York Region to benefit from Yonge Street subway extension and Viva expansion projects
NEWMARKET – The Regional Municipality of York will benefit from an announcement today by Premier Dalton McGuinty and the Government of Ontario to pledge $17.5 billion to expand rapid transit across the GTA as part of the MoveOntario 2020 Plan.
The plan includes an expansion of the City of Toronto subway north on Yonge Street from Finch Avenue to Highway 7 in York Region. It also pledges a major expansion of Viva rapid transit service.
Today’s announcement builds on a previous commitment by York Region, the City of Toronto, the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada to extend the Spadina subway into York Region to the future Vaughan Corporate Centre.
“This is highly encouraging news for York Region residents and businesses,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Bill Fisch. “Expanding the subway system and our Viva rapid transit network would greatly increase commuter options and remove cars from our congested roadways. The commitment of funds from the province for this plan is also welcome.”
The plan would be implemented by the Greater Toronto Transit Authority (GTTA), with two-thirds funding from the province and a request from the Government of Canada for the remaining one-third funding.
The announcement includes:
- A $17.5 billion investment in rapid transit
- 52 projects in total to be fully paid off over 50 years
- 900 kilometres of new or improved rapid transit in GTA and Hamilton
- An expansion of the Yonge subway line north from Finch station to Highway 7 (Langstaff)
- Full funding for Viva Phase 2
- Expanded capacity on all GO Transit lines
Construction is slated to begin in 2008, with all projects completed by 2020. It is estimated that the plan would remove 300 million cars trips and create 175,000 jobs.
For more details on the MoveOntario 2020 plan, please visit www.premier.gov.on.ca/news
For more information on The Regional Municipality of York, please visit www.york.ca
Media Contact: Michael Kemp, Corporate Communications, York Region
Phone: 905 830-4444, ext. 1232
Email: michael.kemp@york.ca