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Sicilian Baroque and Viva Rapid Transit: Difference between pages

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{{Infobox Bus transit
[[Image:San_giorgio_ragusa_ibla_italy.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Church of San Giorgio, [[Ragusa]]. Designed in 1738 by [[Rosario Gagliardi]], it is approached by huge staircase of some 250 steps]]
| name = VIVA
'''Sicilian baroque''' is the extraordinarily animated form of baroque architecture that evolved in Sicily, which experienced a necessary boom of building following the devastating earthquake of 1693. The Sicilian Baroque is a unique form of architecture. Recognisable not just by its typical baroque curves and flourishes, but by its grinning masks and putti, and an individual flamboyance not seen elsewhere. Until recently little studied, recognised or appreciated, its Baroque gives Sicily a unique architectural individuality.
| logo = vivayork.png
{{TOCleft}}
| logo_size = 192px
| image = VIVA5218.jpg
| image_size = 256px
| image_caption = VIVA bus 5218 entering the [[Richmond Hill Centre (YRT)|Richmond Hill Centre]] station on the [[Viva Blue|VIVA Blue]] line.
| company_slogan =
| parent = [[York Region Transit]]
| founded = 2005
| headquarters = 50 High Tech Road,<br>[[Richmond Hill, Ontario|Richmond Hill, ON]] L4B 4N7
| locale = [[Regional Municipality of York, Ontario|York Region, ON]]
| service_area = York Region along the [[Highway 7 (Ontario)|Highway 7]] and [[Yonge Street]] corridors
| service_type = Bus rapid transit
| alliance =
| routes = 5
| destinations =
| stops =
| hubs =
| stations = 59
| lounge =
| fleet = 85
| ridership =
| fuel_type =
| operator = 4286847 Canada, L.P.<br><small>(Veolia Transport)</small>
| ceo =
| website = [http://www.yrt.ca Official Website]
}}
'''Viva''' is a [[bus rapid transit]] network in [[York Region]], [[Ontario]], [[Canada]], with connections to northern [[Toronto]] and [[Toronto Transit Commission]] [[Toronto subway and RT|subway]] stations.
 
It is the brand name for the York Region Rapid Transit Plan, and was funded through a [[Public-Private Partnership]] (P3) consortium called the York Region Rapid Transit Corporation. York Region has control over all fares and service planning. Viva service is integrated with [[York Region Transit]]'s conventional transit service and operated as one regional transit system (''1system'') that enables customers to travel across the Region.
== Planning ==
The volcanic island of Sicily off the Italian [[peninsular]] has been ruled by many different countries, civilized by the [[Greeks]], then oppressed under the [[Roman]]s, governed by [[Byzantines]], conquered by [[barbarian]]s, a Moslem emirate, a [[Norman]] duchy, a [[Hohenstaufen]] kingdom, ruled by [[Angevins]] given to Spain, then the [[Naples|Neapolitan]] [[Bourbons]] before finaly being united in the [[Kingdom of Italy]] in [[1860]]. Thus Sicilians have absorbed many cultures, and consequently the island has had a wide diversity of architecture. However the catalyst for the evolution of Sicilian baroque was the great earthquake of 1693 when Sicily was still under Spanish rule. This catastrophe decimated many of the most notable buildings, particularly in eastern parts of the island. The epicentre of the disaster was [[Val di Noto]], where the city of [[Noto]] was completely destroyed. Other towns which suffered were [[Ragusa]], [[Modica]], [[Scicli]] and [[Ispica]].
 
Viva began operations on [[September 4]], [[2005]] at 9 am EST, and officially opened on [[September 6]], [[2005]]. The second phase was opened on [[October 16]], [[2005]], the third phase was opened on [[November 20]], [[2005]], and the first part of the fourth phase was opened on [[January 2]], [[2006]] (the Cornell extension is the second part of Phase 4).
Following the quake a fast program of rebuilding was put into action but before it began in earnest some important decisions were taken which were to differentiate Sicilian towns permanently from most other European urban developments. The ruling Spannish authorites decided that rather than rebuilding in the medieval style of cramped narrow streets the new rebuilding would be one of wider streets, and piazzas, often on a grid system. This was typical baroque town planning highly in fashion at the time. It was much favoured by the Portugese, who had built cities, in the baroque style, in their colonies, paricularly Brazil, since as early as 1711. However in sicily the decision was taken not just for fashion and appearance but because it would also minimise the damage to property and life likely to be caused in future quakes. In 1693 the cramped housing and streets had caused buildings to crash rather like a "house of cards". Architecturally the big advantage of this new town planning was that unlike in many Italian towns and cities, where one frequently encounters a monumental renaissance church sqeezed terrace fashion between incongruous neighbours in a narrow street. In urban baroque design one can step back and actually see the architecture a more conducive setting in retlation to its size, proportions and perspective. This is most notable in the largely rebuilt towns of Caltagirone, Militello Val di Catania, Catania, Modica, Noto, Palazzolo, Ragusa and Scicli.
 
Five routes are currently in operation:
One of the best examples of this new form of urban planning can be seen at Noto, the town rebuilt approximately 10 km form its original site on Mount [[Alveria]]. The new site chosen was flatter than the old to better facilitate a linear grid like plan. The principal streets run east to west so they would benefit from a better light and a sunnier disposition.
 
* '''[[Viva Blue]]''': Finch TTC Station &mdash; Newmarket Terminal (along [[Yonge Street]]).
As with all thing Sicilian the reconstruction was supervised and dominated by the aristocracy who controlled the country in a feudal system, in spite of Spannish rule, practically unchanged from the Norman era. The [[Duke of Camastra]] , one of the most senior aristocrats and Spanish [[Viceroy]], was in charge. He allocated various of the new town according to social class. Needless to say the aristocracy (i.e. the Duke's relations and friends) were allocated the higher areas, where the air was cooler and fresher and the views finest. The church was allocated the centre, for convenience to all, and to reflect it global position Here was built the cathedral, the convents and [[Bishop|episcopal]] Palazzo Vescovile. The merchants and storekeepers chose their lots on the planned wider streets, and then finally the poor were allowed the areas nobody else wanted. In this way Baroque town planning came to symbolize and reflect political authority, later its style and philosophy spread to such far away places as [[Annapolis]], in the State of [[Maryland]], and most notably [[Baron Haussmann]]'s [[19th century]] re-designing of [[Paris]].
* '''[[Viva Purple]]''': York University &mdash; Markville Mall at McCowan Road.
* '''[[Viva Orange]]''': Downsview TTC Station &mdash; Martin Grove/Highway 7.
* '''[[Viva Green]]''': Don Mills TTC Station &mdash; Unionville GO Station off-peak, McCowan Road at peak times.
* '''[[Viva Pink]]''': Finch TTC Station &mdash; Unionville GO Station.
 
==Overview==
In the earthquake zone little architecture from before the disaster has survived. However the little that does (such as the church of San Sebastiano, at [[Acireale]]), suggests that it was highly decorated with scrolls, rustication and grotesque masks, perhaps this older Sicilian architecture was the inspiration for the form that baroque was to take on the island.
[[Image:Westonroad.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A Viva RTV on the Orange Line approaching the eastbound platform of [[Weston (VIVA)|Weston Road.]]]]
[[Image:Vivafin.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Viva's branding, bus livery, and stop signage are very distinct compared to the regular bus system.]]
 
Viva is the first phase of York Region's three-phase rapid transit plan to reduce congestion on local roads.
Once rebuilding began, the readily and cheaply available local stone provided a rich and suitable building source, especially for the delicate and sophisticated [[intarsia]] in marble. Local craftsmen were specialist in stuccowork, much stucco found on the island, especially in the [[Province of Palermo]] is by one family the [[Serpotta]].
 
The service is using high-end [[Belgium|Belgian]]-built [[Van Hool]] [[bus]]es referred to as "rapid transit vehicles" (RTVs), which make use of existing or specially-lengthened right-turn lanes to move through an intersection ahead of traffic. They are given priority at traffic signals. Viva buses run 18 hours a day, 7 days a week, from 5:30 am to midnight on weekdays, 6:30 am to midnight on Saturdays and 8:00 am to midnight on Sundays. During peak hours (6:30 am - 9:00 am and 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm), buses arrive every three to ten minutes depending on the route and less than 15 minutes for off peak hours.
Thus begun the first of what has been described {footnote to Blunt} as the three phases of Sicilian baroque.
 
During Viva's next phase, the service is to incorporate dedicated "transitways" at the centre of the street, separated from regular traffic. A later phase may incorporate some form of [[light rail]]way, or an extension of the Toronto's subway lines, but the plan will need to be re-evaluated at this point to determine whether such service is indeed warranted.
== Baroque ==
:''Main article: [[Baroque architecture]]''.
[[Image:Residenzschloss_Ludwigsburg.jpg|thumb|right|300px|German baroque [[Ludwigsburg Palace]] begun in [[1704]] for the German princeling [[Ludwig of Württemberg]]: in comparison to the developing Sicilian baroque, Ludwigsberg is almost simple and restrained.]]
Baroque architecture is a European style of design originating from [[17th century]] Italy, flamboyant and theatrical, and richly ornamented by both sculpture, and the effect of light and shade on the building created by mass and shadow known as [[chiaroscuro]]. Baroque is not peculiar to Sicily, nor was Sicily the first plave to embrace the style or develop it.
 
Viva is operated by 4286847 Canada Incorporated (known in promotional material as the "York Region Rapid Transit Corporation") on behalf of York Region. The system is operated by Connex, a division of [[Veolia Transport]].
The style was popular all over mainland Europe, and was empoyed by many of the great archtects of the day including [[Bernini]], [[Christopher Wren]], and [[Bartolomeo Rastrelli]]. The late 17th and early 18th century was a period of domestic change acrooss Europe, especially for sovereigns, aristocrats and church leaders, newly achieved political solidarity and stability meant they no longer had to live in impregnible castles and fortresses, thus they began to build large and elegant palaces from which to rule, more often than not baroque was the chosen style.
 
Stops along the routes are referred to as "Vivastations", and incorporate a ticket vending machine and a ticket validator (fares are on a proof-of-payment basis to speed up boarding times), as well as a real-time "smart" display that notify passengers when the next vehicle is expected to depart. Most Vivastations are blue, but several stops on [[Yonge Street]] have a unique bronze design referred to as "vivavintage" in order to better suit the historic areas, especially along Yonge Street in [[Thornhill, Ontario|Thornhill]], [[Richmond Hill, Ontario|Richmond Hill]], and [[Aurora, Ontario|Aurora]] where space is short, and will be served by miniature "vivamicro" stations. Vivastations on York University's campus are red in keeping with the University's signage policy.
The style evolved differently in each country, most notably in the Germanic states, where the princly rulers began to vie with each other in the extravagance of their baroque palaces, in some countries the architecture became so peciliar to a country, patron or architect that it came to be known by that countries name, hence among many others there exists [[Bavarian Baroque]], [[Naryshkin baroque]] and [[Sicilian baroque]]. In [[Bavaria]] the baroque employed by the Roman Catholic church became almost Russian in design with multiple towers crowned by [[onion dome]]s.
 
Viva routes connect to [[Toronto Transit Commission]]'s [[Yonge-University-Spadina (TTC)|Yonge, Spadina]], and [[Sheppard (TTC)|Sheppard]] subway lines, and to a number of Toronto [[Toronto buses and trolley buses|bus routes]]. Viva is integrated with YRT's existing bus network, and passengers are able to pay one fare to use both Viva and the regular bus system. Viva is not, however, integrated with the region's GO train network, and only one of York Region's fourteen GO stations is served by Viva.[http://www.yrt.ca/gotransit.asp]
In England the style attained a brief popularity through the dramatist and untrained architect [[John Vanbrugh]]. However, it was never truly to English taste, while [[Seatom Delaval Hall]], and [[Blenheim Palace]] are described as baroque, only [[Castle Howard]] is designed in the European baroque style. English baroque was far more restrained, the European excesses of ornament being contrary to the English aristocracy's dislike of ostentation.
 
On [[March 31]], [[2005]], at the [[York Regional Municipality, Ontario|Regional Municipality of York]] Council meeting, the contract for the operations and maintenance of the entire Viva’s fleet for its first five years of service was approved to be awarded to [[Veolia Transport|Connex]] Canada. The approved contract was valued at [[Canadian dollar|$]]112,496,870, inclusive of [[Goods and Services Tax (Canada)|Goods and Services Tax]].
 
Viva managers are concerned over the fate of later expansion because of the lack of committed funds for growth of the service. Both the federal and provincial governments have pledged funds for the expansion, but there is a concern that the funds will not be available. York Region officials have said they will scale down service if the funds are not forthcoming, but they are concerned that service reductions would impair the success of the service.
== Early Sicilian Baroque (1690s) ==
[[Image:Ragusa-Chiesa-Anime-Purgatorio.JPG|thumb|200px|right|The Church Of Anime Ss. Del Purgatorio, Ragusa, constructed in the mid-18th century, contains a painted interior including a major work of [[Francesco Manno]] depicting the "Anime Purganti".]]
 
==Routes==
As has been said the developmet of Sicily's own form of baroque architecture can be divided into three periods. This is perhaps an oversimplification as with all evolutions phases tend to overlap and become blurred. It has been said {footnote to country life article} "The buildings conceived in the wake of this disaster expressed a lighthearted freedom of decoration whose incongruous gaiety was intended, perhaps, to assuage the horror". While the style is indeed almost a celebration of ''joie de vivre'' in stone, this is unlikely to be the reason for its choice, and if it was, then the survivors of the earthquake would have been disappointed with the new buildings. As with all architectural styles the selection of style would have directly linked to current fashion. Versailles had been completed in 1688 in the baroque style, hailed almost as the eighth wonder of the world, Louis XIV's new palace was immediatly emulated across Europe by any aristocrat or sovereighn in Europe aspiring to wealth, taste, or power. Many of the aristocrats of Sicily required new homes in a hurry. It is worth noting (there were more of them per square meter than in any other state) In the 18th century it was estimated {'''footnote to Friederich Munter'''} there were 228 noble families, who provided Sicily with a [[ruling class]] consisting of 58 princes, 27 dukes, 37 marquesses, 26 Counts, 1 viscount and 79 barons&mdash; the Golden Book of the Sicilian nobility (which was last published in 1926) listed even more. In addition to these were the younger [[scion]]s of the family with their courtesy titles of ''nobile'' or baron. Many of these nobles required rehousing, many that did not, envious of their friends new palatial homes decided to rebuild for themselves anyeay. This explains the wealth of building which was to take place throughout the 18th century. Thus, the new baroque building was not confined to the palazzi in the alloctaed aristocratic enclaves on the wide new boulevards of the cities, but also the country villas and estates.
[[Image:Viva-YorkRegion-Map.png|right|A map of the Viva bus routes.]]
 
{|style="background:transparent" align="center"
The nobility immediately embraced the baroque style for the rebuilding of their new palazzi. Thus the immediate post-quake baroque buildings in Sicily are very much in the Versailles baroque mode, but executed by provincial architects. These architects obviously designing in a hurry to re-house their illustrious patrons, when it came to the ornament were too heavy handed, or did not know when to stop. The decoration became superficial, the [[rustication]]s multiform and confused, However, in their defense these men, who had hitherto only been required to design bidges, and minor civic buildings, (architects rarely being employed for the construction of small houses and farm buildings) had probably only seen line drawings of the baroque architecture constructed in Italy and elsewhere. As a consequence their work lacked the flair and ingenuity, and light capriciousness of the baroque developing elsewhere in Europe.
| width=50% |<big>'''[[Viva Blue|<font color={{Viva Blue colour}}>Viva Blue</font>]]'''</big><br><small>Between '''[[GO Finch Bus Terminal|Finch Station]]''' and '''[[Newmarket Terminal (YRT)|Newmarket Terminal]]'''</small>
|-
| width=50% |<big>'''[[Viva Purple|<font color={{Viva Purple colour}}>Viva Purple</font>]]'''</big><br><small>Between '''[[Martin Grove (VIVA)|Martin Grove]]''' and '''[[McCowan (VIVA)|McCowan]]''' in peak periods<br />Between '''[[York University (YRT)|York University]]''' and '''[[McCowan (VIVA)|McCowan]]''' in off-peak periods</small>
|-
| width=50% |<big>'''[[Viva Orange|<font color={{Viva Orange colour}}>Viva Orange</font>]]'''</big><br><small>Between '''[[Martin Grove (VIVA)|Martin Grove]]''' and '''[[Downsview (TTC)|Downsview Station]]'''</small>*
|-
| width=50% |<big>'''[[Viva Green|<font color={{Viva Green colour}}>Viva Green</font>]]'''</big><br><small>Between '''[[Don Mills (TTC)|Don Mills Station]]''' and '''[[McCowan (VIVA)|McCowan]]''' in peak periods<br />Between '''[[Don Mills (TTC)|Don Mills Station]]''' and '''[[Unionville (GO Station)|Unionville Station]]''' in off-peak periods</small>
|-
| width=50% |<big>'''[[Viva Pink|<font color={{Viva Pink colour}}>Viva Pink</font>]]'''</big><br><small>Between '''[[GO Finch Bus Terminal|Finch Station]]''' and '''[[Unionville (GO Station)|Unionville Station]] in peak periods</small>
|}
 
<nowiki>*</nowiki>The proposed extension of the [[Yonge-University-Spadina (TTC)|Spadina line]] of the Toronto subway would run from [[Vaughan Corporate Centre (VIVA)|Vaughan Corporate Centre]] to [[Downsview (TTC)|Downsview Station]]. A subway will provide new transit capacity in the western reaches of York Region and relieve some of the crowding on the Yonge Street line by giving York residents an alternative to accessing the subway at Finch. The extended subway line will make for smoother connections with Viva, getting people to work or play sooner. It is also anticipated to encourage development at Vaughan Corporate Centre in much the same way that the Sheppard Subway has created high density nodes at each station point along its route.
== Sicilian Baroque circa 1730 ==
This second phase, is recognisable by the quality and sophistication of the design, architects who had studied in the great cultivated cities of Italy.
Among these architects was [[Giovanni Battista Vaccarini]] (1702-68), who arrived in c 1730, bringing with him a completely different form of baroque. He had studied under the great Roman baroque architects {cite}. In Sicily he developed the Roman ideas still further, designing unified movement and a play of curves, which would have been unacceptable in Rome itself. Vaccarini's finest works which include, the Palazzo Valle (1740-50) and the Church of S. Agata.
 
Viva buses travelling into the city of Toronto (south of [[Steeles Avenue]], the regional boundary) do not pick up passengers when travelling southbound, and do not allow passengers to disembark when travelling north. However, passengers may be picked up at York University for travel to Downsview Station, and vice versa.
== Sicilian Baroque circa 1760 ==
 
==Major locations and terminals==
The final completed evolution of Sicilian baroque a rcognisable style in its own right. Now it had spread beyond the earthquake zone to all Sicily. It is now once again in the hands of the local Sicilian architects themselves. These Sicilians had since the first phase now seen the rebuilding, and often studied under the master architects imported from the mainland to oversee the second phases. They were now more competent and confident in the baroque style and freed of the constraints imposed the grand architects of Naples and Rome, and with the style is so established the local the architects began to take liberties and inject their own ideas. They were also influenced by the even more intricate Rococco style beginning elsewhere to gain an ascendency over Baroque.
Renovations (new shelters and platforms) to accommodate VIVA were completed during late summer 2005.
Viva operates at several major locations and terminals, with Vivastations (the names of the stations in brackets) at:
 
[[Image:Go-finch-bus-terminal-new.jpg|thumb|250px|GO Finch Terminal]]
People had now been rehoused their earthly need catered for, attention now turned to the spiritual - the rebuilding on the large scale of cathedrals and churches. One of the greatest of the local architects of this period was [[Rosario Gagliardi]] (1698 -1762). When one looks at his cathedral of San Giorgio in Modica, and San Giorgio Church (1744-66) in Ragusa, it seems incredible that, born in Syracuse, he never travelled outside of Sicily.
 
* [[GO Finch Bus Terminal|'''Finch Station''']] - north of Finch TTC station. An elevator and Viva shelter are available.
In common with baroque elsewhere it is recognised by its great sweeping curves, however, in Sicily the style has a greater propensity towards bizarre and often grotesque details in the sculpting of the stone, flora and fauna mixed with putti and other dramatic masks and representation. One is often at a loss whether the architect and mason were seeking to shock or amuse the passer-by.
* [[Newmarket Terminal (YRT)|'''Newmarket Terminal''']] - across from Upper Canada Mall on Davis Drive, at Eagle Street West (Newmarket Terminal).
* [[Richmond Hill Centre (YRT)|'''Richmond Hill Centre''']] - [[Yonge Street]] at [[Highway 7 (Ontario)|Highway 7]]/[[Highway 407 (Ontario)|Highway 407]] next to Silvercity Richmond Hill theatres, with future access to [[Langstaff (GO Station)]].
* [[Promenade Terminal (YRT)|'''Promenade Terminal''']] - in [[Vaughan, Ontario|Vaughan]] on the north side of [[The Promenade Shopping Centre|Promenade Mall]] (T&T Supermarket), on Centre Street west of [[Bathurst Street]].
* [[Bernard (vivaYork)|'''Bernard''']] - on east side of the mall on [[Yonge Street]] at Bernard (Bernard), just north of Elgin Mills Road.
* [[York University (YRT)|'''York University''']], at York Commons on Ian Macdonald Blvd.
* [[Don Mills (TTC)|'''Don Mills Station''']] - located outside the TTC's Fare Paid Zone, near [[Fairview Mall]] (Don Mills Station) on [[Don Mills Road]] opposite Leith Hill Road, just north of [[Sheppard Avenue]], as well as inside the fare-paid zone.
* '''[[Downsview (TTC)|Downsview Station]]''' - located outside the TTC Fare Paid Zone, on [[Sheppard Avenue]] West at [[Allen Road]], as well as inside the fare-paid zone.
* '''[[Unionville (GO Station)|Unionville Station]]''' - located adjacent to the [[Highway 407 (Ontario)|Highway 407]] and [[Kennedy Road (Toronto)|Kennedy Road]] interchange (exit 88) in Unionville, in the city of Markham.
 
==Fares==
Barocco siciliano
Antony Blunt nel suo libro "Barocco Siciliano" (1968) divide l'architettura barocca siciliana in tre grandi fasi:
 
[[Image:Used-viva-ticket.jpg|thumb|right|180px|This is an example of a validated and expired VIVA Student Ticket dated on May 4th, 2006. The printed date and time shows when the ticket expires.]]
Prima fase : caratterizzata dalla presenza di edifici in stile paesano, contrassegnato da grande libertà e fantasia, particolarmente nel modo di trattare il dettaglio architettonico e le decorazioni plastiche, ma francamente provinciale e spesso ingenuo.
Seconda fase: caratterizzata da uno stile più elaborato, introdotto da architetti siciliani formatisi sul continente particolarmente a Roma e a Napoli.
Terza fase: caratterizzata da una evoluzione dello stile romano verso una visione che più si adatta alle tradizioni e alla cultura locali.
A proposito della terza fase Blunt scrive:
 
Both Viva and YRT are part of YRT's ''1system'' fare policy. This means that a Viva fare and a YRT fare are treated the same, and that riders can transfer from either service to the other without having to pay an additional fare. Riders can also transfer from TTC buses operating in York Region, assuming that they have paid the YRT fare when boarding the TTC bus (when in York Region) or exiting the TTC bus (when travelling to York Region from Toronto).
"Nella terza fase gli architetti locali, superando lo stadio della discendenza ideale da Roma, enucleano uno stile nuovo e in alto grado personale. Nella facciata del Duomo di Siracusa, opera di [[Andrea Palma]], nelle chiese di [[Rosario Gagliardi]] a Noto, Ragusa e Modica, nelle ville di Tommaso Napoli a Bagheria, come in molti edifici dei centri minori, gli architetti siciliani, pur mettendo a frutto gli insegnamenti ricevuti da Roma e da Napoli, adattano questi modelli alle esigenze e alle tradizioni locali costruendo un gruppo di monumenti che possono catalogarsi fra le più alte creazioni del tardo Barocco."
Nel Settecento il Barocco si diffonde in tutta la Sicilia.
 
YRT ''1system'' operates on a zone fare system. Much of southern York Region is in one zone and central York Region is in another zone. The [[Oak Ridges Moraine]] splits the zones. (Georgina, which constitutes another zone at least for Mobility Plus riders, do not have connections on the YRT to any other zone at present, thus fares are basically the same for one-zone down south, and transfers would be accepted if the rider used the GO Bus in between YRT routes.)
== Noto ==
Rebuilt with an orthogonal scheme, away from the destroyed town, with a chess-board structure.
The architects and the handicraftsmen created a very beautiful urban centre which was given the nickname of “Stone Garden” Economic development during the Bourbon period. Architects Rosario Gagliardi, [[Vincenzo Sinatra]] and [[Paolo Labisi]].
[http://www.sudesttraveltour.it/english/guida_noto.htm Buildings of Noto]
 
Riders can purchase "oneRide" (for a single ride) at all vivastations. In addition, riders may purchase "multiRide" (for ten rides) tickets from fare machines at terminals where viva operates or at authorized vendors. oneRide and single ticket fares are good for a 2-hour window (time printed on ticket) on any viva or YRT route.
 
Each ticket is divided into one or two zone fares. A single oneRide fare costs [[Canadian dollar|$]]2.75 for one zone, or $3.75 for two zones.
 
To ensure that all passengers pay their fares, the YRT has special "Fare Inspectors". Occasionally, they will go from bus to bus to make sure that passengers pay the fare; those that fail to do so will be fined [[Canadian dollar|CAD]] $250. Students must produce an authentic student ID card. (TTC Student ID cards are also considered a valid student ID card). Fines for students start from CAD$150.
 
As of [[July 1]], [[2006]], monthly passes for YRT ''1system'' are eligible for a 15.5% tax rebate from the Government of Canada, which can be claimed when filing tax returns at the end of the year, with proof of purchase.
[[Image:Balcony.gif|thumb|200px|right|[[Putti]] acting as [[corbel]]s supporting a balcony in [[Noto]]. One is often confused between wether the architect and mason were seeking to shoch or amuse the passer by.]][[Palazzo Nicolaci]].Palazzo Ducezio, [[1742]], sur un projet de Vincenzo Sinatra
Duomo (cathédrale), terminé en [[1776]]
Palazzo San Alfano, [[1730]], classique
Palazzo di Villadorata
Church of the Collegio
Church of San Domenico
Church of Monte Vergine (1762)
Church of San Francesco
 
In [[2009]] Viva will start introducing the [[Presto card]].
== Catania ==
 
<div align="center">
Cathedral and close by [[Giovanni Battista Vaccarini]]. He reconstructed the façade of the cathedral between 1730 and 1736, and the town hall in 1741. Via Etnea has many baroque buildings with lava dust façades.
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%; width: 75%;"
! colspan="7" | As of [[January 1]], [[2007]]:
|-
! rowspan="2" | Fare Category
! colspan="2" | Cash Fare
! colspan="2" | 10 Tickets
! colspan="2" | Monthly Pass
|-
| one-zone
| two-zone
| one-zone
| two-zone
| one-zone
| two-zone
|-
! Adult
| $2.75
| $3.75
| $23.00
| $33.00
| $85.00
| $130.00
|-
! Student (High School)
| $2.75
| $3.75
| $17.00
| $27.00
| $65.00
| $110.00
|-
! Senior/Child
| $2.75
| $3.75
| $14.00
| $24.00
| $42.00
| $74.00
|-
! Express
| $3.00
| --
| $27.50
| --
| $100.00
| --
|}
</div>
 
==Ticket machines==
Palazzo Biscari. [http://www.palazzobiscari.com/pagina07.htm] this palazzo has been called the perfect example of Sicilian barok (footnote to Blunt). Constructed in the early [[18th century]] it has been since then continually the residence of the [[Paternò Castello]] family, the [[Prince of Biscari|Princes of Biscari]]
 
[[Image:Viva-ticketing-machine-finch.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Viva ticketing machines at the [[GO Finch Bus Terminal]].]]
[[Image:Viva-validation-machine.jpg|thumb|right|150px|A Viva Ticket Validation Machine. This detached machine is located in bus terminals such as the [[GO Finch Bus Terminal]].]]
Viva went beyond other transit services by applying the latest technologies in their services. Currently, the ticketing machines operate on [[Microsoft]] [[Windows 2000]] and a customized Viva client. Because of the large number of people using the ticketing machines in bus terminals, they are inspected often and usually in good working order. The ticket machines, which are not in a bus terminal, have a validation machine attached to their sides. For those ticketing machines inside the bus terminal, the validation machine is separated from the ticket machines because there could be multiple ticket machines side by side.
 
One can purchase multi-tickets in packs of Student (student ID required when riding), Adult, or Child/Senior tickets (seniors are required to show their ID). Zone upgrades can also be purchased from these machines. All machines accept coins, while machines at select terminals also accept $5, $10, $20 bills and [[debit card]]s. Credit cards were originally accepted, but as of [[2007]] they are no longer accepted due to issues with their credit card company.
== Modica ==
Cathedral of San Giorgio, constructed between 1702 and 1738 by Rosario Gagliardi
 
== Syracuse Vehicles==
[[Image:Vivabus.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Viva's buses are intended to be much more luxurious than is usual for public transport.]]
[[Image:Syracusedome.jpg|thumb|right|Duomo in [[Syracuse]] [[Andrea Palma]]'s cathedral facade (begun in 1728). Based on the ideaology of a Roman triumphal arch, the architect uses broken masses within a columned façade to a create a theatrical effect.]]CHURCH OF SANTA CATERINA baroque church walls and ceiling covered with frescos and carvings of the saints, flora and fauna.'''Duomo di San Giorgio''', built in 1775, designed by the architect [[Rosario Gagliardi]] from [[Siracusa]], the principal façade is three storeys decorated by columns and pilasters. redolent of of some of the chyrches which evolved during the Bayrischen barok period.
[[Image:DSC02727.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Viva RTVs tend to be a little more comfortable in design than normal transit buses, equipped with "Next Station" prompts, information screens (in some vehicles) and even Wireless Internet.]]
Syracuse's Piazza Duomo has been referred to 'the most civilised urban space in Europe' ('''find out by whom''')
[[Image:VivaBus.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Viva Van Hools A330]]
 
Viva's initial stock includes 85 buses comprised of two models, referred to as Rapid Transit Vehicles (RTVs):
*Bold and confident duomo facade is by [[Andrea Palma]]
*[[Luciano Ali]] Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco
*[[Ortygia]] numerous small palazzi, almost street architecture all have oversailing cornices and curved projecting balconies supported on ornately carved corbels and brackets giving the impression of walking among a street of wedding cakes.
 
{| border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="2" style="border-collapse: collapse;"
Andrea Palma (1664-1730)
|+'''Product list and details'''
|----- bgcolor=#006699
|'''<font color=#FFFFFF>&nbsp;Make/Model&nbsp;'''
|'''<font color=#FFFFFF>&nbsp;Description&nbsp;'''
|'''<font color=#FFFFFF>&nbsp;Fleet #&nbsp;'''
|'''<font color=#FFFFFF>&nbsp;Notes&nbsp;'''
|-
| [[Van Hool]]
| articulated newAG300
| 25 (recently, VIVA is planning to order 5 more, due to underestimation of the number of VIVA RTVs needed on Yonge Street.)
| [[Image:Wheelchair.svg|15px]] Length: 18 [[Metre|m]] (60 [[foot|feet]]) Cost per vehicle: [[Canadian dollar|$]]742,000 Engine/Transmission: Cummins ISM/Voith D864
|-
| [[Van Hool]]
| newA330
| 60
| [[Image:Wheelchair.svg|15px]] Length: 12 m (40 feet) Cost per vehicle: $494,000 Engine/Transmission: Cummins ISL/Voith D864
|-
| [[Ford Taurus]]
| mid size station wagons - support vehicles
|
|
|-
| [[Ford Focus]]
| compact station wagons - support vehicles
|
|
|}
 
Similar buses are being used in [[Longueuil, Quebec|Longueuil]] ([[Montreal]]'s South Shore) by [[Réseau de transport de Longueuil]], and in [[Oakland, California]] by [[AC Transit]].
== Palermo ==
Palazzo Gangi, c 1770-90
Guilio Lasso's massive and awe inspiring Quattro Canti.
 
[[Image:Wheelchair.svg|15px]] All Viva buses are [[wheelchair]]-[[accessibility|accessible]].
== Ragusa ==
[[Image:Ragusa-Duomo.JPG|thumb|200px|right|The Cathedral Of San Giovanni Battista, [[Ragusa]]]]The Cathedral Of San Giovanni Battista was built between 1718 and 1778, it has a huge façade rich in carvings and sculpture. The late date of its completion saw that the interior was displaying the first signs of the rococo style. It is divided into three [[aisles]] by columns with capitols richly sculpted and inlaid with gold.
 
Service fleet include:
*Church of San Giorgio: Rosario Gagliardi. designed in 1738, the neoclassical dome was not built untill 1820. In the design of this cathedral Gagliardi, rather than being cowed by the difficult terrain of the hillside site, chose to exploit it. The church towers impresivly over a massive marble staircase of some 250 steps. The tower seems to explode from the facade, accentuated by the columns and pillasters cnated against the curved walls. Above the doorways and window appetures pediments scroll and curve with a sense of freedom and movement to the design which would have been unthinkable to the second phase architects inspired by [[Bernini]] and [[Borromini]]
 
==Future extensions==
*Palazzo della Cancelleria.
Plans call for Viva’s Purple and Green lines to be extended east from their current McCowan Road terminus to Main St. Markham, Wootten Way, Cornell, and eventually Markham By-Pass. In the revised 5-year plan for YRT/Viva it was confirmed that service expansion to Cornell would be implemented by [[July 1]], [[2007]]. [http://www.yorkregiontransit.com/download.asp?Download=PDF&FileName=serviceplanning\Final_Report_p57-77.pdf ] However, there is no extension at this time, as land acquisition for a terminal has not been fully finalized--no further date can be found at this time.
*The Palazzo Zacco is one of the more beautiful baroque buildings of the city, its Corinthian columns support balconies of amazing wrought iron work, while supports of grotesques mock, shock or amuse the passer-by.Located in Ragusa, this baroque palazzo was built in second half of the 18th century by the Baron Melfi. It was later acquired by the Zacco family, from which it has taken the name. The building has two street facades each with with six wide balconies. At the central point of each can be found the coat of arms of the Melfi family:- a frame of acanthus leaves from which a puttino leans. The balconies (a feature of the palazzo) are notable for the differing corbels which support them, these range from [[putti]] to musicians and grotesques. The focal point of the principal facade are the three central balconies divided by columns with corinthean captals. Here the balconies are supported by images of musicians with grottesque faces.
 
YRT/Viva have also identified a partnership with [[Brampton Transit]]'s [[Acceleride]], a service similar to Viva operating in the Region of Peel, as a priority. Connections along Highway 7 are expected to start upon Acceleride's inception. [http://www.yorkregiontransit.com/download.asp?Download=PDF&FileName=serviceplanning\Final_Report_p57-77.pdf ''Integration with Brampton Transit, Page 7'']
== Ferla ==
Church of San Sebastiano, with its seemingly animated statues decorating its portico is just one of nine churches in this small towm
 
Plans for dedicated bus lanes on Highway 7 will begin once environmental assessment has been completed. Similar plans for the Yonge Street portion are on hold as the province has indicated it will fund the extension of the [[Toronto Transit Commission|TTC Yonge subway line]] from [[Yonge Street]] to [[Highway 7 (Ontario)|Highway 7]].
== Appraisal ==
 
==Phases==
# Bus rapid transit (currently in action)
# Dedicated transitways (reserved bus lanes at the centre of the street) for Viva, subject to funding from the three levels of government
#* Currently, an environmental assessment has been completed for the area on Yonge Street from Steeles Avenue in Toronto to Highway 7 (and eventually to Newmarket). An application has been submitted to the Ontario Ministry of Environment, pending approval. The transitway would have buses running in a dedicated middle lanes with islands allowing passengers to board and disembark.
# Transitways being turned into [[light rail|light-rail transit]] (i.e., [[tram|streetcar]]s), subject to need and funding; not expected in the immediate future.
 
The next review of the service will take place in 2009, at which time decisions will be made about the transfer of service to different vehicles, and the addition, removal, or modification of current routes.
== Conclusion ==
As with all architectural styles eventually people tired, but in the case of baroque it was not transformed to a simpler style, but evolved into the even more ornate rococo, it was to be over 100 years from the great earthquake that and the plainer, and more restful to the eye, neo-Classical came into vogue. However in Sicily the baroque has never fallen completely out of favour as elsewhere, the style is almost part of the Sicilian identity, more than any other architectural style elsewhere in the world.
 
==Staff==
While Sicilian baroque is today recognised as an architectural style, largely due to the work of [[Anthony Blunt]], recognised as the definituive work on the subject, much of the decay and ruinous state of preservation must fall on the polical agendas of successive socialist governments. Those remaining members of the Sicilian aristocracy who still inhabit their ancestral palazzi have for the mostpart have refrained from filling their gardens with wild animals to lure in the masses to view their homes (ironically unlike their English counterparts who spurned baroque as vulgar exess). The Princes, Marquesses, and Counts of Sicily have preferred to live in splendid isolation surrounded, often, by beauty and decay, this is not because of a disdain for the masses, or an indifference to their heritage, but more a [[bunker mentality]], for years penalised by exhaustive taxes, it is only today they and the [[state]] are awaking up to the possibility that if action is not taken soon, it will be too late. Hence the baroque palazzi of Sicily are slowly beginning to open their doors to the eager paying public, albeit an American and British public, rather than Italian. A few years ago the Gangi Palace ballroom was alone in its status as having been a filmset, today long shrouded salons and ballrooms are hosting corporate and public events. Some palazzi are offering a bed and breakfast service, with a "dine with the Marchese" as an optional extra. Perhaps one day all the baroque palazzi of Sicily will be restored to their former splendour for all to admire. Those many palazzi whose ground floors are now let to banks and boutiques, while a beleaguerred Marchesa is isolated to the [[piano nobile]] and servant's floor with her four screaming children, as her husband earns a living abroad will be a thing of the past.
 
Drivers and other staff of Viva are employed by the bus operator.
== Notes ==
 
===Uniforms===
== External links ==
 
Uniforms for Viva operators consist of a white shirt with Viva logo, a grey and black vest and dark pants. Male operators usually wear a blue Viva tie.
*[http://www.valdinoto.com/english/ragusa.htm Val di Noto]
*[http://www.travelplan.it/ragusa_guide_churches_museums.htm Churches of Ragusa]
*[http://www.initaly.com/regions/sicily/raguchrc.htm Photographs of some Sicilian baroque churches]
 
==Special References Constables==
A contingent of YRT-viva [[Peace officer|Special Constables]] patrol both Viva and [[York Region Transit|YRT]] properties. They have the same powers as the [[York Regional Police]] to enforce:
*Hamel,Pasquale. ''Breve storia deela societa siciliana'' (1790-1980). Palermo Sellerio.
* [[Canadian Criminal Code|Criminal Code]]
*Du Pays, A J. ''Guide d'Italie et Sicile''. 1877. Hachette.
* [[Controlled Drugs and Substances Act of Ontario]]
*Drago, Francesco Palazzolo. ''Famiglie nobili sicilian''. Palermo. Arnaldo Forni
* [[Trespass to Property Act of Ontario]]
* [[Liquor Licence Act of Ontario]]
* section 17 of the [[Mental Health Act of Ontario]]
* Regional Municipality of York By-law R-1415-2005-028
 
Special constables wear distinct uniforms with black jackets and blue shirts with Special Constables identification (blue and black crest on their shoulders).
 
YRT/VIVA Special Constables also drive in the marked and unmarked cruisers.
 
Fare Inspectors are enforcement officers responsible for issues relating to fare violations.
 
The constables patrol within areas served by the YRT/VIVA.
 
==References==
'''Viva publications'''
* ''Viva - A Rider's Manual'', York Region September 2005
* ''Viva - York Region Rapid Transit Route Map'' 2005
* ''the viva rapid transit vehicle/rtv:ag300'' 2005
* "Viva RT - New Transit System Coming Soon", ''About Markham'', p.2. June 2005
* ''[http://www.yorkregiontransit.com/downloads/mytransit_september2005.pdf MyTransit]'', York Region Transit, September 2005. (PDF)
 
'''Government publications'''
*''[http://www.region.york.on.ca/Regional+Government/Agendas+Minutes+and+Reports/_2005/CM+Mar+31+2005.htm Viva Rapid Transit Phase One Operations and Maintenance Services Contract]''. ''Minutes of Council – [[March 31]], [[2005]]'', Regional Municipality of York, [[March 31]] [[2005]].
*''[http://www.region.york.on.ca/Regional+Government/Agendas+Minutes+and+Reports/_2005/CM+Jun+23+2005.htm Viva Fare Collection Equipment, Maintenance Services Sourcing]'', ''Minutes of Council – [[June 23]], [[2005]]'', Regional Municipality of York, [[June 23]], [[2005]].
* ''[http://www.region.york.on.ca/Publications/News/2005/September+6,+2005+Viva+Fact+Sheet.htm Viva rapid transit Fact Sheet]'', Regional Municipality of York, [[September 6]], [[2005]].
*''[http://www.region.york.on.ca/Services/Transit/Yonge+Street+Corridor+EA.htm Yonge Street Environmental Assessment]'', Regional Municipality of York, [[November 10]], [[2005]].
 
'''Newspapers'''
* "vivatalk - York Region's Rapid Transit Update", ''Economist & Sun/Sun-Tribune: Community'', p.7. [[June 11]], [[2005]]
* "Bus Riders find bearings", ''Toronto Star'', p.B3, [[September 7]], [[2005]].
 
'''Other sources'''
* "Ontario and Beyond - York Region Rapid Transit Plan", ''Transfer Points June-July 2004'', p.5-6.
 
==See also==
{{commons|Viva (bus rapid transit)}}
* [[List of rapid transit systems]]
* [[Veolia Transport]]
* [[Aurora Transit]]
* [[Newmarket Transit]]
* [[Markham Transit]]
* [[Richmond Hill Transit]]
* [[Vaughan Transit]]
* [[GO Transit]]
* [[MoveOntario 2020]]
 
==External links==
* [http://www.vivayork.com Viva Promotional Information] (requires [[Adobe Flash|Shockwave Flash]])
* [http://www.yrt.ca YRT Information Site]
* [http://www.yrt.ca/fares.asp YRT/VIVA Fare Rates]
{{VIVA Stations}}
 
[[Category:VivaYork|*]]
[[Category:York Region, Ontario]]
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