Transit - HOV and Bicycle lanes

In November, The Regional Municipality of York is opening new Transit/High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes and Bicycle lanes on Dufferin Street north of Steeles Avenue in the City of Vaughan.

The move to add these lanes is part of an effort to promote more sustainable means of travel on Regional roads, while helping to combat traffic congestion.

The new lanes are the first in a number of road improvement projects planned for six-lane roads over the next several years, as identified by York Region's Transportation Master Plan and Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan.

The Transit/HOV lanes on Dufferin Street currently extend from Steeles Avenue to Glen Shields Avenue. Later this fall, a further section stretching from Glen Shields Avenue to Langstaff Road will open. The stretch to Langstaff Road will be completed as part of the Government of Canada and Government of Ontario's Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.

Who can use Transit/HOV lanes?

These lanes are reserved for motorized vehicles with two or more passengers, which include YRT/Viva buses
Vehicles with one person can use the lanes for turning only (within 100 metres of turning into or turning out of a driveway or intersection)

Who can use Bicycle lanes?

The bicycle lanes are reserved exclusively for cyclists
Motorized vehicles can only enter the lanes when turning (as indicated above)

The lanes are clearly marked for commuters and cyclists with diamonds and bicycle symbols.

To take advantage of these new Transit/HOV lanes, York Region's partner organization Smart Commute has a great program to partner people who want to carpool. If you would like to participate in the program, simply register at www.carpoolzone.com and the service will match you with potential carpool partners with similar commutes.

Transit/HOV and Bicycle Lanes