TTC Innovation Partnership to Improve Safety, Reliability, and Efficiency

3/31/2026

Canada’s largest transit agency—Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)—is partnering with Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) to launch five new research projects that explore ways to improve transit operations, infrastructure, and customer experience. The projects are part of a Transit Innovation Yard, a joint initiative with TTC, TMU, and tech start-up DMZ, and part of TTC’s push to build a more innovative, future-ready transit system.

The Transit Innovation Yard provides the transit agency with an opportunity to examine emerging solutions harnessing the city’s talent. “As we work to modernize and transform our system, partnerships like this are essential,” said TTC CEO Mandeep S. Lali. “By connecting our operations expertise with the research excellence of TMU, we are exploring practical new solutions to real-world challenges—at no cost to the TTC.”

The five research projects will progress over the next 9-15 months, culminating in recommendations and next steps for TTC’s consideration. The selected projects focus on:

  1. Using drones to create an interactive 3D model of TTC subway tunnels to support engineering and maintenance planning, enhance inspection workflows, and flag areas that require attention.
  2. Designing a wayfinding kiosk for users to connect their phones, access route information, and share information with others.
  3. Creating a digital model of a TTC yard that visualizes energy use across major systems and can test potential energy-savings opportunities, among other uses.
  4. Studying how live music influences the customer experience, including perceived safety.
  5. Developing a prototype AI engine that can dynamically optimize routes, factoring in traffic, service disruptions, and passenger demand.