The Coolest Commute Ever



The northbound Scarborough RT train pulling into Lawrence East station

The Toronto Star recently published a series of stories about the TTC's 501 Queen Streetcar, one of the longest public transit routes in the world, and definitely one of Toronto's most interesting.  But I'm lucky to have one of coolest commutes to work everyday, and that's because I get to ride the northbound Scarborough RT.  East End Torontonians of my generation know exactly what I'm talking about: As soon as the dinky little subway into the heart of Scarborough was completed in the mid-'80s, it provided the city's graffiti artists with a legitimate audience.

I was testing out my dude Ekko's DSLR camera and thought I'd take some pics...



The view of the iconic "East Side" wall from the northbound platform at Lawrence East RT station.  This mural is the first street art on the ride up the Scarborough RT and has become a symbol of both Scarborough and the RT.

The view of the "East Side" mural from the moving train. (Note: What's funny is that in Toronto we say "East END" and "West END," not "West SIDE.")



I just discovered this dope, complex piece since starting my new job, probably because you have to look back to see it when riding the train northbound. I always look out for it on my southbound trip home.

 

The "Native Scarboro" mural is the last one on the trip up the Scarborough RT, just before Scarborough Centre station where most riders get off.  Classic stuff.

The last stop of the oh-so-'80s-futuristic Scarborough RT.

All West-Enders, 'Borough-fearing Downtowners and new Torontonians should take the RT graffiti tour even if Scarborough Town Centre's chain-store shopping turns your stomach.  Check out all the crazy throw-ups, tags and downright vandalism in between the sexier, more respectable murals above...  Just don't go during rush hour!