York Regional Council approves construction of seven new vivastations

 

Improvements will also enhance passenger comfort at Richmond Hill Centre Terminal

 

NEWMARKET – York Regional Council today approved the construction of seven new vivastations and capital enhancements at the YRT/Viva Richmond Hill Centre Terminal.  These capital improvements will allow Viva service to be extended to the community of Cornell in the Town of Markham and serve the developing community in northern Richmond Hill.

 

“As York Region grows, Viva Rapid Transit needs to grow with it,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Bill Fisch.  “These new vivastations will bring rapid transit to growing communities, providing our residents with a convenient alternative to their cars.”

 

New vivastations will be located along Highway 7 at Wootten Way (one in each direction), Highway 48 (one in each direction) and one at Church Street (proposed name Markham Stouffville Hospital), extending Viva service to the growing community of Cornell for the first time, and providing easy access to Markham Stouffville Hospital. 

 

Two new vivastations will also be built on Yonge Street at Jefferson Sideroad to serve the needs of the growing residential community in that area.  Service to these new vivastations will begin in 2008.

 

Regional Council also approved customer enhancements to the YRT/Viva Richmond Hill Centre Terminal, including ceiling mounted heaters for winter heating and enhanced shelter wind shields.  These enhancements will complement the Richmond Hill Centre Terminal – Langstaff GO Station Pedestrian Link bridge that integrates GO Transit and YRT/Viva service at this important regional transit hub.  Construction of the Pedestrian Link is nearing completion and it will be open to passengers in early 2008. 

 

“The Richmond Hill Centre Terminal has quickly become a key transit transfer point for YRT, Viva and GO Transit,” said City of Vaughan Mayor Linda Jackson, Vice-Chair of York Region’s Rapid Transit Steering Committee.  “These improvements are important for our passengers, ensuring their comfort and convenience as more people use the terminal and public transit every day.”

 

The improvements reflect York Region’s ongoing commitment to the development and expansion of rapid transit.  The next phase of Viva will truly put the “rapid” in rapid transit with the construction of dedicated transit lanes called “rapidways” which will separate Viva vehicles from mixed traffic and allow passengers to get to their destinations sooner.

 

For more information on Viva Rapid Transit, please visit www.vivayork.com or www.yrt.ca

 

For more information on The Regional Municipality of York, please visit www.york.ca

 

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