When we launched the TTC web challenge on January 1st we had no idea that so many people shared our opinion of the TTC's site. Not only did Toronto's top bloggers relish the idea of contributing to the betterment of the TTC, it turns out the traditional media loves the idea too. In the past two days the National Post, the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, and CBC Radio have interviewed us or done stories on the bloggers' challenge to TTC Chair, Adam Giambrone. Thanks to all the readers who added their ideas to various blog sites. Your collective input will make a difference.

The next step for us is to assemble all the suggestions and put them in a form that the TTC can actually use. That will happen in the next week or so. Giambrone has accepted our challenge and will use the suggestions to inform the design of the next-generation TTC information web site. In fact, the new TTC Chair has assigned someone in his office to act as liaison between the bloggers and city hall. This isn't Mel Lastman's city bureaucracy any more!

1. This is really picking up speed, and I think it’s wonderful, and both you and Mr. G. get gold stars for what has already happened.

   I want to add my wee suggestion as one of the free agent nation. Here’s the issue: I end up driving downtown for client meetings more often than I want to, because mid-day I can never be sure how long I’ll have to wait for a bus, and don’t want to be late for meetings. [Which is incredible, given that at least four routes pass my stop on Eglinton.]

   The same problem recurs when going back home after 6:00 pm—you might wait no time, or a long time at Eglinton station for a bus. Real time arrival and departure data is needed there too.

   If I could get real-time arrival data for a couple of locations on some kind of bookmarked basis, I could reduce my number of car/cab trips significantly. And I bet I’m not the only one.

   So this is more than a web site fix—it’s really web enabled business processes. We need to think not just about web site usability, but system usability in general. This is essential if ridership is to be increased.

   Plus, as a marketer, I have to ask: why don’t they sell fun TTC memorabilia on their site to raise the cool factor, as well as a few $$$? Where are the Red Rocket souvenirs? Let’s open up a design competition for cool TTC stuff next, and see what our creative minds can generate on that one.

   Finally, way to go Mr. G. You’ve given me new hope for government. I only hope the bureaucrats at TTC don’t shut you down.

   Posted by Susan Abbott  on  01/06  at  12:50 PM

2. Hi Susan, thanks for your comments. I like the idea of “web enabled business processes.” Some suggestions are premised on making the TTC data open-sourced. That way social entrepreneurs could offer services the TTC is unwilling to consider.

   Posted by Editor  on  01/06  at  01:41 PM

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