If you commute downtown to work on a daily basis, picking up a Metropass is a no brainer. It allows Torontonians to access the transit system whenever they please, even if the destination is only a few stops away. Since its introduction in the 1980s, the pass has been the preferred fare payment of TTC 'regulars.' It has, however, recently come under public scrutiny.

When the pass was made transferable, it definitely patched up a small hole in my pocket. Before I moved out, my roommate and I would split a pass every month. I worked during the day, and she worked during the night. Our household was able to use one Metropass - for the cost of two. With many similar living arrangements in the city (especially among students), I am not surprised that the TTC is projecting a $17.4m deficit.

The TTC is getting it right for this year's Nuit Blanche. With so much going on in just one night, finding cheap transportation options in previous years has been a challenge, but this year they've really stepped it up.

In previous years, people would buy a day pass to try to cover as much ground as possible. The problem? It expires at 5:30am, so if you plan to travel all night (which many do) one would have to buy two passes. This is why the TTC has made improvements this year in two big ways: by unveiling the 'Nuit Blanche Special Event TTC Day Pass', and by running (much of) the subway system - right through the night!

Just in time for the last long weekend of the summer, CP24 has launched a new online traffic report. Users can now view traffic congestion on all of Toronto's main arteries to find the quickest route in, out, or even through the city using a convenient chart that highlights deviations from normal transit times. Although other media outlets provide similar information, to me this seems to be the most accurate and is at your fingertips through the use of a mobile phone.

I can't say how many times I've gone to my phone (yes, before I begin driving) for a traffic report. But unfortunately the data is almost always incorrect as road conditions can change within minutes. My early experience with CP24's system, however, suggests that it doesn't suffer from this problem.

With the recent cyclist tragedy, near Bloor and Avenue Road, burnt into the minds of Torontonians, the motorist vs. cyclist debate is on once again. Regardless of which side you may agree with, neither form of transportation will disappear from the streets of Toronto any time soon. Although the facts from Monday's incident aren't exactly clear just yet, the notion of safe biking in the cycling has definitely emerged.

Maintaining your bike is a no-brainer. The brakes, chain, gears, etc. should all be checked and in good working condition. Trust me, you don't want to find out you have no brakes going down a steep hill. Unfortunately, as a child, I learned the hard way. Once you've made sure your bicycle is road worthy, it's time to worry about urban utility biking.

Most people downtown aren't biking for recreation; they're biking with an objective in mind. Whether it's getting the groceries, or meeting a friend for coffee, the bike is simply another mode of transportation. As safe as someone's bike can be, the cyclist must always remember that there are other road hazards that can pose a threat. The following is a list of the top five bicycle hazards in our city.

While waiting for the bus in forty-degree weather, I kept reminding myself that I would be in air conditioning soon. Cold air conditioning on a TTC vehicle is just as rewarding as an ice-cold beer on a hot day. I didn't have to wait too long. Thankfully, it came as scheduled. After boarding, I glanced around and saw a lot of shiny faces. Commuters were fanning themselves left, right, and centre. There seemed to be no air conditioning circulating. Before sitting down, I went to open a window and discovered it had been nailed shut - on an almost brand-new diesel/electric hybrid.

Union Station will finally get its long overdue remodel after years of talk. The 640 million dollar renovation is scheduled to take place over the next five years and is funded by city, provincial and federal governments. Go Transit has even chipped in 172 million, along with VIA Rail who put in 25 million to upgrade passenger lounges. The new station improvements come after approval from City Hall earlier this week - with an outstanding 35-1 result.