TTC Merchandising

Led by Matt Blackett of Spacing


- Matt approached TTC with his TTC merch. idea of buttons identifying stations. TTC has a convoluted method for merchandising (contract tendering) which basically made it preventative to suggest an idea
-Learned that Legacy does not have an exclusive contract for merchandise, but "first right of refusal" for 5 years, TTC marketing rep. suggested that they can be approached with ideas
- People have emotive connections to their stations. Other transit systems do a good job of branding, e.g. London (clothing, metallic credit card size map, official book with pictures and history of lines and stations)
- In Toronto, merchandising is geared towards employees. Transit is not promoted as a destination in Toronto.
-Union Station, with expansion on the horizon, would be a great site for a merchandise store
- TTC has a lot of history (e.g. first subway in Canada) and could do more in promoting it's history.
- A transit museum would be a could focal point for celebrating TTC's history and art
- Ideas: book, replicas
- TTC has a lot of cultural capital, it should work on building its mythology.
- Building TTC brand. Its mandate is providing access to Toronto.
- Running old cars (Gloucester, PCC etc.). Museum on rails. Could take part in events, e.g. Nuit Blanche if continued
- Toronto Public Library used to put out local history books. (Possible source for photos and content)


- Community content possible around local stations as well - contemporary content, not only history, to give pride to community and engage newcomers, tourists
- Can be a campaign which can be produced over and over, year by year through rotation: e.g. 72 stations, one per month
-Build advertising partnership with destinations and events. e.g. Take TTC to go to CN Tower, Take TTC to go to Tennis Open. etc.
- Creative people need an ombudsman at TTC with whom they can discuss issues such as licensing, what works, what's allowed etc.
- What do we have to do to collect the massive public goodwill and harness public energy to help the TTC - a "Friends of the TTC"? - is there an organization like this already? this requires champions of the TTC to support this idea
-We also need knowledge of existing realities within the TTC organization that can provide support for the desires for developments of identity