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Construction Notices & Project Updates

Expected Completion: 2020

With more than 1.2 million residents and growing, York Region needs new rapid transit to keep people connected to the things that matter most. That’s why we’re working together with York Region on construction of a true regional transit network.

Almost 70% completed, Viva Rapidways will service one of Canada's largest and most prosperous regions. That means accessibility, mobility and reduced congestion are top priorities. To be completed by 2020, Viva Rapidways will move you throughout York Region by using dedicated bus lanes, all outside of regular traffic. It will be an easier way to get around some of York Region’s busiest streets and make your commute much more convenient

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Spend less time in congestion and more time living life. Once complete, the YRT Viva will offer 34.5 km of rapid transit routes to give:
  • More frequent service
  • 2-5 minutes between arrivals in peak periods
  • Connections with YRT, GO Transit and the TTC subway

York Region is Ontario's fastest growing municipality and the second largest business centre in Ontario. Its popularity is growing as a place to live, work, play and shop. And busy roads will need relief and management. The good news? 38 stops along the rapidway routes will reduce congestion and make it more convenient and faster to get you to your destination. And you’ll keep moving!

York Region is full of thriving communities ready to be discovered and enjoyed. Rapidways will help to create pedestrian-friendly places to live, work, shop and play in close proximity. More connections. More growth. A stronger economy. And reduced congestion. Now that’s amazing!
Have an opinion or question? Get involved at:
ENGAGE
The future looks good. Let us move you there.

Construction Notices & Project Updates

The York Viva Bus Rapid Transit project is one part of Metrolinx’s Regional Transportation Plan and a $1.4 billion (2010) commitment to improve transit in York Region. Metrolinx, York Region Rapid Transit Corporation and The Regional Municipality of York will jointly govern, fund, implement and own the Bus Rapid Transit program in York Region. York Region will:

  • Oversee all daily operations and routine maintenance, decision-making and delivery for all elements of the bus rapidways
  • Operate Viva service
  • Administer all service contracts

Metrolinx will oversee asset preservation and replacement decision-making and funding.

Highway 7 East – Markham and Richmond Hill is 100% complete

  • April 2011: Work started in the Highway 7 right-of-way
  • August 2013: The first stretch of Viva Rapid Transit service launched in the rapidway along Highway 7 from Bayview Avenue to Highway 404.
  • August 2014: The second stretch of Viva Rapid Transit opened from Highway 404 to South Town Centre Boulevard.
  • End of 2014: The last piece of Viva Rapid Transit to Warden Avenue opened.
  • Summer 2015: Finishing touches were added.
  • News release - Metrolinx and York Region deliver $250 million in rapid transit expansion
  • News release - First Viva BRT station now open in York Region

Highway 7 West – Vaughan and Richmond Hill

  • 2013: Work began in the Highway 7 right-of-way
  • 2016: Completion of the rapidway between Jane Street and Bowes Road
  • Combined opening: The segment west of Jane Street will be coordinated with the opening of the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension project.
  • 2016: Phase 2 began. This public/private partnership includes the design, build and financing of 10 new Viva stations and 12.6 new kilometres of the vivaNext rapidway in two locations:
    • From Helen Street to Edgeley Boulevard along Highway 7
    • From the Centre Street and Highway 7 intersection to Yonge Street via the existing Viva route on Centre Street and Bathurst Street.
  • 2020: Expected completion

Davis Drive – Newmarket

  • 2012: Construction began in the Davis Drive right-of-way and includes:
    • A 2.6 km Davis Drive Bus Rapid Transit rapidway extension from Yonge Street to Roxborough Road and Patterson Street – just east of Southlake Regional Health Centre
    • A further 2.3 km extension to Highway 404, running in the curbside lane, as does Viva service
  • 2014: Completion of Davis Drive widening and a 7 km rapidway along Highway 7 from Yonge Street to Warden Avenue at Enterprise Blvd in Markham.
  • 2015: Opened for Viva service
  • News release - Metrolinx and York Region deliver $250 million in rapid transit expansion

Yonge Street – Richmond Hill and Newmarket

  • 2014: Construction began in the Yonge Street right-of-way
  • 2020: Expected completion and opening
  • The Yonge Street Bus Rapid Transit rapidway will connect riders from the rest of the Greater Toronto Area to this busy and vibrant area. The Yonge Street BRT will:
    • Extend north from the Richmond Hill/Langstaff Urban Growth Centre at Highway 7 to 19th Avenue
    • Give you a convenient way to travel and avoid congestion along Yonge Street
    • Link to the Davis Drive rapidway for access to the hospital, Newmarket’s Heritage area and an improved Davis Drive

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