Cornell bus terminal to open this summer to connect YRT, Durham Transit, GO Transit

Markham's state-of-the-art transit hub costs $50.8 million

Yorkregion.com
May 5, 2022
Yoyo Yan

The much-anticipated Cornell Transit Terminal in Markham is expected to open for service this summer after the remaining work is completed, officials announced May 2.

Strategically located in the heart of Cornell Centre near Highway 7 and Ninth Line, the 11-bus bay terminal connects York Region Transit, Durham Transit, and GO Transit. It is a short walk from the Markham Stouffville Hospital and the Cornell Community Centre and Library, serving those who live and work in York Region and neighbouring regions.

The terminal's attractive modern design provides weather protected and heated waiting areas, welcoming pedestrian plazas under beautiful wooden trellises, space for future retail, large planters, bike racks and a passenger pickup and drop-off area.

"As the York Region and the Greater Toronto Area continue to grow, the Cornell Bus Terminal will fulfil an important role as a central hub that helps commuters with affordable and efficient means to get around the region," said Helena Jaczek, minister responsible for the federal economic development agency for southern Ontario, on behalf of Dominic LeBlanc, minister of intergovernmental affairs, infrastructure and communities.

"Transport Canada has been involved with York Region's VIVA Bus Rapid Transit project since it began in 2011," said Omar Alghabra, federal minister of transport.

Along with the immediate benefits this transit hub will bring to residents, once complete, the future Yonge North Subway Extension -- one of Premier Ford's priority transit projects -- will provide more high quality transit connections for the residents across York Region, said Caroline Mulroney, minister of transportation of Ontario.

"This new transit hub will also improve the transit network and support our growing communities and get people and businesses moving throughout York Region and beyond," said Wayne Emmerson, chair and CEO of the Regional Municipality of York.

"The new terminal provides convenient connections to numerous transit routes including the 34-kilometre bus rapid transit network and the future Yonge North Subway Extension," said Frank Scarpitti, chair of the board of York Region Rapid Transit Corporation and mayor of the city of Markham.

Cornell Bus Terminal's total project cost is $50.8 million; with the federal government contributing $10.4 million, the province of Ontario providing $18.6 million and the Regional Municipality of York contributing $21.8 million.

The remaining finishing work to the terminal will be completed prior to the terminal opening for service this summer, which coincides with a change in YRT bus routes and the completion of bus driver training.