 |
| Runnymede station platform: back to austerity |
Of course not.
Dupont is an architectural flight of fancy, whereas Runnymede hearkens back to a methodical attitude of workhorse functionality and standardized purpose. Each has its proper place in time, and I’m thankful both are with us to enjoy.
Runnymede’s as-yet-still-functioning, old-school illuminated signage on the Kennedy side continues to beckon weary travellers. Beyond, the repeating barrel-vaulted ceiling of the bus platform is not without its charms.
 |
| Gorgeous entrance signage (on the Kennedy Ave. side) |
 |
| Clean lines, if not entirely clean. That blue has punch! |
Runnymede meshes in perfectly with its modest role servicing the eastern end of Bloor West Village. The station name references the 1838 house/estate of landowner John Scarlett, which in turn was named for the meadow where the Magna Carta was signed. The station opened in 1968, part of the welcome extension of the Bloor line to Islington (from Keele).
If you’re in the area, be sure to stop by the beautiful Runnymede branch of the Toronto Public Library, a block east.
Update: In February 2019, the five murals of Anonymous Somebody
by seemingly ubiquitous Toronto artist Elicser Elliott were installed at Runnymede.
The large colour illustrations depict waiting passengers from different eras,
and reflect the diversity of the TTC passengers who come through the station.
 |
| Waiting for the 71 to come... |
Elliott’s instantly recognizable style imbues his characters with an empathetic and warm humanity—a marked contrast to, say, the zombie commuters in Stuart Reid’s zones of immersion at Union. My one nitpick is how the ‘tile’ lines of most of the murals don’t align to the actual tiling...
Photo Gallery
Tour the station, and view captioned historical images from its past:(hint: turn on the captions)
Transfer:
 |
| Runnymede station transfer |
More about Runnymede
TTC Station info | Map | Wikipedia: RunnymedeMy next stop: Summerhill
Previous station: Dupont
Alphabetical Station Selector