November 10, 2020
When it comes to the future of transit in York Region, you don't have to look far. As winter approaches, the evolution of transit continues with the opening of the rapidway along Yonge Street in Richmond Hill, from Highway 7 to Major Mackenzie Drive and from Levendale Road to 19th Avenue/Gamble Road.
what you need to know:
- Transit connections are being transformed in Richmond Hill — with the rapidway project on Yonge opening for service by the end of this year.
- The Yonge rapidway is part of nearly 34 kilometres of completed rapidways that make connections throughout Richmond Hill and beyond, including YRT routes at Bernard Terminal, as well as Viva and GO buses and trains at Richmond Hill Centre Terminal, where the future Yonge North Subway Extension will connect to.
- The Yonge North Subway Extension is York Region's top priority transit project, and the missing link in the GTA. Once this critical project receives the full funding commitment it needs, it will connect to the new Yonge rapidway and other rapid transit routes.
- To preserve and protect the heritage area in downtown Richmond Hill, Viva will merge into mixed traffic between Major Mackenzie and Levendale.
- North of 19th/Gamble, Viva will merge into mixed traffic until it reaches the Yonge Street rapidway in Newmarket, and then connect to the Newmarket Bus Terminal and the Davis Drive rapidway.
- Dedicated bus lanes, seven vivastations [at Bantry/Scott, 16th/Carrville, Weldrick, Major Mackenzie, Elgin Mills, Bernard and 19th/Gamble], upgraded utilities, dedicated bike lanes, and tree-lined sidewalks will bring inviting places to walk and cycle.
- Starting today, you may see buses out for a test drive in the new rapidway as drivers receive training, even though it isn't officially open yet.
- Motorists should be aware that the "BUS ONLY" red lanes are rapidway lanes for Viva buses. First responder vehicles can also use the rapidway lanes during an emergency — an added benefit that the rapidways bring to each community — saving valuable time when it's truly needed. Read more about this on the blog — Rapidways >> who goes there?
- There is a new transit traffic signal added at intersections for Viva buses on the rapidway. Be sure to wait for the traditional green light for traffic before proceeding through the intersection.
- Vivastations are not yet in service. For your safety, please do not enter the vivastation platforms. Stay tuned for the official opening!
When getting to and from everywhere is this easy, it attracts people to shop, dine, work and live here. It's a transit-inclusive environment that connects people and places, while helping to support continued growth.
If you have any questions, please take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions or feel free to contact one of your Community Liaisons.
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