A Very Long Comment

I recently read a post comparing Mississauga and Toronto transit. Given that I take both of these methods of transit on a daily basis, I thought I could contribute. So I posted a comment but methinks it’s too lengthy. It deserves it’s own blog post.

Read this post first, otherwise the rest might not make sense:

http://dannybrown.me/2009/02/09/market-value/

My response:

First, I don’t think Mississauga is part of the GTA, transit is not transferable. I can transfer from Mississauga to Brampton transit using only a transfer, but cannot do this from the TTC. I’m always tagged with the double fare.

OK let’s talk about the Mississauga fares for a moment. Children grades 1 to 8 (this is age 6-13) have to pay the same as an adult, cash fare $3 BUT they save money when they buy in bulk. It only costs them $16.50 for ten tickets whereas it cost me $24. That’s a huge difference.

Students grades 9-12 (age 14-17) and full time college and university students (with supporting student ID) also pay the $3 cash fare BUT for ten tickets it’s only $22.50. So they save a big $1.50 compared to me.

Senior citizens (age 65+ with valid senior ID) are treated like Children. Fare and all. What’s with this seniors card? So basically a kid doesn’t need to prove that they are under 13 but an adult needs to prove they are over 65? That’s got to be a kick in the shins.

What I don’t like about the Mississauga busses is the extreme heat. Though I found it to be worse on the TTC Streetcars. Both have a way of cranking up the heat to abnormal temperatures. I don’t think people complain about this in the winter. I don’t complain because I know I’m the odd-ball. But here’s how it is. I’m asthmatic. The artificial heat cranked to full blast make it extremely difficult for me to breathe. I have to sit (or stand) close to the front of the bus and farthest from the heat source.

What I find strange about this is that most people are dressed for the winter, with their thick, puffy, coats, scarves, hats, mitts, etc. So going from the cold weather outside to the nice warm bus is a relief. But only for a few minutes. Then they have to strip down to indoor clothing, or sweat out the heat. The bus driver sits there in his uniform, no coat necessary. When the windows get foggy, he just opens his window, but a passenger can’t do that. Either the window doesn’t open, only the top part does but we can’t see up there to look out, or you get slapped by the guy next to you because he’s shivering.

I don’t understand? Your bus is warm, why do you need the heat on? You’ve got a jacket, and at least 20 other people and their body heat. There is no wind coming in, you’re in a closed area. Why the need for the heat? Am I alone on this? I find it nauseating and I have often got off the bus many stops before I’m supposed to because I just can’t handle it.

The TTC Streetcars are worse because I’m told the driver can’t control this. I don’t understand why not. Perhaps it was just a faulty car that I was on? Either way, this was the middle of the summer and the heat was cranked. The seat I was on was on fire. I had to stand up or my bum and legs would burn. I’m thinking second degree at least! No amount of open windows help. It’s humid outside on these hot summer days, and the streetcar doesn’t go fast enough to pick up a breeze. It blows. HA!

Despite the fact that Mississauga routes are all over the map (pardon the pun), infrequent, and inconsistent, I’d still prefer to take the Mississauga Transit versus the TTC.

That’s right, I’d rather wait the half hour (longer if it’s late) for a bus, pay a higher fare, be toasted beyond comfort, and be taken across the city before arriving at my destination ALL before getting on the TTC. Why? Because generally speaking the Mississauga drivers are much nicer. I’ve only come across one crab apple working for Mississauga Transit, and I sure did tell him so. TTC, I think I’ve only come across one nice driver. I am starting to think it’s a prerequisite for TTC employment to be a jerk off. I think it needs to say “attitude problem” on your resume in order to get the job at all.

See how much more of a difference courtesy makes?

Oh and if I happen to be out of tickets, I’m walking. No way in hell am I paying $3 for one fare.

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