Our Commitment to Innovation


For us at TTC, an innovative organization fosters a culture of openness, values fresh perspectives and diversity of thought, solves problems rooted in empathy for customers and employees, embraces uncertainty, and ambitiously plans for the future, all while effectively serving current needs.

We are blending the science and practice of innovation by using methodologies like lean innovation, human centered design, design thinking, balance breakthrough model and ISO 56000 Innovation Management Framework.

Work Streams  Goals  Benefits 
Identify and Solve Problems Through Innovation Challenges
Tap into the collective knowledge of innovators who know the business best to identify and solve specific business or customer problems.
Diverse range of innovative ideas and cross pollinate ideas with thought leaders and academia partners.
Scout for Emerging Technologies and Solutions Stay abreast of emerging technologies and trends to maintain a competitive edge. Shape the future of transit and build strategic partnerships.
Enables the TTC to adopt, build long term viability, have enhanced efficiency, thrive in a dynamic environment and shape our brand as a future-ready organization.
Build an Open Intake Process Formalize the intake of unsolicited ideas from innovators, screen, evaluate, prototype, and implement through a transparent innovation process.  
Empower employees to take ownership of innovation at the TTC, enhance creativity, and build an ecosystem of partnerships with local and global partners.

  • What is ‘innovation’ at the TTC? 

    Innovation at the TTC is the pursuit of customer-centric solutions, powered by agile lean methodologies, strategic ecosystem partnerships, an unwavering commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2040, data driven decision making and considering accessibility, equity across communities, and diversity in every initiative we undertake.  

  • Why innovate at the TTC? 

    Innovation is imperative to enhance customer experience, design for future customers, maintain competitive edge, and be a leader in shaping our city's sustainable future. We will evaluate the innovation programs and initiatives to ensure they yield net positive benefit when compared to the cost of administering.

  • Where and When does the TTC need to innovate?

    This commitment to corporate innovation permeates every facet of the TTC. It's not restricted to specific departments; rather, it's integrated across all levels and functions. Innovation is an ongoing endeavor, adapting to changing urban dynamics and transit challenges. Whether it's improving efficiency, enhancing customer experience, or adopting sustainable practices, innovation is a constant pursuit. 

  • Who is responsible for innovation at the TTC? 

    Corporate innovation involves everyone. From frontline staff to leadership, customers to the general public, and industry peers to academia and vendors, everyone is encouraged to contribute their insights. Cross-functional collaboration brings diverse expertise to the table, enriching idea generation and driving change.

Evaluation of Innovation Concepts 


At TTC we follow a vetting process that ensures we are evaluating ideas through different lenses and ensuring different voices are heard as we move projects forward.

Capture and evaluate ideas through the Innovation Pipeline

  • Does the ideas solve a problem or present an opportunity that will increase the benefits of transit?
  • Is the idea technically feasible, is it mature enough and, if applicable, are the risks it introduces manageable? 
  • What are the costs of a trial and full-scale implementation? Does the idea increase one or more benefits of transit enough to warrant the cost?
  • Can a funding source be identified?
  • Once implemented, were the benefits achieved and what were the lessons learned?

Agile decisions at any stage of the Innovation Pipeline:

  • Pivot concept
  • Move to Pilot
  • Add to Future Backlog
  • Terminate
Intake and perform initial screening. Evaluate desirability, feasibility, viability, and safety. Develop business case and seek approval. Identify funding sources. Prototype/implement and validate.

 

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