Before the establishment of the TTC on September 1, 1921, transit options in Toronto were fragmented, inadequate, and expensive.
The TTC ushered in an era of consolidation and expansion that accompanied and accelerated the astonishing growth of Toronto as a city. Modernization of the system in the 1920s included track rehabilitation, the extension of new routes into outlying areas, the purchase of new vehicles, and the construction of new transit facilities.
In the decades that followed, the TTC met the challenge of competition from the automobile through innovative solutions, such as the introduction of rapid transit with Canada’s first subway, increased reliance on buses, and excellent integration between services.
On the occasion of the TTC’s 50th anniversary, General Manager of Operations, J.H. Kearns, noted that: “Today we operate a fine and proud system largely because of the efforts of our predecessors who, through the years, developed the organization which is such an essential part of the life of our thriving metropolis. No large city can grow and prosper without a good public transportation system, and Toronto is no exception.” (The Coupler, 1971). These words still ring true today.
Happy 100th Birthday TTC!
We acknowledge that the land shown in this exhibit is on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands.
