York Region Transit/Viva win awards for transit innovation

 

Region’s transit system recognized for leading-edge communications and technology

 

NEWMARKET – York Region Transit (YRT)/Viva continues to attract new riders while receiving awards for innovations in public transit delivery.

 

YRT/Viva has been awarded the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) AdWheel Award for excellence in marketing and communications and the Tri-Committee IT Project of the Year award for use of information technology on the Viva Rapid Transit system.

 

“To receive these prestigious awards is an immense accomplishment and demonstrates YRT/Viva’s originality, creativity and excellence in communications and information technology,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Bill Fisch.  “YRT/Viva continues to develop innovative ways to improve public transit for the residents of our Region.”

 

The APTA awarded YRT/Viva first place in the 28^th Annual AdWheel Award competition for excellence in marketing and communications.  The award recognized YRT/Viva’s light pole banner outdoor advertising campaigns.

 

The Tri-Committee promotes the use of information technology in public works and recognized YRT/Viva for its use of information technology on the Viva Rapid Transit system, such as real-time departure displays  and automated fare machines at vivastations, real-time monitoring and tracking of vehicles and transit signal priority.

 

“YRT/Viva is on the forefront of public transit innovation, leading the way for transit systems throughout North America,” said Town of Markham Regional Councillor Jim Jones, Chair of the Region’s Transit Committee.  “Our strategy includes development and delivery of advanced communications and technological innovations to assist our riders and enhance our system.”

 

Continuing the spirit of innovation, YRT/Viva became one of the first transit agencies in the GTA to launch an online trip planner this summer.  The trip planner – RideQuest Click – makes transit trip planning easy.  By entering a start and end destination, customers are able to pick from a list of travel options for a customized trip plan with map.

 

For more information about YRT/Viva services, please visit the YRT/Viva website at www.yrt.ca, or call the Customer Service Centre at 1-866-MOVE-YRT (668-3978).

 

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

 

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