It'd be fair to say that we're transit-obsessed in Toronto. Perhaps it's because our commute takes up a disproportionate amount of time, and we just can't stop thinking about how bad we have. Or perhaps many of us are secret transit nerds who rejoice at the thought of fantasy subway maps and vintage photos of TTC vehicles. Whatever the reason, a new photography show at Stephen Bulger Gallery aims to capitalize on our subway obsession.

Named simply "Subway," the exhibition gathers photos from subway systems around the world, including New York, Montreal, Tokyo, and of course, Toronto. "Since the late 19th century, cities have turned to tunnelling to transport their ever growing mass," reads a press release. "Efficient, claustrophobic, worn down and constantly updated, for many city dwellers subways are a necessary part of their daily lives. Transporting oneself underground seems both otherworldly and commonplace; it is a place where solitude is often felt strongly."

There are many strong photographers represented in the show, but a personal favourite is Michael Wolf's Tokyo Compression series. If you think you've been packed into a TTC subway car like a sardine before, these photos will probably offer a little perspective. Our rush hour commute is positively spacious compared to Tokyo's.

"Subway" opens at Stephen Bulger Gallery on Saturday, January 24, 2015.

Photo: Fun, Fun, Montreal Metro, 1987 Š George S. Zimbel / Courtesy of Stephen Bulger Gallery.