The TTC is well known for its delays, which sometimes makes it an unreliable option when trying to get somewhere on time. The fact of the matter is that it’s usually the only option.

As most students try to save money, many commute early in the morning from places like Mississauga, Etobicoke, or Richmond Hill. I interviewed fellow Innis students that commute from all over the GTA to get some insight towards their experience as commuters.

Tom Leschinski – 2nd year Philosophy major

Where do you commute from? “I commute from Thornhill.”

How much time do you allot to commuting? “It takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes to commute so I generally leave 20 minutes earlier to adjust for delays.”

How do you deal with delays? “I split my time between reading, listening to music or educational podcasts. Sometimes it’s great to sit and relax.”

Any tips for commuters? “Give yourself a lot of time to commute, it makes things flexible and okay if delays happen spontaneously, which they do a lot.”

How do you feel commuters are represented at Innis? “There isn’t a lot of inclusion per se. Most of the important events are at night but at that point I’m home. I appreciate free food events but those seem to be getting cut.”

How do you think commuter life can be improved on campus? “I think communication is key. People need to ask us what we want and what works for us. I want more free food events.”

Hania Eid – 3rd year double majoring in Equity Studies and Spanish and a major in Political Science

Where do you commute from? “I commute from North York.”

How much time do you allot to commuting? “My commute can range from 40 to 90 minutes, depending on the time and weather conditions.”

How do you deal with delays? “I typically listen to music or if I bring a book with me, I try to read some of it.”

Any tips for commuters? “I would recommend that commuters always leave 15 minutes earlier than your allotted time. It’s always better to be early than to arrive late.”

How do you feel commuters are represented at Innis? “I appreciate that there is a commuter lounge that creates a comfortable space for commuters to relax and take a break. I always hear about free food events which are very considerate, because commuters tend to be on campus for longer hours.”

How do you think commuter life can be improved on campus? “I feel that Innis College allows and encourages its students to rely on it for help and resources to feel more comfortable. It’s useful to have that FB page, with constant updates, as a source for information.”

Stephanie Kroone – 4th year double majoring in English and French with a minor in Education and Society

Where do you commute from? “Scarborough, near Malvern.”

How much time do you allot to commuting? “On a very good day an hour, on a bad day more than two.”

How do you deal with delays? “Nothing you can do about delays, if I’m somewhere where they announce it I sit tight, it it’s a connecting station I might consider using the other line resulting in a longer commute.

Any tips for commuters? “Practice mindfulness and really think about what matters to you, and why those things matter.”

How do you feel commuters are represented at Innis? “I’m not sure that we really are. Those of us who have to struggle to get involved are but because we raise our voices. Those who can’t do that face Innis’ ‘tight-knit’ community as an outsider.”

How do you think commuter life can be improved on campus? “It’s always on the commuter to get themselves involved and I think it’s about time our community started reaching out to us.”

Based on the interviews, I compiled a list of things you might consider, to make your future commutes more tolerable:

1. Make a playlist: Set up a playlist with upbeat jams to keep you awake.
2. Read: Bring a book or some school work to make your commute more productive.
3. Commute with someone: Commute with a friend. It allows you to catch up and have a fun conversation.
4. Nap: Take advantage of longer commute times to squeeze in a short power nap.
5. Mindfulness: Take the time to reflect on what matters to you and de-stress.

Alongside dealing with delays, it seems commuters have a hard time feeling included in campus life. Innis is already a small college and the fact that we are so behind in creating a social circle that’s inclusive to commuters is crazy. Important events and commuter activities aren’t flexible, and can’t cater to most commuters’ convenience.

There seems to be a lack of communication and inability to gauge what commuters want and need. The cutting of free food events, which seems to be the only thing commuters enjoy, isn’t really helping build a more inclusive environment.

As an actual commuter, I feel it realistically encourages a more segregated atmosphere that makes it harder for commuters to socialize with people on campus. These events are the only opportunity to connect with Innis commuters, so it’s not practical to have fewer of them simply because non-Innis students attend them too.

Smarter decisions need to be made that include the actual voices of commuters to make rational and effective decisions. It’s about time we address these issues, because TTC delays seem to be the least of our problems.