower than many would like but it's happening on a massive scale and I think that's what matters most!

[@RMTransit]

Nice videos!

[@harrycchambers]

Appreciate the optimism! Sometimes it's a little draining hearing about how much better Amsterdam is, so it's nice to hear that one of NA's best transit cities is only getting better.

[@SaveMoneySavethePlanet]

So awesome to hear you mention bike sharing programs! I literally just made a community post about how using a bike share on a recent trip saved me a ton of money compared with getting Lyft rides! I love how so many cities are going all in on bike shares 😁

[@RMTransit]

Bike share Toronto is excellent, and is one of the reasons I’ve yet to ever use Lyft ;)

[@SaveMoneySavethePlanet]

@@RMTransit I can’t wait for LA to finish putting them everywhere. They recently put them in the area right next to where I live and it’s such a tease to have them close enough to access, but not really close enough to make real use of them :-(

[@longbranchmike488]

I've lived here 32 years and the city's really grown and matured, and finally we are getting multiple new transit lines and some extensions. With the abuilding new GO Train stations in Toronto, we have two overlapping transit networks (TTC & GO) that really need free no-fare transfers between them to really transform how people get around the city. Plus we are already seeing GO as the best way to get to the neighbouring 905 area code municipalities (as long as you have a good bus route or some other way of getting around at your 905 station). GO Transit really needs to get back to 15-20 minute all day service, as was pre-pandemic, as some trains are standing room only, especially at weekends. Plus 12 car trains are needed back.

[@TheJoshuacheng]

And here we are. Bro literally predicted the future

[@egesanli619]

You know what, I think exactly like that about my own city, Ankara. Thanks for video.

[@GeographyWorld]

Great video. I think a similar way about my home city Cork in Ireland. It is car dependant, has much dereliction in the city centre and currently doesn't have amazing transit but things are changing for the better. In Cork's case there's plans for much more cycling infrastructure, reshaping the entire bus network, upgrading the commuter rail and adding a light rail. Covid also resulted in the pedestrianisation of many city centre streets and the introduction of outdoor dining. I'm hopeful for the future.

[@andrewclarkson3401]

Glad you are staying, Reece! Toronto needs your positivity. Even your constructive (negative) comments are couched in positive ones. While we also need a healthy dose of skepticism, and of deep analysis (such as by Steve Munro), there is definitely a need for your outlook among the city's commentators. I am personally excited about the city's future, which may be why your commentary resonates with me. Thanks, Reece!

[@SilverSamurai12]

As someone that recently moved to Vancouver (from Toronto), being away makes me miss the TTC/GO Train network. Transit here in the lower mainland is decades behind TO. Although Vancouver certainly has a lot of nice stuff/benefits, I'm not sure I could see myself staying here in the long term since public transit is terrible here, but we'll see...The lack of hot, humid sticky summers is a huge benefit though! Who knows, maybe by the time I decide to move back, the Eglinton Crosstown might actually be done!

[@tokyogamer5825]

I can relate to your comment. I lived in Vancouver for 2 months and loved every second of it. I thought the Skytrain was excellent but it really lacked coverage in the westend which is weird to me and also wished it would reach areas like kitsalano. I remember walking through greektown Vancouver and loving how dense everything was with shops and bars and people living life and then was shocked to notice that the closest skytrain station was an hour walk away. Torontos best walkable neighbourhoods I find are always close to a streetcar or subwaytrain or go train. I understand vancouver has busses you can take but lets be honest, no one likes taking busses. The skytrain however is beautiful and I love seeing the city skyline through the windows but it seems to want to service people coming into the core rather than move people around the core, Also Eglinton crosstown is very close to being finished, many stations are fully built and look quite amazing glowing at night, there is tons of development along the whole line, giving more options of better rent along walkable neighbourhoods and transit that connects to go trains, up express, yonge and bloor line, Eglinton is really starting too look like the new Bloor/Danforth. This is great for the city since it gives more options of better rent prices without giving up the city life.

[@RMTransit]

I’m not sure I concur, I think the transit overall is better in Vancouver, but that’s because it’s more balanced

[@SilverSamurai12]

@@RMTransit west end is really underserved. Don't even get me started on the west coast express. Sure it's fine if you work 9-5 and go right home after but no weekend service?! I can understand limited access (say 2 trains/day) but there's nothing!

[@Jestersage]

@@RMTransit I think the problem with Vancouver (as a whole) is that it feels like a quarter circle with Burrard/Granville as the center pivot. So going from East to West? Great! Going from north to South, or Burnaby to richmond (or Surrey to Richmond)? Tough. And as someone point out, If one live in West End without a bike, good luck. Richmond's lack of good accessibility to other parts of Greater Vancouver help feed back into having cars being necessary among Richmodn residences (eg my friends)

[@jameshansenbc]

@@SilverSamurai12 Based on your comment about the West Coast Express it sounds like you are in a Vancouver suburb rather than Vancouver itself - yes we can do much MUCH better out in the 'burbs.

[@braydenzhang2488]

Toronto is awesome! It's great to see the transit transformations that are/will be happening (from new LRT lines and GO RER to improved bus and subway service)

[@dfs-comedy]

I live in Ottawa and am very jealous of Toronto. I wish I'd moved there 30 years ago. But as it stands now, Toronto is prohibitively expensive unless you live very far from downtown, and I have roots in Ottawa, so I'll just gaze on jealously...

[@michaeljamesstewart1000]

As a person who was born in Toronto eighty years ago, I have remained passionate about the city throughout my life. Although I have lived in many areas of the world, I have done so with the intention of always returning to Toronto. The major portion of Toronto, especially outside of the core, consists of tree-lined streets forming fascinating neighbourhoods, private homes, and all levels of rental homes and apartments, with 583 public and 196 Catholic walk-to schools, stores and restaurants offering everything one would need. Toronto has approximately 17,000 to 18,000 hectares of urban forest canopy cover provided by approximately 10.2 million trees. This equates to a range of 26.6% to 28% tree canopy cover. Additionally, 1,600 parks totalling almost 8,000 hectares accounting for 12.7% of the city's land base, it translates to approximately 2.8 hectares (6.9 acres) of parkland per 1,000 residents, 5 public golf courses, 50 indoor pools, and 50 outdoor pools, 41 km of freshwater shoreline (with every wiggle, stretch and curve it is 113 km), 11, 000 hectares of ravines (the largest of any city in the world) in which one can find deer, mink, otters, beavers, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, skunks, opossums, squirrels and more than 300 species of birds. If that were not enough, there are 143 scenic trails that total 80 km. Toronto is blessed with 46 main museums including the Royal Ontario Museum, Design Exchange, Hockey Hall of Fame, Ontario Science Centre, Gardiner Ceramic Museum, Bata Shoe Museum, Textile Museum of Canada, 48th Highlanders Museum, Aga Khan Museum, Canadian Language Museum, Mackenzie House, Montgomery's Inn, plus many more. For art, there is the world-renowned Art Gallery of Ontario, The McMichael Canadian Art Collection consisting of over 7,000 artworks by Tom Thomson, Group of Seven, the contemporaries, and First Nation, Métis, Inuit as well as dozens of art galleries for all art lovers. Special attention should be paid to the original Fort York, the fantastic Black Creek Pioneer Village, the incredible Casa Loma, and numerous historical buildings. Not to be left out is the CN Tower Sky Walk (outside at the pod level). Chimo

[@michaeljamesstewart1000]

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my rather lengthy paean to Toronto and giving it a 'like'. Chimo

[@andrewmason9137]

You could not have had better timing for this video, just finalized a date for moving to a new job in Pickering. Not Toronto, but close enough that I will get to experience the city. Could not be more excited!

[@RMTransit]

Awesome!

[@JasonAgouris]

Pickering has great GO connectivity to Union. A buddy lived right next to the Pickering GO station and pretty much used it like a subway all day every day, never had a car. That was years ago, pretty sure the connectivity is even better now.

[@BorIlovar]

In same way it feels incredible to live in Prague, a city with many many future plans, rapidly developing transit and so on. Just this year, the tram system got 2 extensions, many train stations got renovated and so on. Some European cities are developing their transit even more rapidly (vienna for example) but the efforts the city does are still very good.

[@10kvolts]

I moved to Toronto just before the pandemic began and this city has absolutely allowed me to shake off my car-centric habit. Between bikeshares, public transit and my electric scooter I've had no issues getting around the city. Alas I'm moving back to Australia in a few months but definitely hoping to stay car-free when back there. Can't wait to visit Toronto again a few years down the line to see where all this transit development has headed

[@adamspencer3702]

It's nice to see Toronto is heading in the right direction. I live in Ottawa and I have a similar opinion on Ottawa developing as a people friendly city. Would love to see your opinion on Ottawa's development plans.

[@lemonade4181]

Ottawa is heading in a nice direction in terms of urban development. Hopefully you’ll get some more entertainment as the city progresses. Right now Ottawa is just a boring city with a bright future.

[@ClairvoyantTruth]

I live in Toronto and this makes me all excited! I knew some things, but this is great! Even the extension of the path down to King, I had no idea! I don't have a car and this with other channels have made me more aware of public transit - and the lacking areas; at least we are doing something about it.

[@lucavlogstory]

I love this video. I immigrated to Canada and Toronto about 3 years ago and have loved it since. I remember cycling on University Ave and Bloor St in 2019 - I would've considered that an extreme sport lol. Today those are my favorite streets for cycling because of the good bike lanes: I know I can get almost anywhere downtown if I take them and connect to other streets with bike lanes, like Richmond St and Adelaide St). I love seeing the city grow and transform. I believe Toronto has the chance to become one of the leading global cities of this century. I hope to see the subway network expand and zoning laws redesigned to make it more walkable and reduce the suburban sprawl. I dream of Toronto as the American challenger to big Asian metropolis. Thanks for tuning in to my TED talk lmao

[@Jacob-jl8dk]

Hey Reece, having lived in Toronto 19 years, I see what you're saying. There are many great things about it for sure. The issue for me was even though they're improving, the transit just didn't and still doesn't get me anywhere I needed to go quickly. I think it's more the fact that the city is so sprawled out, but for example getting to school every day took me well over an hour by TTC, same for friends houses, work, and events around downtown (the 501 is the most frustrating service!!! Either you get downtown in 25 or 65 minutes, it was painful to use). I hope they do improve travel times with these new projects because I felt so far away from everything there at all times. Driving wasn't any better because boy is that traffic hellish... I really like the RER and Ontario line projects, they remind me of what's happening here in Montreal with the REM (a project I'm working on as a rail bridge engineer), a much needed upgrade with both cities taking notes from Paris 👌 I could talk about this kind of stuff all day, love your vids man! Cheers from Montréal

[@RMTransit]

I don’t think it’s quite that slow! I think it’s pretty good and will get a lot better with all the new rapid transit

[@mythirlmaiden]

Recently visited Toronto after a decent chunk of time away and I noticed a lot more cyclists and bike infrastructure. It was really nice, I was still happy to go home to kitchener/waterloo (which Id love to see you talk about because they have been making huge steps to become a transit/bike friendly city) but I was so happy to see my home town bettering itself. Im excited for the future of toronto

[@doeeyes2]

Born and raised in Toronto. Parents are dual citizens with a home in Florida. I would never ever leave this city. It has my entire heart ❤ 🇨🇦

[@JanusIIV]

Toronto has improved to an absurd degree since I first saw the city in the early 00s, and even since I moved here in the 10s. I still have a bunch of problems: GO Transit is so painfully slow and awkward it makes leaving downtown a huge hassle, stations randomly have terrible pedestrian access, the TTC is only adequate (which is good, it was terrible before!), cycling in the city is basically a non-starter for most people, I could go on. But the fact that there is any improvement is something we should keep in mind, even as we bang the doors for more. Also, any chance we could get a video on the speed of GO Trains? There's a number of trips I've taken that have been measurably slower than just driving, which seems ridiculous to me.

[@RMTransit]

Which trips?

[@anareel4562]

Toronto is an awesome place to live, if your okay with selling a kidney to make rent lol

[@Zarrx]

I sold my -kidney- car to make rent :p

[@RMTransit]

Rent here is still less than Vancouver haha 😅

[@Alenasup]

Im glad things are improving transit, walkability and bikeability, cringed at the anti-homeless-bench 11:33 though. I feel both love and hate for this city. I'll be staying too though. Glad for people working on making it better place, and therefor a better life for all of us.

[@lesbianesti]

I hate how those benches have become ubiquitous in the US and Canada. Ugh.

[@cunningham-code]

Missed opportunity to shoot this like one of those streamers when they are staying/moving to KZbin/Twitch But glad to hear you found some peace with this decision, keep up the great content!

[@perrofelice4306]

Glad you are staying. It is true. There is energy in Toronto. A true transit city with much in progress ie already under construction. When people visit the city they often gasp at what a dynamic city this is. Bikes and e devices are the future too and they should be considered when discussing transit as you did.

[@poohoo4495]

I live in New York and wished I could say the same things, we are moving along and improving but at a much slower pace, bike sharing is spreading out and large developments and up-zoning is happening all over Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx and bus networks are being redesigned and we’re getting new rolling stock soon, but the transit agency and city seems all over the place and not sure of what it wants to do right now, so I’m uncertain of its future or less optimistic if you will; but I still hope for a better transit future not only in New York but all of North America and the world 🙂

[@michaelrmurphy2734]

Every North American city has these issues. I got squeezed out of my neighborhood and I live up the country now. In a somewhat isolated area without a car. Its about an hour on bike to the nearest small town. Nice, but I miss what I was able to do in the city. Walk to the supermarket or drugstore and have transit outside the door.

[@PrometheanKitchen96]

I have too agree with you I just went to the waterfront this weekend and I have seen a lot of good changes like more bike protection on the streets and more people biking in general I was even thinking about getting a e bike my self

[@RMTransit]

It’s improving a lot!

[@JohnnyStrides]

Excellent video and glad you're staying put (for now!).

[@namedone2210]

I love your videos! Thank you so much for supplying honest, passionate and factual content!

[@alexie5168]

i’m excited to move to toronto and start studying urban planning in less than two weeks :)

[@RMTransit]

That’s so awesome!!!! Where?

[@alexie5168]

@@RMTransit UofT! Right in the middle of downtown!

[@RMTransit]

My alma matter!

[@robertpaterson3229]

I really appreciate your passion for the City, it's one that I share - keep up the great work!

[@nanaokyere7141]

Toronto definitely has a love/hate situation. The love is how vibrant and inclusive ppl are and how fast the city is growing. The hate is how expensive it is to live here with everything going up with no end in sight. Overall though Toronto is growing at a pace that I've noticed for the last few years and the transit expansion alone is something unheard of in North America. Our skyline is about to transform in the next couple of years and that won't even be the final look of it either. I'm just excited to be a born and raised Torontonian and I get filled with pride everytime I meet new ppl from all over the world moving here and I ask them if they love this city. It's always something to be proud of.

[@peterzombatcrosby8139]

Very encouraging to see and hear somebody say positive things about all the things happening transit or otherwise. Keep up the good work!

[@Immortalcheese]

One of the biggest issues with transit is that Toronto is a very spread out city. It's land area is a lot larger than many cities and it is difficult for rapid transit to reach all those areas. TTC needs to make some express bus routes that stop only at major nodes in the city. Like a bus that goes from Scarborough Town Center to Fairview, then Yorkdale, then Woodbine. Because right now if you want to cross the city you have to sit on a bus for over an hour when a car ride may be 20 minutes

[@AaronMcHale]

It’s great to hear about so many positive things happening in Toronto, I wish more cities were like that!

[@hastmi9999]

Hi Reece. I have been following you for while and enjoy your insight. I live in Brampton, but I work a couple days a week in the office building on Randolph right next to Bloor GO. I walk the area extensively at lunch and I have to say its one of the reasons I am ok commuting in. The GO ride and short proximity (100 feet) of my office from the station make it even better. I walk the Toronto West Rail path twice a week and I agree that its great to have. Its only 2KM long and I am happy its being extended. It should be interesting when they start putting in the fourth set of tracks on the east side of the line and have to "move" the path over a few feet to accommodate it. Keep up the great videos!

[@chriscook5287]

Would be interring to hear about the reimagining of north York city centre. Fascinating urban hub in Toronto

[@TorToroPorco]

One of the best things about the implementation of the new bike lanes has been to move the vehicle parking away from the curb further out into the street and create a dedicated curb lane for bicycles that is shielded from passing cars. Additional space has also been created so that patio seating from restaurants can now be placed on the street with the bike lane routed around the edge of the seating. This transformation is best seen on the Danforth in Greektown and also on Queen East in Riverdale and Leslieville. Benches for seating and planters for vegetation has really made the streetscape much more inviting for pedestrians.

[@moonsofneptune9306]

Streets are for cars not bikes or patios...the pandering to cyclists is part of what's putting T.O in the toilet

[@michaelrmurphy2734]

Stupid idea. Get rid of the damn cars and on street parking. And that just puts the bikes literally on a collision course with the dimwit diners who want to eat outside. And are those restos paying rent for the services they use?

[@michaelrmurphy2734]

If you are too old and infirm to lift your leg to waist height to mount a bike you should not be on one in the first place! I hate those dorky step through bikes that the bike shares seem to use. And get a pair! If you are too fearful to be out in traffic going with the flow, go back to walking!

[@CanuckJim]

Union Station strongly reminds me of Shinjuku in Tokyo - a nexus of several related services (VIA + Go + subway +Union Express) and, like Shinjuku, a little annoying to navigate. But, hey, it works.

[@n.b.3521]

I was just thinking that the other day when someone posted a Tiktok on Union being confusing! It's actually very logically laid out, the same way Shinjuku is logical, but seems confusing the first few times you go through it.

[@KORichardson]

I’m at work so I don’t have the time to watch the video yet but I just wanted to say “YAAAAAAAASSSSS!” For selfish reasons, I’m GLAD you’re staying!!!! I guess I’ll listen to “why” when I’m finished work today but I love this news!

[@Magi_Nation7]

I absolutely love Toronto and Canada as a whole. I've always dreamed on living in Toronto since a child, I visit now at least once or twice a year to see friends and/or make more friends prior to my move. I really enjoy your videos Reece, many appreciations and keep up the great work.

[@CharlieND]

Excellent video as always, Reece. I gotta say, the videos where you go in depth about future projects are by far my favourite bits of content from you. As of right now you're living my dream by making KZbin videos and living in Toronto. What I would give to have that lifestyle. Out here on Vancouver Island I miss having multiple options for transit as well as the overall feel of the city (especially the inner city neighbourhoods like the one I used to live in). It's nice to know that you're staying in the city. Especially now during a period where there's so many new plans on the horizon for the entire region. It will be cool to see how these new plans shape the region as a whole.

[@RMTransit]

I want to enable people to live vicariously through me 😂

[@PlusdeMillage]

I just moved from Montreal (LaSalle) to Toronto (Entertainement District) and Wow, totally agree with you. I'm impressed by the amount of effort Metrolinx is putting into imporving the transit system for the GTA. I walk to work, tram to work... it's not so bad for a north american city. Cheers

[@Laughandsong]

Félicitations ! Tu ne le regretteras pas. J'ai fait la même chose il y a 28 ans. :)

[@TheStargazer4000]

Wow, I had never even heard of the West Toronto Railpath before; will definitely check it out ASAP when I get home

[@EmperorBeef]

I'm glad you express optimism about Toronto. The default mode in the city seems to be needless pessimism

[@jacnel]

Union is so much better now. The major construction is pretty much done and the GO concourses are bigger and easier to navigate. Plus the signage is better and the station is used more to its full potential. Having seen the station go from the 1970s into the 21st century it’s a beautiful sight.

[@TheNewTravel]

Really nice overview. Also, congrats on all your channel growth this year! You're doing great.

[@DwainRichardson]

Great video, Reece. I was surprised to learn how Toronto is putting itself on the map with an increase in public transit options and more building projects in areas such as the Financial District. For all the negative press Toronto might get, it’s great to pause for a moment and think about its positive aspects. Now I’ll see my hometown a little bit differently. (-:

[@michaelcobbin]

I live in Sydney; I know in several vital areas, Sydney's public transport is significantly better than most North American cities. It is still not up there with the likes of London, Paris, Berlin and Vienna, but it is delivering some key step changes to improve public transport. Over the last ten years, Sydney has delivered several public transport initiatives. Individuals don't seem to have much, but when adding them all up, a significant improvement has been made to Sydney's public transport. Also, transit-oriented developments are being delivered across about 15 to 20 precincts within Sydney. I feel the same about Sydney as you do with Toronto, so I completely understand your logic.

[@tyjoseph7343]

Toronto’s amazing, your video’s are Amazing, keep it up! Keep progressing! One of the things I always loved most about Toronto was it was truly a city that never sleeps; it just keeps pushing the boundaries towards something better. Sure, some projects are delayed, and sure some areas or projects could be improved, but that’s also what makes Toronto amazing. It recognizes that and tries to do better. It finds its flaws and it works with them or solves them, to move forward. Because it’ll make life easier and just a little better for everyone, and that’s exactly what matters most at the end of everyday.

[@gregormonkey]

You're renewed my love for the city I call home. Toronto sure has its rough edges and many serious problems to solve, but so many things are getting so much better, and it's great to have such a vivid reminder! Promise I'm not being paid to write this lol but, in addition to KnotYourType's wonderful and unique cards and I want to be sure not to take away from that, if anyone is interested in picking up Toronto and TTC themed merch, I can highly recommend Spacing Magazine's store online or in 401 Richmond :) plus the TTC has an online shop (can't comment on its quality)

[@n.b.3521]

I second the Spacing Store suggestion!

[@4473021]

Very excited and optimistic to follow Toronto's transformation over the next couple years and hope the rest of North America follows in its lead.

[@SunAtNight]

One thing I've noticed, as a Canadian living abroad, is that there are a LOT more films, TV shows, etc. that are not just filmed in, but actually set in Toronto. I've also listened to American podcasts that name it in lists with other big cities as bustling, interesting places. This always excites me. I've never lived in Toronto, and it's not a special place to me, but seeing a Canadian city being more recognised for what it has to offer is really exciting.

[@fernbedek6302]

Also good for travel from Toronto is the quick day trip options to Hamilton, Kitchener, London, Niagara Falls, etc. Also nice to have.

[@mski91]

Thank you for this refreshing(ly positive) take. One year later and it's crazy how much Union has been transformed.

[@fnln544]

Great, detailed, well explained transit video. Although from the States, Toronto is my favorite city!

[@elizabethdavis1696]

Please do a video about Lisbon 100 year old trolley! Even though it’s old it still gets the job done for locals

[@sd3693]

If I ever leave, it'll be because of housing costs. As it is, I'm super excited for the Ontario Line, which can get me most of the way from my sailing club in Mimico to my martial arts dojo on Wynford across from the Aga Khan museum.

[@christophersonawane]

I travelled to Scarbrough for the first time last weekend and used line 3 (SRT) it defintely needs a major upgrade and fast! Tip to anyone who plans to use that please take your earphones or head phones the trains are super loud!

[@tylerhan8692]

I'll be sticking around as well!

[@torink8229]

May I add the Downsview airport redevelopment? It's going to be spectacular in terms of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.

[@IanZamojc]

Saw that "you can now tap with your VISA" in the background of the GO Train shots. I had no idea that was an option. That dramatically lowers the barrier to tap on/off usage.

[@hizokadarkwolf]

I wanted to move out of Toronto in the future, but doing my research about the transit system in other cities... it gets worse. I like that there is a high frequency in buses and new subway lines planned or in construction. The most challenging issue for me now is the cost of living, it is getting worse bye the month.

[@jlvideo2023]

Thanks so much for your informative vlogs.

[@adamszanyi2242]

I'm from Montreal and I visit TO every year or two for family. 10-15 years ago I used to snob TO (as any respectable franco Montrealer would), but now, will all the nice neighborhoods and the many cool bars/cafés/restaurants that popped up so quickly, I'm always looking forward to my trip. It really is a cool city moving in the right direction. These public transit projects are awesome! That said, the rent prices are absolutely ridiculous and makes it a struggle if you live there even on decent 'middle class' wage (Mtl is better at that, but we're catching up unfortunately to the point that it isn't anymore the sudent-edgy-artist-firendly city it used to be). I mean, TO is the price of New York and Paris, and while Toronto has a lot to offer, it's still isn't and will never be New York or Paris.

[@justcallmed5297]

I'm a youtuber that lives in Toronto and I absolutely love It ❤ Great video 👍🏽

[@JcDizon]

I've been living in the GTA for 25 years now and I have always been fascinated with the TTC and their subway and transit. One of my goals in life was to pass through every subway/RT station which I have accomplished already but since the Eglinton Crosstown is due to finish in a couple of months, I still have yet to ride that and pass through every station.

[@craibinator5]

As a fellow Torontonian, I've been similarly galvanized to stay because of the sense of optimism and positive growth in the city's future. I'm staying because I care about seeing it get better. Of course, the major issue is not what's being built but whether people can afford to live here and enjoy it. As well, while many of the "mega projects" like the Portlands or the transit expansion are incredible, the city also needs to do a better job of maintaining the every day services like maintenance and cleanliness.

[@Ryan-LetsGO]

Heated bike paths! Michigan city has heated sidewalks since 1998 - saves money from salting and plowing and reducing slip and fall accidents. Heated bike paths should be high on the priority list to ensure winter use.

[@jos1515]

A new bus terminal is opening near Markham Stouffeville Hospital. It's in GTA proper but you have alot of material for years to come. I would like to have bike storage boxes like Sheppard West TTC subway in GO stations. Then I can bike to the station at a reasonable time, where walking takes too long. Even tho it's in the burbs, leaving a bike locked in the open for long hours increases the chance that the bike (or parts) to be stolen.

[@ameenwalli-attaei6343]

This isn’t only true for Toronto, but also it’s suburbs, the Golden Horseshoe, and even Ontario as a whole. There is currently a big push for better urban planning, and lots of densification across the region. Even Milton’s GO station (which only sees peek service) is seeing condo towers, and new developments only support 1 car parking spot per dwelling unit, and an equal number (or more) bicycle parking spots. Urban planners are pushing for more alternatives to driving, and politicians are seeing that this is needed to help reduce congestion. The future is bright for the region!

[@jameshansenbc]

I agree I think the disconnect between the growing number of people demanding better urbanism and more/better transit and the bureaucrats who are failing to deliver it will reach a critical mass and things will have to change for the better.

[@michaelrmurphy2734]

I say its the other way around. Its the young "new urbanism" staffers who took in all this BS in planning school. Now imposing it in a top down way on citizens who could care less about it. Like me. How about free public transit? Great idea for me, but all the crazy street people will be "copilots" with the drivers. Bike lanes take up limited street space while keeping on street parking. You can't have both. Sidewalk cafes get in my way walking.

[@zeighy]

The only ones thinking Toronto is getting worse are the ones who are upset lots of streets are having reduced lanes making way for bike lanes... And those ones who are finding it more difficult to even think about buying property in Toronto. This is where they really need to improve things... If people can't afford to live IN Toronto, you probably want to make it easier and cheaper for people to commute into Toronto from nearby areas.

[@Mineathon]

thank you for everything u do man.

[@shshsh8837]

One of the biggest missed opportunities that I still see Toronto transit continually make is not developing the air rights above new Subway or LRT stations. These are valuable focal points that should have mixed commercial and residential use right above a transit system. Single family zoning... there is another North American road block in creating walkable and liveable cities....

[@rickywinthrop]

I was never a city person until I moved to Toronto. We moved to the west end by the lake and the lifestyle here is just perfect for me. Everything walkable but also close to the highway if you need to drive, close to the airport, go train downtown in 13 min, streetcar finally running again, beautiful lake views and parks, marina even. Multicultural neighbors and interesting demographic mix...I love coming home and spending time here and in the rest of the city. Toronto gets a bad rap by some people but In my opinion its good now and only getting better. Its just a really interesting place with a generally open and optimistic spirit thats kind of missing from many of the places I have visited in my travels around the world....and the food options....unreal

[@marsgal42]

I'm a B.C. resident but I really like Toronto. It does a lot of things well and has a lot to offer. Last time I was there my hotel was just across the road from Yorkdale Mall, convenient to the subway. That's how you do these things. I also went for a flight in a Cessna out of Billy Bishop Airport. One day I rented a car and explored the countryside.

[@n.b.3521]

The Holiday Inn? Unfortunately, it's been torn down, but it sure was convenient while it lasted!

[@marsgal42]

@@n.b.3521 Yes, it was the Holiday Inn. I guess I'll have to stay somewhere else next time...which won't be any time soon with the airports being such a mess, but that's another matter.

[@danishrusdi]

Perhaps whenever I visit Toronto, I can take a look at the pedestrianization projects, just like what is being planned in Singapore with a few selected sites too.

[@RMTransit]

Good idea!

[@MsMarmima]

Watching this makes me wish that I could afford to live in Toronto. I grew up there but left for Montréal to learn French etc. I always hear about Montreal's urbanism, but I'm glad to see that Toronto is improving! Hopefully I can comeback someday!