NEWMARKET
- Residents throughout The
Regional Municipality of York can get a glimpse of the rapid transit system of
the future without ever leaving the comfort of their homes. The new vivanext.com
interactive website is part of a larger public campaign to build an
understanding of vivaNext projects and to provide continuous updates related to
its construction.
“Vivanext.com is
more than a depository of technical transit information; it’s a way for people
to view the exciting new future of rapid transit in York Region,” said York
Region Chairman and CEO Bill Fisch. ”This
new website is truly impressive, offering people an interactive, multi-media
experience that is educational and engaging.”
Like its predecessor vivayork.com, vivanext.com pushes the limits of
standard web design with rich functionality and integrated video content. The site provides the latest information on
station and canopy design, community events and detailed technical
presentations. In the coming weeks, it
will also provide an interactive system map showing the progress of
construction, along with a video animation that brings the future of Viva rapid
transit to life.
The vivaNext website offers a search tool and a state-of-the-art media room
with current news releases, articles and downloadable graphics and photos. One of the most significant features of the
new site is the integration of social media through blogs, Twitter and YouTube.
“Rapid transit construction projects will get underway this fall,” said
Chairman Fisch. ”It’s important that
people can easily get the information they seek and have their questions
answered. Integrating social media with
this website just makes it that much easier and faster for people.”
In addition to the new website, staff will be attending community events
to share information and answer questions. A Community Liaison Specialist will also be
available to meet with businesses and property owners within the construction
zones. Advertising and home mailers will
also be used to convey details of the vivaNext plan, provide project updates
and indicate how the project team can be contacted.
York Regional Council has approved the
issue of a contract to York Consortium 2002 for the amount of $900,000 approved
in the 2009 budget for promotion and education activities to increase awareness
of VivaNext.
VivaNext is a forward-looking plan for a fast, convenient rapid transit
network. It will provide connectivity between neighbouring municipalities, the
City of Toronto and the Regions of Peel and Durham.
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Media Contact: Dale
Albers, Chief Communications Officer, York
Region Rapid Transit
Phone: 905
886-6767 Ext. 2250 or Cell 416 206-3716
Email: dale.albers@york.ca