McGuinty Government and Partners Adding More Transit In York Region
NEWMARKET, December 14, 2009 - Construction is underway on 35.8 kilometres of dedicated bus lanes in York Region that will provide faster, more
reliable service to commuters.
It is estimated that 11,000 jobs will be created
with the construction of this $1.4-billion York Viva Rapidway, funded by the
province.
The first section will
be ready in 2010 with full service available by the end of 2013. The
system will include stations at key destinations throughout the
region. Many stations will also serve as transit hubs where passengers can make
fast and easy connections to the TTC subway system, GO Transit commuter rail
and express buses, York Rapid Transit local bus services, and other transit
systems operating in neighbouring regions.
As part of the
integrated regional transit network, Viva is also scheduled to introduce the Presto fare card in 2011.
QUOTES
“The McGuinty government is working with Viva to
bring excellent public transit service to York Region. The grading for the bus
rapidway we see here today in Markham
is the first step in delivering fast, reliable transit service to the people of
York Region.”
– Jim Bradley, Transportation Minister
“This construction phase is
truly significant, as it marks the beginning of a new stage of rapid transit in
York Region. Together with the Government of Ontario, we are building a modern
transit system to ensure we keep pace with the planned growth in York Region
and preserve the quality of life our residents have come to expect.”
– Bill Fisch, York Region Chairman and
CEO
“Metrolinx is pleased to be partnering with
York Region to provide improved customer service that will offer travelers a
faster, more convenient rapid transit network. Constructing this vital project
will create increased transportation choices for citizens, reduce congestion,
provide opportunities for regional business growth and improve the environment.
This project is another important step in realizing the full possibilities of The Big Move, our regional
transportation plan.”
– Rob Prichard, President and CEO,
Metrolinx
“This is
great news for the people of York Region and the GTA. The project signals the
start of a faster, more convenient rapid transit network that will enable
people to get around more easily, improve the ability of our businesses to grow
and succeed and help improve the environment.”
- Michael
Chan, MPP, Markham-Unionville
QUICK FACTS
-
Rapidways are separate centre lanes
that will allow Viva buses to travel freely no matter how much traffic is using
the conventional roadway.
- Metrolinx estimates 11,000 jobs will be created with the
construction of the York Viva Rapidways.
- This is one of the priority projects
in The Big Move, the Metrolinx Regional
Transportation Plan.
- Since
Viva rapid transit was launched in September of 2005, total transit vehicle boardings have increased
by 44 per cent, and have been the catalyst for millions of square-feet of
mixed-use, transit-oriented development.
-
Since 2003, the province has
committed more than $694 million in public transit funding to York Region,
including $105.6 million for earlier Viva projects.
LEARN MORE
Read about Metrolinx’s Regional Transportation
Plan, The Big Move.
Get more information
on vivaNext.
Nicole
Lippa-Gasparro, Minister’s Office, 416-327-1815
Bob
Nichols, Communications Branch, 416-327-1158
Jacquie Menezes, Metrolinx,
416-874-5923
Dale Albers, York Region Rapid
Transit, 905- 886-6767, ext. 1020 or cell:
416-206-3716