York Region's new rapid transit system has been named Viva, it was announced yesterday. To be built in three phases over the next 20 years, the system will feature bus rapid transit, dedicated transit lanes and eventually a new Light Rail Transit system or subway.

Linking Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill and Newmarket, the Viva system will begin operations in September, 2005 with the introduction of rapid transit vehicles and a chain of transit stations along key transportation corridors.

"This new rapid transit system is a very positive step forward," said Vaughan Mayor Michael Di Biase. "In addition to the obvious environmental concerns, traffic congestion in the GTA has become an economic issue and a quality of life issue. It was time to act and I congratulate York Region for doing just that."

The Viva rapid transit system is the first in Canada to be set up as a public-private partnership. The partnership was established to fast-track the implementation process. York Region maintains control of all assets and the determination of fares. The federal and provincial governments are contributing $50 million each to fund Phase 1.

Phase 2 will include dedicated transit lanes and park-and-ride facilities to be built between 2006 and 2011.

In 2009, there will be a review of the effectiveness of the rapid transit system and a decision will be made whether to proceed with Phase 3 and expand the rapid transit system to include Light Rail Transit and subway extensions.

"The launch of this new rapid transit system is part of a step-by-step approach to provide our City and Region with an efficient and cost-effective modern transit system," said Vaughan Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco, Chair of the Spadina-York Subway Extension Committee. "With the new York University sports stadium and the redevelopment of Steeles Avenue and the Highway 7 corridor, it makes good sense to extend the subway system to York University and north to Vaughan."

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