Future Extensions
The next phase of the Viva Rapid Transit System is called "vivaNext". The Vivanext plan includes the extension of the Spadina subway line north from its current terminus at Downsview to Vaughan Metropolitan Centre and the extension of the Yonge subway line north from Finch to Richmond Hill Centre. This will be the first time in history that York Region will be serviced by subways. Funding for the 8.7 kilometre Spadina subway extension from Sheppard Avenue to Highway 7 has received a funding commitment from all three levels of government and is expected to be fully operational by 2015.
The Environmental Project Report for the Yonge subway extension was unconditionally approved by the Ministry of the Environment in 2009. The 6.7 kilometre extension from Finch Avenue to Highway 7, is one of the top 15 priority projects of Metrolinx, the provincial transportation agency. (http://www.metrolinx.com/Docs/big_move/Backgrounder_Top_15_Priorities_Final_11_28_08.pdf) A conceptual design contract was initiated in 2010 to maintain momentum on the project and provide a stronger foundation for moving it forward.
The Vivanext plan also includes the construction of dedicated bus lanes called rapidways. They will take Viva RTVs out of mixed traffic along segments of some of the region’s busiest corridors – Highway 7, Yonge Street and Davis Drive, reducing ride times by up to 40%. Vivanext rapidways will improve connections between regional growth centres and provide links to other key transit services such as GO Transit and the TTC subway system. Eventually, Vivanext may replace buses on the dedicated rapidways with a light rail transit system.
In November 2008, the provincial transportation agency Metrolinx selected two infrastructure projects for construction beginning in 2009, including major components of the Vivanext plan. Metrolinx gave its final approval to a $7 billion, five-year capital plan that includes over $1 billion for construction of several Vivanext rapidways.
In the spring of 2009, the Province of Ontario committed $1.4 billion for Vivanext rapidways. The Cornell Terminal in Markham has received $5.6 million in funding through the provincial government's "Quick Wins" program.
Previous expansions to the Viva Rapid Transit System include Viva Purple. The Purple line was extended to Markham Stouffville Hospital on January 27, 2008, providing service to three new Viva stations: Main Street Markham, Wootten Way, and Markham Stouffville Hospital.
YRT/Viva have also identified a partnership with Brampton Transit's Züm, a service similar to Viva operating in the Region of Peel, as a priority. Connections along Highway 7 are expected to start upon Züm's launch. Integration with Brampton Transit, Page 7
Read more about this topic: Viva (bus Rapid Transit)
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