Viva BRT opens in Richmond Hill

This phase of the Viva bus rapidway network includes 33.7 kilometers (20.9 miles) of dedicated bus lanes and 38 new stations along York Region’s busiest corridors.

Masstransitmag.com
Dec. 24

Ontario and York Region continue to get people moving with the Dec. 17 opening of a bus rapid transit corridor along Yonge Street in Richmond Hill. This marks the completion of the first phase of bus rapid transit throughout York Region, offering 33.7 kilometers (20.9 miles) of fast, convenient service.

"The opening of the Viva Bus Rapid Transit corridor marks a significant milestone for the residents and businesses of York Region," said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. "Investments in transit infrastructure projects strengthen economic growth and job creation for people at a time when needed most."

A new 6.5-km (4.03-mile) rapidway runs along Yonge Street from Highway 7 to Major Mackenzie Drive and from Levendale Road to 19th Avenue/Gamble Road and it includes seven new vivastations. In the south, the rapidway connects to Bernard Terminal, Richmond Hill Centre Terminal, regional rail at Langstaff GO Station, and bus routes along Highway 7 in Richmond Hill, Markham and Vaughan. It will also connect to the future Yonge North Subway Extension which will extend the TTC’s Line 1 subway from Finch Avenue to the Richmond Hill/Langstaff Gateway Urban Growth Centre at Yonge Street and Highway 7. To the north, Viva buses connect to a bus terminal, GO train station and rapidways in Newmarket.

"We’re excited to be working in partnership with York Region Rapid Transit Corporation and their vivaNext project," said Phil Verster, Metrolinx president and CEO. "This new bus rapid transit project is part of a true regional transit network to get people connected to the things that matter most. "

York Regional Council remains committed to providing complete communities with transit-oriented urban centres that encourage sustainable transportation, said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. With more people choosing to live and invest in York Region, we are preparing for future growth and providing residents and businesses with transportation infrastructure for generations to come.

This phase of the Viva bus rapidway network includes 33.7 kilometers (20.9 miles) of dedicated bus lanes and 38 new stations along York Region’s busiest corridors. These rapidways are bringing fast, reliable, comfortable travel options, and are part of a larger return on investment in place for generations to come.

As Richmond Hill continues to grow, we know getting around the city easily is a priority for our residents and our Council, and working with our partners we are making it happen, said Mayor Dave Barrow. We are pleased to welcome the opening of this stretch of rapid transit that will increase our connectivity to the transit network, improve accessibility for those who live and work in our community and provide a corridor for York Region residents to connect to the future Yonge North Subway Extension at Richmond Hill Centre.

The rapid transit project has delivered million of dollars in assets in York Region, including rapidway vivastations and lanes, boulevard work, underground infrastructure and streetscape features. These projects are more than just transit, they are complete street rebuilds, replacing and updating utilities and infrastructure, like water mains and bridges, adding bus lanes, and building new tree-lined sidewalks, traffic lanes and dedicated bike lanes.

The York Viva bus rapid transit project represents a C$1.4 billion (US$1.08 billion) transit investment from the government of Ontario, and is part of Metrolinx’s Regional Transportation Plan, a 25-year plan for an integrated and sustainable transit and transportation system in the Greater Golden Horseshoe. The project is funded by Metrolinx, an agency of the province of Ontario.