YRT and Viva ridership up again in January

 

"Hop on, hop off" policy proving to be a popular option for transit users

 

NEWMARKET – York Region Transit (YRT) and Viva Rapid Transit continue to enjoy ridership gains with an increase in January 2006 of 6.6 per cent from January 2005.

 

More than 1.3 million passengers used either YRT or Viva in January, compared to 1.23 million passengers in January 2005.

 

Additionally, both YRT and Viva riders are embracing the "hop on, hop off" policy implemented last year.  This policy affords riders of both services a two-hour window to board and disembark buses using a single fare.

 

While ridership for January 2006 stands at over 1.3 million based on fare collection, the actual boarding numbers are much higher with the hop on, hop off policy.  Boarding rates for January 2006 surpassed 1.8 million passengers.

 

YRT and Viva are operated as a single system, with Viva operating rapid transit service in four key corridors along Yonge Street and Highway 7.  YRT transports passengers throughout the Region and acts as a "feeder" service to Viva.

 

For more information on YRT and Viva routes and fares, please visit www.yrt.ca or call toll-free at
1-866-MOVE-YRT (668-3978), locally at (905) 881-5167 or TTY line at 1-866-276-7478.

 

For information on Viva Rapid Transit please visit www.vivayork.com 

 

Live transit updates are available weekday mornings between 6:35 a.m. and 8:35 a.m. on A-Channel.

 

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Media Contact: Michael Kemp, Corporate Communications, York Region
 Phone:  (905) 830-4444, ext. 1232 or After-Hours Pager 905-830-3302
 Email: michael.kemp@york.ca