10 things you just don't do on the TTC

Travelling on the TTC can often be a less than enjoyable experience. Whether you're on a packed streetcar during a humid morning commute or trying to navigate overcrowded subway platforms, the etiquette of some riders can easily make a bad situation worse. You can also make your trip a bit better by knowing certain things to avoid and expectations to check.

Here's a roundup of things that you just don't do on the TTC.

Expect that the 501 streetcar will go to all the way to Neville
It's always nice to not have to transfer vehicles when you're commuting home. Unfortunately, if you're a Beaches resident on the 501, that probably isn't in the cards for you. Despite the sign on the front of the car reading "NEVILLE PARK," there's an overwhelming chance that it'll short turn at Kingston Road or Greenwood. It's best to just brace yourself beforehand, because you're in for another seven minute wait.

Block the doors
Getting onto a streetcar or subway at rush hour is no easy feat. In fact, you probably need to throw some elbows if you want to make it onto a car at 5pm. More often than not, you'll encounter that one soul who just can't let go of the dream of making it on, trying to squeeze him or herself onto the vehicle by pushing and shoving - making a bad situation worse. Don't be that guy.

Put your feet up
I wholeheartedly understand wanting to go home after a long day and put your feet up, but the TTC is not your home. Not only do you take up more room than you actually need to, you make the seats dirtier than they already are. Many a person who dared to wear all white to work has been burned by this behaviour, and it's about time the problem was remedied.

Use the washrooms
Everyone knows that public washrooms are less-than-desirable, but the TTC's are especially icky. On par with the the worst concert venue washrooms, expect to find TTC restrooms looking far from pristine (despite promises). Using one at any subway station is a get-in and get-out as quickly as possible sort of situation. My advice: if you can hold it, do.

Listen to music on speaker
If you regularly use the TTC, you know that forgetting your headphones is akin to forgetting your wallet - they are necessary. Screaming children, obnoxious gum chewers, and loud conversations can all be blocked out by the sweet sounds of Drake. But, if you forget them, you have no right to blare your music through your phone speaker. Pro tip: "Energy" may be your jam, but it's certainly not for everyone.

Refuse to give up your seat to an elderly or pregnant person
This one should be a no-brainer. Why? Because there is literally signage everywhere reminding you to offer your seat to those who need it more (hint: the blue seats are for priority passengers). You may be exhausted, but how annoyed would you be if you broke your leg and had to maneuver your way through the sardines on the subway? I'm guessing pretty annoyed.

Clip your nails
To state the obvious, the streetcar is not your washroom and should never be used as such. It may be covered with debris ranging from discarded coffee cups to crumpled Metro newspapers, but your nail clippings seriously do not need to be added to that mess. You may be plagued with a hangnail, but trust me, it can wait.

Transfer at Spadina Station
Spadina Station was initially envisioned as two distinct stations (with what is the now the northern platform designated "Lowther Station"), but was eventually linked by a 150 walkway, which used to feature a moving sidewalk. Although there might have been a few scenarios in the past in which this station made sense as a transfer point, it no longer does. Ever. Don't do it!

Forget to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
Getting sick is inevitable, but we need to talk about sharing your germs with the rest of the city. This may be a lesson your learned in Pre-K, but some people just didn't get the memo. When you need to cough or sneeze, please shield your face. I don't care if it's with your arm or your bag, but the guy next to you doesn't wan't to be bedridden just because he didn't have enough cash to Uber home.

Eat strongly scented food
I like going to Khao San Road as much as the next person, but if you get takeout, please refrain from eating it on the way home. Your food, though drool-worthy to you, won't appeal to everyone. Beside, most people are going home for dinner, so they'll be hangry and jealous - which is never a good combo.

What did I miss? Add your TTC donts in the comments.

Photo by Subjective Art in the blogTO Flickr pool

by Alice Prendergast via blogTO