Toronto Subway Typeface.
Layout by author. 2010
I was recently thrilled to have tracked down a free typeface file for Toronto's Subway Typeface. Having unconsciously glanced at the unusual letters over countless trips during my childhood, it wasn't until I began working on Transit projects on the west coast that I began to really think about the TTC's unique typographic heritage.
Most systems around the world have a chosen typeface that is consistently used to direct their customers amongst a sea of advertising and invading fonts, signage and graffiti. Few, have their very own typefaces. Perhaps the existence of Toronto's unique typeface is indicative of the spirit of growth and excitement felt after WWII when Toronto took its first steps towards becoming a real city by building massive and impressive public works like the Yonge-Eglinton Subway. Much of that energy has been lost today as the TTC subway system has slowly fallen behind Montreal and Vancouver in terms of infrastructure despite servicing far more customers daily.
Created in 1954 by an unknown designer, the TTC font or "Toronto Subway" typeface is one of the most unique features of Canada's most heavily used public transit network and makes it standout amongst other networks. The pastel tiled interiors of the original TTC, Often sarcastically referred to as the 'height of Canadian bathroom architecture', featured the typeface. In recent years renovations along the Yonge-Eglinton line saw many of the original tiles lost. However, most of the Bloor-Danforth stations still feature the lettering as well the Sheppard Line which chose to resurrect the style for its interiors.
Toronto Subway Typeface In use at St. George Station
City of Toronto Archives. Date Unkown
Loosely modelled after Johnston font family (1913), the typeface features near perfect circular shapes for the capital 'O' 'G' 'C' and 'Q'. The circular forms always reminded me of the well known Frank Llyod Wright style of lettering.
For more info:
I found this great research paper by an OCAD student from 2007
http://joeclark.org/appearances/atypi/2007/TTC/inscribed/
as well as this site which compares other systems from around the world... but not Toronto?http://mic-ro.com/metro/metrofonts.html
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