NEWMARKET – York Region Transit (YRT) has taken delivery of 12 new public transit buses this week to expand existing service and replace older models in its fleet of 231 conventional buses. The vehicles were acquired as part of a purchase of 40 new buses approved by York Regional Council in the 2004 YRT Capital budget.
“To help encourage residents to choose transit, it is essential that we have modern buses and an extensive system of routes,” said Regional Chair and CEO Bill Fisch. “These new buses are a welcome addition that will help upgrade the YRT fleet, as well as expand our service.”
YRT has seen some of the highest rates of growth in transit ridership in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and indeed across Canada, posting 10 per cent increases annually since amalgamation in 2001. Much of this increased ridership is attributable to York Region’s investment in more service and increases in the number of routes.
“Convenience is the key element to attracting riders,” said Markham Regional Councillor Jim Jones, Chair of the Region’s Transit Committee. “Modernizing the YRT fleet through the purchase of these new buses is an essential step in continuing to make YRT a viable transportation alternative to residents.”
The 12 new 40-foot, low floor buses feature electronically controlled diesel-powered engines, meeting new and more stringent emissions standards. The new buses will be used to replace some older models which have no air-conditioning or low-floor accessibility features. They will be put into service in the next few weeks.
Upgrading the YRT fleet of buses and expanding transit service is a key part of York Region’s Combating Traffic Congestion Plan, launched earlier this year. The plan includes upgrading traffic signals, the creation of Smart Commute Associations to look at alternative transportation methods, road maintenance and expansion and the introduction of rapid transit.
For more information on YRT fares, schedules and routes, please visit their Web site at www.yorkregiontransit.com or call 1-866 MOVE YRT (668-3978) or (905) 762-2100.
For more information on The Regional Municipality of York, the services we offer and links to our nine area municipalities, please visit our Web site at: www.region.york.on.ca
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The Regional Municipality of York is committed to providing cost-effective, quality services that respond to the needs of our rapidly growing communities. York Region is comprised of the following nine area municipalities: Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, Markham, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Vaughan and Whitchurch-Stouffville. For more information, visit our Web site at:
www.region.york.on.ca Contact: Patrick Casey, Senior Media Relations Specialist, York Region
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