From AI-powered routing to real-time rail inspection, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is testing new ideas that could shape the future of operations and rider experience.

The TTC and Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) are launching five new research projects to explore “promising” concepts that could improve TTC operations, infrastructure, and customer experience.

The projects are part of a new phase in the Transit Innovation Yard, a joint initiative with the TTC, TMU, and the DMZ that aims to accelerate Canadian transit innovation.

Through the Transit Innovation Yard, the TTC is opening its system to select start-ups and academics to trial new technologies and ideas, providing the TTC with the opportunity to examine emerging solutions and pursue those with clear potential. The partnership is a part of the TTC’s broader push to build a more “innovative, future-ready transit system.”

“Toronto is home to world-class universities,” Mayor Olivia Chow said. “Through the Transit Innovation Yard partnership, we’re harnessing the incredible talent in our city to build cutting-edge, made-in-Canada solutions to transit issues here and around the world.”

Five Research Projects Aim to Advance TTC Innovation and Operations

According to a release, the five selected research projects are:

• An automated rail inspection system: Led by Dr. Farrokh Janabi-Sharifi, this project will demonstrate a compact sensing system installed beneath a TTC rail vehicle to capture high-resolution imagery of rails and nearby track infrastructure during normal movement. The system will analyze the data to identify potential defects such as cracks, missing fasteners, or debris, helping TTC teams better monitor track conditions and plan maintenance.
• A cross-device digital wayfinding solution: Led by Dr. Ali Mazalek, this project will create a proof-of-concept for in-station wayfinding kiosks. Users will be able to connect their phones to the kiosks, access route information, and share it with other contacts.
• A sustainability-focused digital twin of a TTC yard: Led by Dr. Jenn McArthur, this project will develop a digital twin of a TTC yard that visualizes energy use across major systems, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). The initial prototype will demonstrate how energy flows through the facility, highlight possible waste, and allow TTC teams to test potential energy‑reduction opportunities.
• A study of the TTC Underground Sounds Subway Musician Program: Led by Dr. Charlie Wall-Andrews, this project will study how live music influences the customer experience, rider mood, and perceived safety. The project will also look into the feasibility of musicians having an expanded safety function within select TTC stations.
• An AI engine for dynamic route optimization: Led by Dr. Sharareh Taghipour, this project will develop a prototype AI engine that dynamically optimizes routes, factoring in traffic conditions, service disruptions, and passenger demand, with the aim of improving service reliability and operational efficiency.

“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.”

Projects are expected to progress over the next 9-15 months, culminating in recommendations and next steps for the TTC’s consideration.