The alternative map for TTC subways and streetcar routes Graeme Stewart posted yesterday generated an avalanche of visits to Reading Toronto. It seems of all the topics we look at here the one Torontonians care most passionately about is "The Better Way" to map the city's transit routes. In that spirit we thought a quick survey of the alternatives was in order.

For the TTC's version of its subway map follow this link.



There are other ways to map the TTC. Crazedmonkey.com uses the Google Map mashup technique:



Of course, there is Robot Johnny's infamous anagram map. RJ was given a cease and desist order from the TTC because they claimed his original map infringed on TTC copyright.

No list of TTC maps would be complete without TTCRider's TTC Rider's Efficiency Guide and the accompanying "So Ya Want To Be Famous: 26 Media Lessons Learned ."

Let's be serious. Rather than threatening legal action, the TTC would be better off inviting the user/mappers in as consultants. Trendwatching.com says that "Customer-Made" solutions are the biggest new trend in product marketing. What do they mean by customer-made:

“The phenomenon of corporations creating goods, services and experiences in close cooperation with experienced and creative consumers, tapping into their intellectual capital, and in exchange giving them a direct say in (and rewarding them for) what actually gets produced, manufactured, developed, designed, serviced, or processed.”

We'd say to the TTC, "Why alienate these well-considered, free marketing insights by threatening litigation?" Take advantage of what your customers are saying. Learn from them rather than dictate to them. After all, the data these bloggers have acquired is worth about twenty focus groups at about $10,000 a pop.