The Registration Link is now live for the 2024 meeting of the Ancient Philosophy Society in Toronto.
Here is some useful travel information for the event:
Transportation from Toronto Airports to Hotel:
-There are two airports servicing the Toronto area: Pearson International Airport (which is about a half hour’s car ride from downtown Toronto), and Billy Bishop Airport (which is within the city limits).
-To get to the Chelsea Hotel from Pearson Airport, you can take a taxi, airport limo service, or the express train service. Uber and Lyft cars can also be arranged.
-The express train costs $12.35 CAD, and takes you to a downtown subway station that is 3 subway stops away and then a short (5-minute) walk to the Chelsea. The subway is an additional $3.25.
-Taxi fare from the airport is approximately $65 CAD plus tip, and limo service ranges from $75-120 depending on the company.
-To get to the Chelsea Hotel from Billy Bishop, the best option is to take a taxi or arrange for an Uber or Lyft ride. Taxi fare is approximately $12 CAD.
-Detailed information about these various travel options, including accessibility information, can be found below.
- Express Train from Pearson Airport to Downtown Hilton:
Union Pearson Express Train (UP Express):
- Direct travel from Pearson airport to Union Subway Station
- From Terminal 1 at Pearson, the UP Express platform can be found at the end of the hall. Follow the train icon above ‘Train to City’ signage. Train is located on level 3, accessible by elevator near door ‘D,’ or escalator by door ‘F.’
- Weekdays, 5:27 am – 11:27 pm, 30 minute intervals
- Weekends, 6:27 am – 11:27 pm, 30 minute intervals
- 25 minute travel time
- Standard fare, $12.35, purchase tickets: https://www.upexpress.com/Tickets/Fares , or at kiosks
Union Subway Station to Chelsea Hotel (33 Gerard Street West):
5 minute TTC (Subway, Yonge line North to College Station or Dundas Station*) plus a 5 minute walk, or a 7 minute car ride.
*Note, the Chelsea Hotel is about 400 metres (a 6 minute walk) from Oakham House, where the conference is being held. The closest subway stop to the conference venue is Dundas, whereas the closest stop to the hotel is College. Only the Dundas Station is wheelchair accessible.
Accessibility Information:
- UP Express train is wheelchair accessible.
Accessibility planning via UP Express Website:
https://www.upexpress.com/CustomerSupport/Accessibility
- Elevators located for subway platform access at both Union and Dundas Station.
- For TTC Stations, in the event that elevators are out of service, plans will be posted on each elevator.
TTC Accessibility Handbook:
https://www.ttc.ca/accessibility/Easier-access-on-the-TTC/Handbook-for-Accessible-Travel
2.1 Billy Bishop Airport to Mainland
Note: This airport is on an island just off the downtown Toronto mainland. One can walk to the mainland via an underground pedestrian tunnel, or via a short ferry boat (free of charge).
Billy Bishop Ferry:
- Airport to Billy Bishop Ferry Terminal.
- Complimentary for pedestrians
- 90 second travel time.
- 5:30 am – 12:00 am, approx. 15 minute intervals.
Billy Bishop Pedestrian Tunnel:
- Located below Billy Bishop Ferry Terminal.
- Airport to Billy Bishop Ferry Terminal
- Approx. 6 minute walk, moving walkways added for convenience.
Billy Bishop Ferry Terminal to Downtown Hilton (145 Richmond St. W):
- Approx. 12 minute car ride.
Accessibility Information:
- Billy Bishop ferry is wheelchair accessible.
- Billy Bishop pedestrian tunnel is wheelchair accessible by elevator.
Accessibility Planning via Billy Bishop Website: https://www.billybishopairport.com/the-airport/accessibility
3. Taxi and Limo Options from Airports:
Taxis are generally on standby at both airports. Limos can be pre-arranged. Accessible taxis and limos should be booked in advance.
Airport Limo Toronto
- Airport pick up and drop off car service.
- 4.8 star customer service review.
- Available for Pearson and Billy Bishop.
- Vehicles with accessibility aids are notavailable.
- Quote for car service: $115 from Pearson.
- Website: https://www.airportlimotoronto.com/airport-transportation
- Phone Number: 416 699 2000
Pearson Vision Limousine
- Airport pick up and drop off car service.
- Available for Pearson and Billy Bishop.
- Vehicles with accessibility aids available, though accessible vehicles are limited so it is recommended to book in advance.
- Quote for car service: Pearson $75, Billy Bishop $60 (same price for accessible and non-accessible vehicles).
- Website: https://www.pearsonvision.com/AreasServed/wheelchair.html
- 24 hour Reservation Phone Line: 1 855 661 1577
North American Airport Limousine Service
- Airport pick up and drop off car service.
- Available for Pearson and Billy Bishop.
- Vehicles with accessibility aids available, though accessible vehicles are limited so it is recommended to book in advance.
- Quote for non accessible car service Pearson $95, Billy Bishop $75.
- Quote for accessible car service Pearson $195, Billy Bishop $195.
- Website: https://www.airportlimosvc.net/?gclid=CjwKCAiA9NGfBhBvEiwAq5vSy8OIva-cfRJQGc7Xq1YLX67iQycpVLLA6ofXrorShJ_paNnfx2-KWBoCL_YQAvD_BwE
- Phone Number: 289 806 5904
GTA Cab
- Airport pick up and drop off car service.
- Available for Pearson.
- Vehicles with accessibility aids are notavailable.
- Quote for car service: $70.
- Website: https://www.gtacab.ca/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAgOefBhDgARIsAMhqXA7mXPgAxAAGX7qqQLlo7BoYNiXRizlFvYvxjjjsGhWdxhnpJ3S2VQcaAo_IEALw_wcB
- Phone Number: 416 482 0000
Dignity Transportation Incorporated
- Airport pick up and drop off car service.
- Available for Pearson and Billy Bishop.
- Specializes in accessible vehicles.
- Quote for service from Pearson: $105.50
- Quote for service from Billy Bishop: $76.50
- Website: https://www.dignitytransportation.com/content.php?p=3
- Phone Number: 416 398 2222
Reliable Downtown Cab Companies for Travel Within the City:
Beck Taxi
- 24 hour service.
- Standard Vehicle wait time: 5-10 minutes.
- Accessible Vehicle wait time: 20-30 minutes.
- No additional charge for accessible vehicles.
- Website: https://becktaxi.com/pages/about
- Phone Number: 416 751 5555
Wheelchair Taxi Toronto
- Open 7 days a week, 7am-10pm.
- Recommended to book at least 12 hours in advance, on demand service is based strictly on availability.
- Quotes available depending on distance needed, can request quotes on website.
- Website: https://www.wheelchairaccessibletaxi.ca/accessible-taxi-about-us/
- Phone Number: 647 697 7774.
Accessibility Information:
TTC Accessibility Information Guide:
https://www.ttc.ca/accessibility/Easier-access-on-the-TTC/Handbook-for-Accessible-Travel
List of Subway Stations Accessible by Elevator:
Line 1 (Yonge-University): Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, Highway 407, Pioneer Village, York University, Finch West, Downsview Park, Sheppard West, Wilson, Lawrence West, Eglinton West, St Clair West, Dupont, St George, Queen’s Park, St Patrick, Osgoode, St Andrew, Union, Queen, Dundas, Wellesley, Bloor-Yonge, St Clair, Davisville, Eglinton, York Mills, Sheppard-Yonge, North York Centre, Finch.
Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth): Kipling, Royal York, Jane, Runnymede, Keele, Dundas West, Dufferin, Ossington, Bathurst, Spadina, St George, Bay, Bloor-Yonge, Broadview, Chester, Pape, Coxwell, Woodbine, Main Street, Victoria Park, Kennedy.
3.2 Streetcars:
- Streetcars are available going east/west on both Dundas and College Streets.
- All streetcars are accessible, ramps located at second door of the vehicle.
- Note: not all streetcar stops are accessible, see streetcar specific accessibility web page for more information.
- $3.25 fee, streetcars only accept cash, credit or debit cards, or the TTC’s on “presto” card. There are machines you can tap with your card when entering.
- Full streetcar map: https://www.ttc.ca/routes-and-schedules#/
- Weekdays + Saturdays: 6:00 am – 2:00 am, Sundays: 8:00 am- 2:00 am
- If planning to travel by streetcar, we recommend downloading the ‘Rocketman’ app, for live updates about vehicle arrival times.
Accessibility Information:
TTC Accessibility Information Guide:
https://www.ttc.ca/accessibility/Easier-access-on-the-TTC/Handbook-for-Accessible-Travel
Streetcar Specific Accessibility Information:
https://www.ttc.ca/accessibility/Easier-access-on-the-TTC/Riding-the-Streetcar
Read the full article which is published on Ancient Philosophy Society (external link)
