Here's what Toronto's transit map could look like 30 years in the future

A futuristic TTC map is making the rounds online, peering into what transit maps in Toronto could look like decades from now by factoring in already under-construction projects like the Ontario Line and much-needed routes for densely populated communities.

The fantasy map, posted to the TTC subreddit, has only racked up about 250 upvotes and more than 50 comments, but it's sparked conversation among transit advocates and enthusiasts, with debate over everything from the map's station names to line extensions. 

The creator of the map, first-year university student Ignatius, says the fictional map depicts the TTC network around 30 years into the future. "It features a combination of actual plans for the future/proposed lines/proposed lines which don't have a lot of traction right now, and also some stuff I've added in," he wrote. 

The map includes upcoming projects like the Yonge North Subway Extension, with some station names altered for better navigation, such as High Tech to Richmond Hill Centre. 

Even the Ontario Line, which won't be operational until at least the 2030s, features extensions to the north to Fairview (Don Mills) and up from Liberty Village to Beaconsfield, Little Portugal, and Dundas West and Bloor. 

"I am very interested in the transit system of Toronto, and I have been for many years. The recent openings of Lines 5 and 6 have re-sparked my interest. I'm not sure why I'm so interested, but something about having so many connections and different stations and lines I find really interesting," Ignatius told blogTO. 

The university student created the map on an app called IBIS Paint X, using the official current TTC map and tracing over it to add new lines and extensions. Aside from the Ontario Line, which is already under construction, Ignatius says he believes the next most essential project for Toronto transit should be an extension of Line 4. 

"A western extension is most needed for connectability between both sides of Line 1, and for Line 1 cars to access Wilson yard more easily. The west extension lacks density; however, a subway line in the future could densify it," he notes. 

"An eastern extension is most needed due to the high density of Sheppard East in Scarborough. Many people who live in North York and Scarborough would have an easier commute." 

Although some pointed out in the Reddit thread that the map contains "too many LRTs," Ignatius points out that this isn't necessarily his "personal image of a future TTC," and instead, mostly offers a look at what's already been proposed and planned. 

A Future Map of the TTC in 2056
by u/bigboycig in TTC

"The TTC would realistically not invest in so many full underground subways due to the cost, and thus there are many LRT's. If this were my own creative sandbox of a future TTC, there would definitely be more full subways," he told blogTO. 

The student adds that the St Clair, Spadina, and Waterfront LRTs are based on the already existing streetcar lines and have full transit signal priority.