Ahhh city living. It’s great and it’s a mess all at the same time. Below is a list of the many way to get around downtown. Let’s take a look at which is best. Subjective post so no need to strongly disagree one way or another. In order of how often I do each.
Car – 8/10 If you have this luxury it is the best way to get around, outside or summer and if you have parking close to your work. This is of course still an added expense unless you own a spot in the building you work and if you can carpool with your spouse or friend. For example my husband drops me off in the financial district before driving up to his work. It’s private, which is most important if you get slightly people claustrophobic.
Uber – 6/10. People used to get told not to ride in cars with strangers …. but now here we are. Uber has arrived and will shortly take over no doubt, with driverless cars. Currently it’s an alternative to the taxi industry, which it all but decimated. No insurance and who is at fault it there is an accident? It remains an issue.
Lyft – 5/10. Same as lyft but one point deduction because they typically take longer to arrive, at least for now. Convenient if you’re trying to get home. Can share rides too.
Walking – 9/10. this is best but only if you live within walking distance of your work. A lot of young professionals do and sometimes there is nothing better than good old fashioned walking.
Cycling – 9/10. It gets you to work just as fast as a car if you live in a 3 km radius. It’s good exercise and will keep you in shape without you noticing nor having to go to the gym. One point deduction because it’s bad when it rains or it’s the dead of winter. Also you may get hit by a cab as I once did; and you can’t do it pregnant.
Cab – 7/10. I still prefer cabs over uber but not by much. I like the fact that you can still hop in from the side of the road so the anonymity is nice. With Uber’s and such, I’m sure they collect all the data and every place you go, and I strongly dislike the rating system. They have done a movie about the perils of letting this get too far and it is scaaary! I believe they also implemented a rating system in China already where you get points deducted for things like littering gum, jaywalking etc. It’s a bit robotic. Cabs are also insured so this is a plus.
GO Transit – 7/10. If it’s not rammed and you live outside the city, this is your go to method of transport and it’s not the worst in the world. Trains are nice and seats are comfy. I don’t like crowds of people so this wouldn’t be my favourite for daily use.
TTC – 4/10. All aboard sardine central. If you want to smell what 6 people around you ate for breakfast do ride the TTC. It’s usually late and packed.
Subway – 3/10. The worse ever. Smelly and aside from being in a confined space it is confined underground!! Ancient cages and zero upgrades to the system since the sad 2 tracks have been built. Population keeps rising, we still only have two lines.
Other: skateboarding, rollerblading, tricycle, that stand up segway or what have you. If these work for you, good on you! I haven’t done any. I would try the Segway though!
As I said this is a subjective post.