Strategy & Culture
To be successful in our Innovation and Sustainability goals set out, we must commit to a focus on:
Culture
One of our primary roles is to embed innovative and sustainable thinking into the TTC’s culture. We aim to always recognize our important role in protecting the environment and to empower our employees to problem solve for a sustainable future.
Accountability
To make sure we are successful, we also need to hold ourselves and each other accountable. That means detailing our plans, highlighting the resource needs and committing to success.
Transparency
Accountability also requires us to be transparent about our progress, including our successes and challenges. To that end, the Innovation and Sustainability Program will provide annual reports on the status of our Action Plan and publish annual Sustainability Performance Reports.
Fostering a TTC culture of innovation and sustainability is critical to this Strategy. Progress will require all employees to take accountability for their part in corporate innovation and environmental sustainability.
| Work Streams | Goals | Benefits |
| Foster a Culture of Innovation | Build a corporate innovation process where innovators from across the organization and beyond feel seen and heard. Build a sandbox-like environment where we can test ideas with speed and agility. Training, incentivizing, recognizing, and rewarding employees for their innovative ideas and tangible contributions. |
Equitable and aligned innovation embedded across all levels of the Commission, promoting diversity of thought and collaboration. |
| Foster a Culture of Sustainability | Accelerate internal and external communications to deepen awareness of the TTC's role in fighting the climate crisis and motivating people to action. |
Improve awareness of the work underway inside and outside of the organization, and integrate climate action into everyday responsibilities. |
| Commit to Ongoing Consultation | Perform traditional and innovative engagement to understand customer pain points and potential solutions, barriers of transit, and the revitalization of this land. |
Create meaningful and impactful results for our diverse range of customers. |
| Drive Transparency and Accountability | Make TTC’s sustainability commitments and ongoing environmental performance visible to the public by providing an annual TTC Environmental Sustainability Performance report that measures progress against the strategy. This commitment to transparency to the TTC Board, the public, and TTC’s funding partners will drive accountability. |
Drive accountability of the actions outlined in this strategy and encourage sustainable transportation choices. |
Fostering a Culture of Innovation
Building Excitement about Emerging Technologies
We will provide regular communication to employees to encourage adoption of new technologies and methods through various internal communication channels, including lunch and learns, panel discussions, SME talks, and ‘Innovation Days’.
Science of Innovation Workshops
We will introduce and expand innovation-oriented training content to provide employees with the tools and knowledge to identify opportunities and implement improved processes leading to a cycle of innovation. This training will build from existing initiatives, such as the continuous improvement training implemented in Materials Management. We will host innovation masterclasses to share agile innovation methodologies, such as systems thinking, design thinking, and lean innovation to empower teams to move with speed and move the needle on innovation in their respective areas.
Rewards and Recognition
Unlocking the human capital currently employed at the TTC is a critical step to maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations and fostering a lasting culture of innovation. Opportunities to connect the implementation of innovation with employees' annual objectives and performance ratings will be explored.
In 2023, a new Employee Innovation and Sustainability Award was added to the TTC's Rewards and Recognition Program. Coupled with support to implement their ideas, this will encourage employees to put forward creative and practical ideas that lead to tangible savings, efficiencies and improvements to transit services.
This program is an open call to employees to share the innovations they have devised and implemented, highlighting numerous improvements our employees contribute every year. A committee will evaluate the impact of the change and determine reward recipients twice a year.