A Toronto runner is gaining notoriety for consistently outrunning the city’s streetcars, highlighting long-standing issues with the public transit system. Mac Bauer, 32, has become a local celebrity by racing streetcars and documenting his victories on Instagram.
A Race Against Time
Bauer’s unusual hobby began roughly a year ago when he and his wife noticed the lengthy commute times across the city. He began posting videos of his races online, quickly attracting attention for demonstrating how easily a person can overtake Toronto’s public transportation.
Despite weighing over 100,000lbs and reaching a maximum speed of nearly 45mph, streetcars are frequently delayed by traffic and closely spaced stops. Bauer has even been able to complete a race with time to spare for a quick stop at McDonald’s. “I don’t like winning. I really don’t. I really, really wish these streetcars were faster than me,” he said. “But they’re not. And this is the problem.”
New Lines, Familiar Problems
Bauer’s efforts recently extended to the newly opened Line 6 light rail transit system, a $C3.5 billion project intended to carry more than 14 million passengers annually along its 6-mile length. Despite the significant investment, the line experienced service disruptions and delays shortly after opening.
In a race against the new line, Bauer beat the train by 18 minutes, a result that prompted city councillors to pass a motion calling for “more aggressive” signal priority for public transit.
Councillor Josh Matlow stated, “We can’t allow that to ever happen again. The LRT [light rail transit] is meant to be rapid transit.”
Recent improvements, such as dedicated lanes on some routes, have begun to narrow the gap between Bauer and the streetcars, suggesting that targeted infrastructure changes can have a positive impact. “This used to be the slowest route. Now it’s the closest race I’ve done,” Bauer noted, expressing cautious optimism about the future of Toronto’s transit system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mac Bauer doing?
Mac Bauer is racing Toronto streetcars and the new Line 6 light rail transit system to highlight the slow speed and inefficiencies of the city’s public transportation.
How often is Bauer winning these races?
As of late December, Bauer remains undefeated in his races against Toronto streetcars.
What has been the response to Bauer’s races?
Bauer’s races have gained attention on Instagram and prompted city councillors to consider implementing “more aggressive” signal priority for public transit.
As Toronto prepares for major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will the city be able to address the underlying issues plaguing its public transit system and deliver a more efficient and reliable experience for residents and visitors alike?
