Viva Bus Rapid Transit Wins Communications Award from Canadian Urban Transit Association

MARKHAM, ON, June 2, 2015 /CNW/ - York Region Rapid Transit Corporation (YRRTC) won a national award today from the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) for their public relations strategy to commission dedicated bus rapid transit (BRT) lanes (rapidways) as part of the York Viva BRT project being funded by Metrolinx.

CUTA's National Transit Corporate Recognition Award, in the category of Communications, recognizes exceptional development and implementation of a communication initiative pertaining to internal/external corporate communications and public relations.

Significant changes were introduced along Highway 7 East (from Bayview Avenue in the Town of Richmond Hill to Warden Avenue in the City of Markham) with the opening of the first York Viva BRT rapidway, including 12 centre-median stations, bike lanes and new crosswalk systems. YRRTC's communications strategy ensured transit customers, motorists and pedestrians knew what was changing, when the changes would take effect and how to use the new rapidway.

"We are proud to have been selected for this prestigious award," said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. "A comprehensive and proactive communications approach is key when dealing with projects of this magnitude that bring significant benefits to our growing communities."

"Our Big Move projects are winning awards as they improve the overall transit network in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area," said Bruce McCuaig, President and CEO of Metrolinx. "It's critical that as new projects roll out, they are communicated effectively to ensure a connection is made with each community."

The York Viva BRT project represents $1.4 billion (2009) in transit investment by the Government of Ontario, and is an example of The Big Move in action – Metrolinx's 25-year plan to implement a common vision for transportation in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). The project is being implemented by Metrolinx, an agency of the Province of Ontario. Visit www.metrolinx.com for more information.

York Region Rapid Transit Corporation (YRRTC) is responsible for the planning, design and construction of the full vivaNext rapid transit network and related infrastructure to deliver on the transit priorities set out in the York Region Transportation Master Plan. YRRTC is a wholly-owned subsidiary and share capital corporation of The Regional Municipality of York. The vivaNext rapid transit network is a key component of the vision outlined by Ontario's Places to Grow Act, which aims to manage growth in a sustainable and environmentally-friendly way that enriches communities. For more information, please visit www.vivanext.com.

SOURCE Metrolinx vivaNext

Sarah Harris, York Region Rapid Transit Corporation, 905-886-6767, [email protected]; Alex Burke, Metrolinx, 416-202-5726, [email protected]