No. H122/05
For release - May 30, 2005
NEWMARKET — The next era of public transit has arrived in the York Region. Today, the first Viva rapid transit vehicle was unveiled during a ceremony held in front of the York Region Administrative Building. On hand for the event were the Honourable John McCallum, National Revenue Minister and Markham - Unionville MP, the Honourable Harinder Takhar, Ontario Transportation Minister, Bill Fisch, York Regional Chair and members of Regional Council.
"This is truly a historic day, what was once a bold vision of Regional Council is quickly becoming a reality," said Chair Fisch. "This new modern vehicle is the first of its kind in the GTA, and I can assure everyone, when Viva begins operating this September it will provide a fantastic ride and a unique transit experience."
The fleet of 25, 60-foot vehicles and 60, 40-foot vehicles, is being built in Belgium by the award-winning bus manufacturer Van Hool. The remaining vehicles are expected to arrive in Canada over the next several months.
These new rapid transit buses are quiet, roomy and comfortable, and featuring high-backed, contoured seats. Viva vehicles are fully accessible, with wide doors, low floors and ramps to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers. They operate on clean burning diesel and meet the latest emission standards.
"Viva is truly the evolution of public transit in York Region, and I'm confident that these vehicles will attract a whole new generation of riders," said Minister McCallum, on behalf of Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre. "Viva is important because it will not only reduce traffic gridlock, but will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to Canada's Kyoto targets."
Van Hool was chosen following a stringent and competitive worldwide procurement process to select a state-of-the-art rapid transit vehicle. A vehicle evaluation team carefully considered exterior and interior design, vehicle engineering and purchase price. To ensure fairness and impartiality, an independent auditor from PricewaterhouseCoopers was appointed to oversee the process from start to finish.
"We want to create a transit culture in Ontario, especially right here in York Region, where most people commute by car," said Minister Takhar. "Viva will boost transit ridership by giving people a real, viable option to the car."
The Viva rapid transit system is designed with passengers in mind, offering a service that's frequent, flexible and comfortable. Rapid transit vehicles will arrive every five to 10 minutes during peak periods. Viva stations will be bright and safe with a uniquely modern look.
There will be fare vending machines allowing passengers to purchase tickets quickly and easily before boarding. When passengers get their tickets, they will have up to two hours to get on and off Viva, to go to the drug store or the grocery store without having to pay an additional fare. There will also be real time information in the stations telling passengers when the next Viva vehicle will arrive.
Viva will link the Region's urban centres of Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Aurora and Newmarket along four major corridors, including Highway 7 and Yonge Street. In addition, Viva will link York Region with the City of Toronto and its subway system, to GO Transit and to the transit systems in the Region of Peel, and eventually into Durham Region.
"Viva is one of the most ambitious initiatives to bring fast, frequent and reliable transit service to a rapidly-growing auto-oriented urban region in Canada," said CUTA President and CEO Michael Roschlau. "It will be instrumental in showing the potential of bus rapid transit in this environment, and will serve as an important model for other communities."
York Region has contributed $50 million for the first phase of Viva. The Governments of Canada and Ontario also contributed $50 million each under the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund for Viva's first phase. When the first phase is fully implemented, York Region estimates these initial improvements will lead to a 30 per cent increase in transit ridership - moving 7,000 car trips a day off the major arterial roads.
The Viva rapid transit service will begin operating in 99 days, and will be opened in four stages between September and December.
For more information on Viva, or to visit the Local Leaders' Gallery please visit the Viva website.
For more information on the Regional Municipality of York, the services offered and links to the nine area municipalities, please visit the York Region website.
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Contacts:
Irène MarcheterreDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Transport, Ottawa(613) 991-0700
Danna O'BrienOffice of the Ontario Transportation Minister(416) 327-1815
CommunicationsTransport Canada, Ottawa(613) 993-0055
Lisa CheskesMinister McCallum's Office(905) 479-8100
Patrick CaseyDirector, Corporate CommunicationsThe Regional Municipality of York(905) 830-4444 ext. 1235
Dan MilesCommunications Specialist, York Region(905) 886-6767 ext. 2250
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at www.tc.gc.ca/e-news and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada.
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