Project Information Centre for vivaNext Rapid Transit Construction Projects Now Open in Newmarket

TORONTO, Nov. 1, 2012 /CNW/ - A new vivaNext Project Information Centre on the Davis Drive rapidway is now open in Newmarket.

The new information centre will be a place for the community to get information, ask questions and provide feedback on the transit project. The office is located at 130 Davis Drive, Unit 4, the second plaza to the east of Yonge Street on the north side of Davis Drive.

The new rapidway will run for 2.6 kilometres along the centre Davis Drive from Yonge Street to Roxborough Road. It will use a transit signal priority system to allow Viva buses avoid congestion, providing faster trips and maintaining more consistent travel times for its customers.

The project includes widening Davis Drive to accommodate the rapidway, along with six new viva stations, wider sidewalks and landscaping. Construction crews are already relocating utilities, building retaining walls and installing new hydro poles along the route. The project is expected to be completed in 2014.

"The McGuinty government is committed to better transit for families in York Region," said Dr. Helena Jaczek, MPP for Oak Ridges-Markham. "The vivaNext information centre will provide Newmarket and Aurora residents with an easy way to stay informed with up to date information about the rapidway construction along Davis Drive in Newmarket."

"Along with York Region, we are committed to keeping the public well informed and to working with the communities that are directly affected to minimize the impact when we undertake long-term, multi-project transit improvement programs," said Metrolinx President and CEO, Bruce McCuaig. "At Metrolinx, we are moving towards a transformation of the transportation system for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area and we are pleased to partner with York Region in order to build, improve and expand public transit in these communities."

"We want to keep the community engaged about this vital construction project," said York Region Chairman and CEO Bill Fisch. "Opening the vivaNext information centre in the Town of Newmarket provides an opportunity for us to field questions from area residents and businesses and show how this rapidway will help transform the Davis Street corridor."

On behalf of Metrolinx, York Region Rapid Transit Corporation will manage the design, construction and community outreach for the project and will oversee all day-to-day operations, routine maintenance, and service delivery. Metrolinx will own the infrastructure and be responsible for maintenance and rehabilitation.

The Davis Drive rapidway is funded by the Province of Ontario. This project is part of Metrolinx's York Viva Bus Rapid Transit project, a $1.4 billion commitment to improving transit in York Region. The York Viva Bus Rapid Transit project is part of The Big Move - the regional transportation plan for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. For more information, go to www.metrolinx.com.

York Region's vivaNext rapid transit plan also supports the vision set out in the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, part of Ontario's Places to Grow initiative. For more information about the vivaNext plan and to sign up for construction updates, please visit www.vivanext.com.

SOURCE: Metrolinx vivaNext

Dale Albers
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation
905-886-6767, ext. 1020
[email protected]

Malon Edwards
Metrolinx, Media Relations
416-874-5945
[email protected]