In a unanimous decision by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Board on Wednesday morning, Toronto Metropolitan University's proposal to establish a research partnership and rename Dundas Subway station to TMU Station, has been approved.
Transit Innovation Yard (TIY) will be a landmark collaboration between TMU and the TTC to develop cutting-edge solutions for initiatives such as route optimization, better real-time service updates, and improved journey planning tools, to help create a better transit service for the City of Toronto.
The initiative will leverage TMU researchers, start-ups, and more to help address pressing transit challenges.
"We are excited by this incredible opportunity," says President Mohamed Lachemi. "We are especially grateful for the leadership of Mayor Olivia Chow and our local Councillor Chris Moise for advancing the conversation on station renaming. We also want to recognize TTC Chair Jamaal Myers and the entire TTC Board for their confidence in this initiative. A sincere thank you as well to the TTC staff whose work made this moment possible."
Through this transformative partnership, Dundas Subway Station will be renamed TMU station.
The decision supports improved wayfinding for TTC users and will better reflect the surrounding neighbourhood and TMU's place in the community.
More than 80 per cent of TMU's 50,000 students, staff and faculty are commuters, bringing extraordinary energy to campus and the downtown core.
TMU developing key infrastructure, technology
Embedded in TIY is TMU's commitment to developing infrastructure and technology that enhances community well-being. TMU is home to a robust system of researchers and start-ups that are equipped to navigate the initiative's interconnected landscape of social, economic, political, cultural, and technological factors.
The collaboration also positions Toronto as a global leader in sustainable, community-driven transit innovation that will help tackle critical transit challenges while providing a real-world testing ground for innovation and research.
Exploring pressing mobility issues
The city of Toronto has been facing growing mobility issues for many years. The TTC serves approximately 500 million customers annually, while current congestion costs more than $11 billion each year, impacting economic productivity and quality of life.
Rapid urbanization, increasing population and environmental concerns have placed immense pressure on aging infrastructure, transportation systems and transit networks.
TIY will provide an unparalleled opportunity to implement and scale innovative solutions for the benefit of society in Canada and around the world.
The initiative will explore pressing issues in mobility, providing researchers and entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to make a real difference. Anchored by TMU Station, TIY will be a global leader in sustainable, community-driven development.
Building a legacy
Following a series of initial pilot projects, TIY has the potential to multiply its impact long-term, attracting new partnerships and investors, and redefining how our community moves, connects, and thrives.
TMU will work with partners, including the province, to help address the costs of renaming and launching the partnership.
Together, TTC and TMU look forward to building a legacy of innovation that transforms the future of mobility.
