Mac Bauer and his spouse were making their way back from a friend’s place in Toronto when they encountered a familiar situation. The streetcar they were aboard was moving at a sluggish pace, extending their 12-kilometer trip to well over an hour.
Expressing their active nature, Bauer and his wife jokingly felt they could outrun the streetcar. Subsequently, Bauer engaged in a series of races with Toronto streetcars on foot, triumphing in each race by a significant lead.
Documenting his victories on Instagram, Bauer highlighted how the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) struggles to keep up with the city’s growth, often facing challenges from car traffic.
In the initial race, dubbed “Man Versus Machine,” Bauer competed against the 509 Harbourfront, covering a distance of about 3.1 kilometers. Despite the streetcar’s head start, Bauer reached the destination in 14 minutes, leaving the streetcar trailing by 7 minutes and 32 seconds.
Continuing his winning streak, Bauer defeated various streetcars, including the 510 Spadina, 504 King, and 505 Dundas, showcasing his ability to outpace public transportation effectively.
Bauer emphasized that his races were not exclusive to seasoned runners, as he later raced the 509 with a CityTV reporter, proving that everyday individuals could beat the streetcar too.
While acknowledging the convenience of taking the streetcar for a more relaxed journey, Bauer pointed out that walking could be a faster alternative during rush hour. He attributed the streetcar’s varying timing to factors like traffic and passenger stops, contrasting his uninterrupted journey on foot.
Despite the fun of these experiments, Bauer expressed disappointment in the city’s inability to keep up with the downtown population’s growth, potentially leading more people to opt for cars over public transit.
Eyeing his next challenge with the 512 St. Clair, known for its speed, Bauer remains curious to see if it will provide a closer competition than his previous races.
Ultimately, Bauer’s races shed light on the challenges faced by Toronto’s public transportation system amid the city’s expanding urban landscape.