There was a time, before many of our readership (and indeed, some of our writers) were legally allowed to drink, when a subway closing of 1:40am made sense. At the time Toronto's bars closed at 1am, giving 'late night' revelers the better part of an hour to find their way to the subway. Now, with last call at a later - if still early - time, anybody hoping to ride the Rocket home must say their goodbyes nearly a half hour before last call if they are to avoid the infrequent blue-night busses - or worse, driving home.

If reports are true, this may all be changing in the next few years. Aparently the TTC is commissioning a study on the possiblity of switching - at long last - to 24 hour service; allowing Torontonians to focus more on getting where they're going, and less on the time they're getting there.

The idea is a winner for everybody: environmentalists will have another reason to coax people out of their cars; culture mavens will be able to attend parties and events regardless of the time of day; the police will be able to expect a curtailing of drunk driving; and the TTC itself will be able to present a better - and more comprehensive - face to the public. It's just one more step in our city's slow quest to become 'world class'.

I just hope that it doesn't stop with the TTC. Torontonians are mature enough to set their own bedtimes without having the Provincial goverment telling us when we've had enough fun. The next important step would be the issuing of late licenses to bars and clubs that can demonstrate responsible service. With that, and with more events like Nuit Blanche hopefully in the works, Toronto may just start living up to its billing as a big city where people can enjoy life whenever they choose.

Image by Neurotic Jose