building together for future connections
The journey is just beginning. With the first 34 km of dedicated Bus Rapid Transit [BRT] lanes in service, more infrastructure is needed to ensure York Region's growth is sustainable and affordable.
In October 2023, York Regional Council approved prioritization of over 130 kilometres of rapid transit into three phases, and a $35 million investment in planning and preliminary design work to ensure BRT projects are shovel ready.
Work has begun to advance Phase 1 projects, including bus rapid transit on Jane Street in Vaughan, and on Highway 7, Kennedy Road, and Enterprise Boulevard in Markham.
- more jobs, boosts the GDP
- equal access to travel options for getting to employment, housing and services
- supports climate goals
- reduces traffic congestion
- sustainable growth in urban centres
- faster travel times than conventional bus transit
- safe road design to help reduce collisions
- use of BRT lanes for emergency services
- updated utilities and infrastructure
- tree-lined sidewalks and bike lanes
For more details, see our BRT benefits fact sheet
- Detailed cost and distance estimates will come with future design stages.
- Large infrastructure projects take years to plan, design and build, so it’s important to have long-term investments in place, and the preliminary assessments and work completed to continue expanding York Region’s rapid transit network.
- York Region is investing today to complete Environmental Assessments (EAs) and preliminary design engineering to ensure BRT projects are in a state of readiness for when funding becomes available.
- Work is starting on an EA for Jane Street, and is underway to review and update completed EAs for other Phase 1 rapid transit segments, to ensure York Region remains ready for preliminary design engineering and construction.