How to rent out a TTC streetcar in Toronto

Renting a TTC streetcar is easier than you might think. While most kids had their 10th birthday parties at the Putting Edge or Lazer Quest, my cousin held his on board a vintage PCC trolley. We took it on a joy ride of sorts around the city and ended up at Nathan Phillips Square, where we sipped on hot chocolate in front of city hall.

The price to rent out one of these vehicles isn't exactly exorbitant - you can charter a streetcar from 1951 for $1,881.45 for three hours.

This isn't the only option available, though. You can book out most streetcars and buses ($508.50 one way, $1,041.86 roundtrip), including CLRV ($1,605.73 for three hours) and ALRV ($2,410.29 for three hours) models.

While I was waiting for the 504 at King and Simcoe one night, I saw a crew of office workers decked out in party attire jump onto a regular-looking streetcar. But, it was their private chariot for the night - hey, a streetcar sure beats a big yellow school bus.

According to its website, the TTC lets you charter its fleet, but not during rush hour (i.e. 6 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday through Friday). It suggests a sight-seeing route, but it obviously does not provide a tour guide.

However, you can design your own route along the tracks, though the TTC can change it at its discretion - you know, if there's a delay or something.

And while a bona fide party on a street car might sound like the best idea ever, remember, you can't drink or smoke while on board - this is still public transit.

Photo by Jesse Milns.

by Amy Grief via blogTO