Commuting to Work: Public Transport in Canada

All cities and major towns in Canada have access to excellent public transportation. Public transportation systems consist of the train, bus and subway etc. Most people in Canada use this public transportation for commuting to work so If you are considering moving to Canada and using public transportation, you should research which city is the best option for you to live in. Most cities in Canada operate with:




  • Bus
  • Train
  • Ferry
  • Taxis
  • Car

The bus is the most common use of public transportation in Canada. Most cities in Canada also have street cars which are known as trams. In most cases you can easily transfer from one mode of transportation to another. To use public transport, you can either purchase a ticket or a transit pass which allows unlimited access for a certain time period. In most cities, tickets are available at major transit stations, convenience stores or directly from the bus stop but you must ensure you have the exact amount to enter the bus.

Bus

Catching a bus can be the cheapest form of traveling between cities. It is often the only way to get to smaller towns in Canada, if you are not driving a car. Buses are the most common form of public transportation and all towns have their own system which are often commuter oriented and offer only limited or no service in the evening and on weekends. Greyhound and its affiliates are used for the largest bus routes for long distance destinations in Canada. Most buses have air-conditioning and a washroom on board for long distance driving.

Train

Toronto and Montreal are the two Canadian cities with subway systems running in the area. Vancouver’s railway line runs above ground and Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa have efficient rail systems. Trains in Canada are safe and reliable and it’s often cheaper to buy a train ticket in advance.

Ferry

In coastal areas of Canada such as British Columbia and the Atlantic region, ferry boats are extensive and a common form of traveling for many. The ferry transport system carries both passengers and vehicles. Walk-ons should be able to get on at any time but it is recommended to make a booking during busier times.

Taxis

All cities and towns have one or more companies that offer taxi services. Like most taxis, it has meters that use set rates to calculate the cost of your trip. Rates cannot be negotiated as you pay the amount on the metre at the end of your trip. If you want an estimated amount of how much your trip will cost, ask your driver before your trip starts. Taxis in Canada are quite expensive and most people only use them when there’s no other option.

Car

Canada has a large network of highways in all cities. To legally drive a car in Canada, you will need to obtain a driver’s license which is issued by the provincial government. With a license, you can drive anywhere in Canada as long as you have your driver’s license with you whenever you are driving.