Probably the biggest complaint of Toronto residents \u2013 indeed anyone living in the GTA \u2013 is commuting around the city. There are too many cars, too many people driving in from the ‘burbs for work, highways and streets that cannot handle the congestion, and a transit system that is being stretched beyond its limits.<\/p>\n
So, the question is, which is the best way to get around? And more specifically, which is the best way to get around in winter<\/em> when things are even worse? Do you drive or do you take the TTC?<\/p>\n The lesser of two evils in the winter is the TTC. Here is why.<\/p>\n Traffic is downright messed up in Toronto. There is too much of it and it’s constant! In the winter you can add unplowed roads, slippery roads, snow, sleet, black ice and a whole lot of people who suddenly forgot how to operate a vehicle. With the TTC, at least if taking the subway, you can pretty much avoid the mess above ground.<\/p>\n When you’re driving in winter, you not only have to leave yourself extra time to get to work safely (for the reasons mentioned above), but even still, unexpected road work, plows and accidents can eat up that extra time\u00a0\u2013 and more. Bosses are generally unforgiving of drivers who are late for work, but being late due to problems with the TTC usually doesn’t draw the same ire.<\/p>\n Remember how much time you spend digging out your car after a snow storm? Shovelling the driveway? Pouring hot water on the doors, or hauling a blow dryer and extension cord outside just so you can get them open? Having to go out in your PJs to warm the car up before you brush your teeth? It makes crappy mornings so much worse. The TTC eliminates all of those issues.<\/p>\n Driving a car means being focused on the road the whole time \u2013 and some commutes in Toronto are an hour or even two. That’s a ton of time wasted every week, and every month. Then again, you take the TTC and are lucky enough to get a seat, you can actually get work done while you are on your way to and from work. Hello, efficiency!<\/p>\n Winter tires are definitely recommended for winter driving \u2013 they’re so much safer. But hey, they’re also pricey and getting your tires changed twice a year is an added cost and a time-suck you don’t need. Take the TTC and forget the winter tires.<\/p>\n Sure, it’s not just a winter issue, but it’s still worth mentioning: Cars are expensive. Buying\/leasing, insurance, gas and maintenance all add up to make driving a very expensive method of commuting. Meanwhile, monthly Metropass is just $141.50 \u2013 significantly cheaper than your car payments.<\/p>\n Again, not something specifically winter related, but taking transit absolutely reduces your carbon footprint. Every little bit helps. If you take the TTC you are minimizing the amount of pollution you pump into the atmosphere, and Mother Earth thanks you for that.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Probably the biggest complaint of Toronto residents \u2013 indeed anyone living in the GTA \u2013 …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":1230,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"coauthors":[220],"class_list":["post-1228","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-toronto"],"yoast_head":"\nTraffic sucks in winter<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
An excuse to be late for work<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
It’s really cold<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
Driving is a complete waste of time<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
Winter tires are a pain<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
The TTC is cheaper<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
Ask a hippie<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n