Adapting in the big city has its challenges. One of them is getting around the city, and in my case, utilizing public transit. Because I work in the Downtown core, there is no need for me to drive because the parking is limited and expensive, and public transit is very accessible. Of course, no one likes delays including me. During my first few days, there were delays for 3 days straight. But at least, I have made it on time to work… so far.

Today, it was a major one. In Toronto, one of the main transit systems is the TTC. There are three subway lines and one light rail train line. I just got on my usual subway train, and I saw a notice posted on the screen at the station that there were some stations closed due to a “report of fire”. During my commute to work, I go through those stations that were just closed. Now knowing about the closure and I was still on the subway train, I needed to think swiftly. During the trial runs prior to the move, I recognized that there is another transit system in the city called GO Transit. There was a station that was 5 minutes from my place so it was convenient, and it gets me to the Downtown core in 30 minutes. With the current situation, I needed to get to where I needed to go fast as it was already 10:30am, and I start at 12pm. So I thought of GO Transit. Even though I needed to go back in the East direction, it’s the only way for me to get to Downtown on time. So I got off the subway train and took the next bus going East.

If it weren’t for my quick thinking, I would have been stuck with the crowd and in the shuttle buses. At that point, I would have been late. In order to overcome challenges, especially in these situations where time is the essence, you would need to think fast. You need to make sure that every move you make would not result in a regretful outcome. You need to make sure that you always have a backup plan. Because of those trial runs that Jon and I did, I was able to utilize a different route, especially in an event that you need to get somewhere fast. Thinking quickly applies to anything you do, not just in transit, because making moves make lasting results.