Category: Subways

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Funding Subways Transit Yonge North Subway Extension

Celebrating the YNSE funding commitment

The expression “where there is a will, there is a way” might as well be talking about the Yonge North Subway Extension [YNSE], because this project has been York Region’s top transit priority for two decades. Here at YRRTC, we were thrilled to hear the announcement last month that the Government of Canada is contributing 40% of the YNSE, as part of a larger investment for four GTA transit projects.  

The YRRTC Board, led by Board Chair and Markham Mayor, Frank Scarpitti, and Chairman and CEO of York Region, Wayne Emmerson have championed this project, most recently collecting signatures on symbolic shovels, and ensuring the 905 & 416 voices were heard at the federal table with respect to this critically important piece of infrastructure.

We’re happy to see that the federal government recognizes the fact that the YNSE and other transit systems are key economic drivers, generating hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions in economic benefits, starting from the planning stage all the way through construction and operation. 

Here at YRRTC, we’ve spent years advocating for the YNSE as well as other rapid transit needed to accommodate York Region’s future growth.  We know there are many more steps ahead to get this subway planned, designed, and built. Big subway projects like this can take 10 years to construct, and in this case every level of government is involved, and the project crosses regional and municipal boundaries. There is a will to build the YNSE though, and with the recent Provincial, Federal and Municipal funding commitments, now there is a way.

One day in the not-so-distant future, we’ll be celebrating the first subway ride along the Yonge North Subway Extension. Until then, there is lots of work to do to plan and design a subway project that works for everyone.

Metrolinx is the project manager for the YNSE and provides information at metrolinx.com. Find other related YNSE materials on YRRTC’s website, vivanext.com/YongeSubwayExt.

Categories
Subways Yonge North Subway Extension

Yonge North Subway Extension – the demand is already here

Woman looking at phone
connecting 2 employment megazones! over 54,000 employers in Markham and Vaughan will be connected by the Yonge North Subway Extension.

When considering the Yonge North Subway Extension, the question is, are we keeping up with growth in York Region – or catching up to it?  This is the second blog in a series that will help our communities get more familiar with the Yonge North Subway Extension and highlight some of the important reasons why York Region needs this critical project.

The truth is that Yonge Street is growing fast north of Finch, with high-density residential and commercial developments both in the works, and planned, for the near future. The growth, and its pace, is already enough to sustain a subway extension.

Which means, we already need to catch up – and keep up! The Yonge North Subway Extension [YNSE] will support the number of people, businesses, jobs and housing in York Region and the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area [GTHA]. From the beginning of the construction stage through opening, it will bring new jobs and businesses, and attract residents and employers.

York Region is one of Canada’s fastest-growing large urban municipalities, forecasted to reach a population of 2.02 million and employment of 990,000 by 2051 [York Region’s Municipal Comprehensive Review, 2021).

In anticipation of the YNSE, the corridor is already seeing growth, with 19 residential developments including over 19,779 units and 550,000 square feet of commercial/retail space already proposed or underway as of the end of 2020.

This already high demand is sure to increase even more, with the Yonge North Subway Extension connecting two GTHA employment megazones: Vaughan and Markham: 654,650 jobs and 54,200 employers as of 2019.

Large infrastructure projects like the Yonge North Subway Extension can take 10 years to complete, so it should be built in parallel with other rapid transit projects over the next decade.

As we work through the processes of design and approvals, we need to ensure the YNSE and other rapid transit projects continue moving forward.

Looking ahead, we will further explore other key areas of Deloitte’s federal submission report, highlighting other important benefits that come with investments in critical projects like the Yonge North Subway Extension.

With investments in the YNSE and other rapid transit projects, we’ll be able to catch up to the demand that’s already there and prepare for the future.

Categories
economic & financial economic benefits Funding Subways

A case for the Yonge North Subway Extension

Last month, Metrolinx released their Yonge North Subway Extension Initial Business Case, and for those of you who aren’t already experts on transportation planning, that means this critical project has taken one step forward. As always with large infrastructure projects like this, there are more steps to come. There’s a consultation process just getting started, and that will help answer some of the questions around where the stations should be, and the route the extension takes [aka. The “alignment”]. This is the first of several future blogs that will help our communities get more familiar with the Yonge North Subway Extension project and the important benefits it brings to York Region.

the process

The purpose of an Initial Business Case is to analyze different options or designs for a project, to come up with a preferred option before moving on to preliminary design and procurement [and more business cases], followed by construction. In this case, Metrolinx has developed new alternatives to the route and stations, including Option 1 that was selected as part of an Addendum to the Environmental Project Report York Region completed in partnership with the TTC and Toronto in 2013, and new second and third options.

More decisions are yet to be made, and Metrolinx has kicked off a series of public engagement opportunities. A Supplementary Analysis contains refined information for Option 3, and this and the Business Case will help support the Province’s application for funding.

funding this critical project

There’s also the very important step of acquiring a full funding commitment from the federal government [the Province committed to funding their share in 2019].To help build the case for this missing link in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area [GTHA], York Region commissioned a federal submission by Deloitte to ensure the project has a robust funding application.

the benefits

One thing we know for sure is how important the Yonge North Subway Extension is to the economic recovery and growth, environment, and mobility of the local and greater areas where it’s being built.

Over 52,000 new jobs during construction and 5,000 after opening, 12,000 new housing starts, and an overall contribution to over $7.8 billion in Gross Domestic Product will help produce a positive cycle of economic change.

Annual reductions of 4,800 tonnes of auto-related greenhouse gas emissions will move the GTHA a little farther on the track to Canada’s target of net-zero emissions, due to 7,700 fewer vehicle kilometres travelled during morning peak hours.

Within the first five years of service, over 13 million new subway riders annually will have improved access to potential employment, housing and other services, regardless of ability, family status, socio economic circumstances, etc.

Looking ahead, we will examine other key areas of Deloitte’s federal submission report, outlining important benefits that come with investments in infrastructure projects like the Yonge North Subway Extension.

There are important things to sort out, but this has been a project in the making for 20 years, and we need to keep moving it forward to get it where it needs to be. And we’re all on board for that.

Categories
Subways

because it can’t wait

because it can't wait

If you’ve been following the conversations about transit projects in the media recently, you’ve probably heard some of the debate around which project should be built first. We’ve been following the debates too, and we’ve come to the conclusion that the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area [GTHA] needs as much transit as possible.

The Yonge Subway Extension [YSE] has been in York Region’s Transportation Master Plan since 1994, and here at YRRTC we’ve been working on moving it forward since we became a corporation in 2003. We of course support the YSE being built, but it’s not just a matter of one project. It’s a connected network. It’s commuters crossing municipal boundaries. And it’s important that it all come together in the next decade or so.

Why? Well partially it’s because there hasn’t been enough transit built in the past 50 years and we need to catch up a bit. And we also need to keep up with the growth to ensure the number of people, businesses, jobs and housing continue to grow in York Region and the GTHA.

  • York Region is expected to grow from 1.2 million residents to 1.5 million by 2031
  • York Region has 51,000 businesses, and together with the Toronto provides 2 million jobs – equal to about 11% of Canada’s labour force
  • York Region has an average of 13,000 new jobs every year, and over the last five years, our workforce has grown at 3.1% on average, surpassing growth rates in the nation, province and GTA
  • In the southern part of York Region, Markham and Vaughan are two of the GTA’s four employment “Megazones” and together with Pearson airport these zones have more jobs than Downtown Toronto
  • Toronto residents make over 189,700 trips per work day to York Region, and even more trips are southbound, supplying employees and customers to help Toronto’s businesses thrive

TTC’s Line 1 is currently over capacity during peak hours. There are capacity improvements required that will help with this, like the Line 1 extension to Vaughan [opened in 2017], TTC’s automatic train controls, new signals, six-car trains, and Go Expansion/SmartTrack. Large infrastructure projects like the Yonge Subway Extension can take 10 years to complete, so the YSE can be built in parallel with the capacity improvements in the next 10 years.

Building the YSE will help reduce traffic congestion – eliminating the almost 2,500 bus trips per workday on Yonge Street between Highway 7 and Finch Station, and giving commuters who drive between Toronto and York Region the chance to get out of traffic.

So which projects should be built first, and which should wait? We need as much transit as possible, so let’s consider all options, and try our very best to get the GTHA moving. Because it can’t wait.

Categories
Rapidways Subways

more to come

#MoreToCome

The warmer weather is bringing thoughts of new growth, and change. York Region has seen a lot of change in recent years. Along with our growing population, and increasing number of businesses and jobs, changes to our streets and infrastructure have brought about new choices.

Some of our funded rapidway projects are already constructed and open for service, bringing new options in how to travel, to Highway 7 East in Markham and Richmond Hill, Davis Drive in Newmarket, and Highway 7 West in Vaughan Metropolitan Centre. In Vaughan, connections to subway make transit even more of an option to travel across the GTA.

Transit is transforming our city centres, and there are even more projects on the horizon:

  • The Yonge Subway Extension – York Region’s number one transit priority – has preliminary design and engineering underway and is ready to move to full engineering and construction once full capital funding is committed. For more information about this 5-station, 7.4 km extension from Finch to Highway 7, visit vivanext.com/project_YongeSubway
  • The next phase of bus rapid transit includes over 75 km of new dedicated lanes for Viva, along Yonge Street, Highway 7 East and West, Jane Street, Major Mackenzie Drive and Leslie Street. Most of the Environmental Assessments are complete for these projects, and we’re ready to move to preliminary engineering, design and construction once they receive capital funding. For a map of the unfunded rapid transit projects in York Region, click here.

With investments in transit and infrastructure, York Region’s continued growth will be “smart growth.” The new options this brings will paint a bright future, of new opportunities, experiences and destinations for residents and visitors alike!

 

Categories
economic & financial General Innovation Rapidways Stations Subways Urban Planning

great transit knows no borders

The vivaNext mandate is to build a strong bus rapid transit network in York Region, but our responsibility doesn’t end at our Region’s borders. We’re forging transit connections that help people get wherever they want to go, in our Region and beyond. That’s why we partner with organizations like Metrolinx, and engage in big-picture thinking about how people use transit and what customers want. We don’t live our lives constrained by regional borders, why should our transit systems?

crossing borders

A key feature of the Metrolinx Draft 2041 Regional Transportation Plan for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area [GTHA] is that it calls for historic levels of transit investment to deliver more – and more frequent – transit service across the region that crosses regional borders more simply and efficiently. Another key strategy is optimizing the system, so we make the most of what we have.

getting ready to meet RER

For example, over the next 10 years, the Metrolinx Regional Express Rail program plans to transform the GO rail network – the backbone of regional rapid transit in the GTHA – providing two-way all day service north-south, east and west. This doesn’t happen in isolation. We’re preparing to offer integrated services with YRT/Viva networks, to serve passengers riding the trains.

one fare system

We’re not there yet, but that’s the direction we’re headed. From a passenger perspective, a transit system with one simplified fare system that transcends regional boundaries across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area could make a lot of sense. We’re on our way with the PRESTO card, which you can use to pay for transit at 11 different transit agencies in the GTHA. As digital apps improve and new technology comes on board, we look forward to what comes next.

TTC subway, now running in York Region

The regional transit system took a giant leap forward with the first TTC subway to cross regional borders, connecting with the Viva bus rapid transit network. Now we’re seeing what one subway [and bus rapid transit] connection has done for Vaughan, with all the ground-breaking residential, office and entertainment development at the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre. The next top priority transit project for York Region is the Yonge Subway Extension, which will elevate regional subway connections to an entirely new level.

These are just some of the ways we’re involved in strengthening regional transit connections, a task that comes with challenges and opportunities.

To understand more about the challenges in our region and beyond, the Ryerson City Building Institute hosted Breaking Transit Governance Gridlock, an all-star panel on regional transit governance. Read their blog about the event.

Categories
Commissioning Community Events Facilities and terminals General Innovation Rapidways Stations Subways

amazing team, extraordinary results

What a week it has been! The launch of the TTC Line 1 subway extension with the Highway 7 West rapidway and vivastation on Sunday in Vaughan is one of those lifetime moments. We’re going to remember this day for the rest of our lives. This is the day everything became a little closer, and a lot faster for York Region and the City of Vaughan.

unwavering dedication

For everyone involved, including us at York Region Rapid Transit Corporation, it was an exhilarating and emotional weekend, the culmination of years of incredible challenges and unwavering dedication, everything we’ve been working toward for a very long time! Many of us shouted and cheered as the first train pulled into the new subway station.

Then, seeing that Viva bus roll down the red asphalt rapidway into the open, airy Vaughan Metropolitan Centre vivastation and pick up actual passengers who came up the stairs from the subway – well, it’s hard to describe the feeling, except to say that more than a few grew a little misty-eyed! So many people came out to mark this milestone day for transit in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, we know how much these new transit connections matter and we thank you for your patience during the long construction period.

#AnEngineerWasHere

Kudos goes out to the engineers, planners and project team, whose tireless drive moved the VMC station and rapidway project forward every step of the way: from the environmental assessments to the design to breaking ground, from utility relocations to storm sewer work and road widening. Along with the many contractors, they pushed though good and bad weather, scalding heat, freezing cold and everything in between. They worked through paving and bridge reconstructions, to timelines off schedule and on again, to the construction of our vivastations and our landmark Vaughan Metropolitan Centre vivastation. Experts from many agencies, cities and private companies all came together to make this day happen.

Now we have incredible, tangible results with the first subway-BRT connection, a legacy that will keep our Region moving for years to come. Just goes to prove anything is possible with extraordinary teamwork, unwavering dedication and an eye to the future. Again, thank you for supporting this project and we hope you get out and try the new system!

Categories
Announcements Commissioning Community Events Construction Facilities and terminals Rapidways Stations Subways

Subway and new Viva connections NOW OPEN in Vaughan!

This morning, the first subway carrying transit customers arrived in York Region, forging a historic connection between bus rapid transit and subway. Now, everyone can experience seamless transit connections in Vaughan! The vivaNext rapidway and new landmark vivastation also opened for service this morning with an epic celebration at Vaughan Metropolitan Centre [VMC], alongside the TTC Line 1 subway extension opening. Viva la subway!

Read the news release.

even more transit connections

Now the transit connections available to customers simply go further and faster. The rapidway-subway connection marks a tipping point for transit in York Region, amplifying the power of the Viva rapid transit network.

The VMC area is a transit powerhouse, home to two new stations: the landmark Vaughan Metropolitan Centre vivastation and the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre subway station – the new terminus of TTC Line 1. In a few months, the SmartCentres Place Bus Terminal will make the VMC area even better, connecting YRT buses to both stations with a pedestrian tunnel.

true city building

There’s no doubt – your destination has arrived! The new VMC development is true city-building on an epic scale, built on the foundation of strong transit connections. Not only does rapid transit transform how people move in our Region, it changes how we live – for the better. Stronger economies, more jobs, and walkable, livable, desirable communities: it’s the driving force behind York Region’s Transportation Master Plan and the reason we build rapid transit.

On an even larger scale, strong connections like these that cross regional borders are crucial to the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area [GTHA], and a key strategy of the Metrolinx Draft 2041 Regional Transportation Plan.

Thank you!

Now we can see the network take shape in York Region, with three rapidways running, two more underway and an actual subway connection!

Changes of this magnitude are fueled by the power of collaboration and funding partnerships. Our rapidway projects are funded by the Province of Ontario, and our other projects are funded by a combination of Federal, Provincial and Regional contributions. SmartCentres Place Bus Terminal even includes some private funding for the pedestrian tunnel.

We’ve all come a long way together, and we thank you for your patience during construction. Now, we hope you enjoy the ride!

Categories
Announcements Commissioning economic & financial Facilities and terminals Innovation Rapidways Stations Subways

The ribbon is cut! Trudeau and Wynne came! Now only two days until subway meets BRT!

This historic weekend of transit firsts in Vaughan kicked off in style.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined Premier Kathleen Wynne, Toronto Mayor John Tory and many other dignitaries to officially cut the ribbon on the Line 1 subway extension, at Vaughan Metropolitan Centre [VMC]. Then, they rode the subway from the VMC station to the new York University subway station for a press conference.

“The Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension will mean a faster commute, less time in traffic and more money in people’s pockets as they trade their cars for a subway ticket,” Prime Minister Trudeau told the crowd at York University station.

That’s music to our ears!

The crowd included partners from all three levels of government, who worked together to make this project a reality. Also on hand were many members of our vivaNext team, who played a key role in this project, working with the TTC on the York Region stations. Joining the crowd were the many partners who helped make this happen.

three subway stations in York Region!

In just two days, York Region will have three shiny, new subway stations open for service: Pioneer Village, Highway 407 and the end of the line, Vaughan Metropolitan Centre. On opening day and Monday, members of our team will be on hand to answer your questions and help you find your way.

Our brand new, flagship bus rapid transit station will greet riders at the VMC, forging the connection between our rapid transit network in York Region and the new subway.

Also coming later this month is the GO train connection at the new Downsview Park station, where commuters on the Barrie GO train can connect to the Line 1 subway extension.

“If we build it, they will come”

Now, with the 8.6-kilometre subway extension, downtown is a mere 42 minutes away, but we expect subway traffic to flow both ways. Wayne Emmerson, York Region Chairman and CEO, said, “If we build it, they will come.” He called the subway a “once in a lifetime opportunity,” saying it “will help further develop an urban community that is transit-oriented, forward-thinking and has economic development opportunities to benefit current and future generations.”

“Big transit takes time”

Premier Wynne acknowledged the time and effort of all levels of government that came together to connect the heart of York Region to downtown. She also gave a nod to our new Highway 7 West rapidway, saying that downtown foodies can hop the vivaNext rapid transit system to restaurants in Richmond Hill.

But she summed it up best with: “What an amazing day this is!”

We agree, Premier Wynne! And this Sunday will be even better, when the subway and our rapidway open for service, and you can experience the ride firsthand. It’s going to be a rush! We hope to see you there.

Categories
Announcements Commissioning Community Events Construction Facilities and terminals General Rapidways Stations Subways Urban Planning

Transit gets epic in Vaughan this Sunday

Get ready for the game-changer. Transit is about to get epic at the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre [VMC], and you’re invited. On Sunday, December 17, this public launch event is set to change the face of transit forever in York Region.

The public opening of the TTC Line 1 Subway Extension will make history, as the first subway ever in York Region brings transit customers up to Vaughan Metropolitan Centre.

Today was another great day for integrated transit connections in the York Region and the GTHA – as we celebrated the official opening of the newest bus rapid transit [BRT] rapidway segment and Vaughan Metropolitan Centre [VMC] Station on Highway 7 West. This new vivastation will be fully connected to the new VMC subway station.

Bus rapid transit meets subway for the first time!

you’ll be moved!

The new rapidway section runs west of Jane Street to Edgeley Boulevard, with dedicated centre lanes that will whisk riders to the VMC with faster and more consistent travel times. Including the previously completed section, the rapidway will run the full 3.6 kilometres from Bowes Road to Edgeley, the bus-only lanes clearly marked for drivers with red asphalt.

Coming in 2018, SmartCentres Place Bus Terminal will complete the transit powerhouse at VMC, as YRT buses begin providing services from this stunning new bus terminal.

an extraordinary station

Along with the rapidway comes an extraordinary vivastation for a new downtown destination – the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre rapidway station. The design supersized our traditional vivastation arched glass canopies, inspired by historic and modern European transportation architecture. The open, airy, domed glass canopy shelters the road and station.

the future is now

It’s only 43 minutes via subway to downtown from the VMC, but there’s no need to go anywhere. If you’re at Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, you’ve already arrived!

Welcome to the brilliant future of transit-oriented development, right here, right now in York Region. The VMC shows what it’s all been about: rapid transit connections that fuel livable, walkable, desirable communities, spur jobs and economic growth, creating places where we all want to live, work and play.