NEWMARKET, ON, December 5, 2014 – Together with Metrolinx, The Regional Municipality of York is a step closer to improving rapid transit in Newmarket with the installation of the first vivastation at Longford/Parkside Drive and Davis Drive. The steel canopy structures that comprise the east and westbound platforms are in place and crews will continue to progress over the winter with the installation of the arched glass canopies.
Longford-Parkside station is the first of three new vivastations to be built along Davis Drive in the Town of Newmarket in the next phase of Viva service – bus rapid transit (BRT) rapidways (dedicated lanes).
As part of York Region’s vivaNext rapid transit network, rapidways will take Viva vehicles out of mixed traffic, making public transit even faster, more convenient and more reliable as they avoid congested traffic.
“In Newmarket, we are building state-of-the-art rapid transit,” said Newmarket-Aurora MPP Chris Ballard. “The provincial government is continuing to work with municipal partners to improve transit services.”
“To see the first vivastation on Davis Drive is a pivotal moment for York Region as our plan to provide a modern rapid transit system to manage future growth is becoming a reality,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Bill Fisch. “Continued investment from the provincial government supports building a reliable, convenient and comprehensive rapid transit system in York Region, connecting our regional growth centres and moving people to and from key destinations.”
The vivastations include arched glass canopies inspired by transportation architecture from historic and modern European examples. The 27-metre glass canopies offer protection from the elements, including ultraviolet sun protection and enclosed and heated waiting areas. The details at vivastations complement the existing Viva technologies, including off-board fare collection, GPS navigation, real-time information, PRESTO and transit signal priority. Safety and accessibility features include a textured surface near platform edge, level boarding from the platform to the bus, a public address system for updating riders and an emergency call button.
“This project is the realization of how important investments in transit in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area(GTHA) help encourage people to use transit, reduce congestion and improve the environment,” said Bruce McCuaig, President and CEO of Metrolinx. “In partnership with York Region, we are making progress that will transform communities across the GTHA.”
This project is part of the broader York Viva BRT project being implemented by Metrolinx, an agency of the Province of Ontario. The BRT project represents $1.4 billion in provincial transit investment, and is an example of The Big Move in action – Metrolinx’s 25-year plan to implement a common vision for transportation in the GTHA. For more information, please visit www.metrolinx.com.
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation (YRRTC) is responsible for the planning, design and construction of the full vivaNext rapid transit network and related infrastructure to deliver on the transit priorities set out in the York Region Transportation Master Plan. YRRTC is a wholly-owned subsidiary and share capital corporation of The Regional Municipality of York. The vivaNext rapid transit network is a key component of the vision outlined by Ontario’s Places to Grow Act, which aims to manage growth in a sustainable and environmentally-friendly way that enriches communities. For more information, please visit www.vivanext.com.
Media Contact: Tanya Fobear-Wilson
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
905-886-6767, ext. 71368
tanya.fobear-wilson@york.ca