Actually, the glass is partly full here, and there is a real opportunity for TTC to put their best foot forward and differentiate themselves from even more lethargic and unaccountable agencies (eg those whose name end in *linx, for instance)
TTC is publicly admitting they have a problem with track defects. (Would ML be that brave?) The opportunity is to publish these in a transparent list, detailing each defect and what the plan and timetable is for fixing each one. Then, periodically update as they knock these off and show publicly that corrective action has been completed. Not all may be fixed on time, and that is important to admit and document....but the admission that there are problems is a key to better management thinking.....and then a culture of "say what you intend to do, then do it, then show us that you have done it" will develop. Being candid and truthful about what each work window is meant for, and how it has accomplished results, is the essence of accountability - it's what the public deserves, even if performance is less than 100%.
If Metrolinx were running the subway, not only would the defects be left unfixed, there would be press releases reminding us of how the defects are part of the transition to a glorious future (some day....timeline indeterminate). And ML's Board would studiously avoid any reference to a defect problem in their open session Board meetings.
Maybe the TTC is getting this right, sort of.
- Paul
