Louis, Duke of Burgundy and Viva Rapid Transit: Difference between pages
(Difference between pages)
Content deleted Content added
No edit summary |
|||
Line 1:
{{Infobox Bus transit
| name = VIVA
| logo = vivayork.png
| 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.
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).
Five routes are currently in operation:
* '''[[Viva Blue]]''': Finch TTC Station — Newmarket Terminal (along [[Yonge Street]]).
* '''[[Viva Purple]]''': York University — Markville Mall at McCowan Road.
* '''[[Viva Orange]]''': Downsview TTC Station — Martin Grove/Highway 7.
* '''[[Viva Green]]''': Don Mills TTC Station — Unionville GO Station off-peak, McCowan Road at peak times.
* '''[[Viva Pink]]''': Finch TTC Station — Unionville GO Station.
==Overview==
[[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.
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.
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.
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]].
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.
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]
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.
==Routes==
[[Image:Viva-YorkRegion-Map.png|right|A map of the Viva bus routes.]]
{|style="background:transparent" align="center"
| 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.
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.
==Major locations and terminals==
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]]
* [[GO Finch Bus Terminal|'''Finch Station''']] - north of Finch TTC station. An elevator and Viva shelter are available.
* [[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==
[[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.]]
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).
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.)
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.
In [[2009]] Viva will start introducing the [[Presto card]].
<div align="center">
{| 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==
[[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, $20 bills and [[debit card]]s. Credit cards were originally accepted, but as of [[2007]] they are no longer accepted due to issues with their credit card company.
==Vehicles==
[[Image:Vivabus.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Viva's buses are intended to be much more luxurious than is usual for public transport.]]
[[Image:DSC02727.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Viva RTVs tend to be a little more comfortable in design than normal transit buses, equipped with "Next Station" prompts, information screens (in some vehicles) and even Wireless Internet.]]
[[Image:VivaBus.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Viva Van Hools A330]]
Viva's initial stock includes 85 buses comprised of two models, referred to as Rapid Transit Vehicles (RTVs):
{| border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="2" style="border-collapse: collapse;"
|+'''Product list and details'''
|----- bgcolor=#006699
|'''<font color=#FFFFFF> Make/Model '''
|'''<font color=#FFFFFF> Description '''
|'''<font color=#FFFFFF> Fleet # '''
|'''<font color=#FFFFFF> Notes '''
|-
| [[Van Hool]]
| articulated newAG300
| 25 (recently, VIVA is planning to order 5 more, due to underestimation of the number of VIVA RTVs needed on Yonge Street.)
| [[Image:Wheelchair.svg|15px]] Length: 18 [[Metre|m]] (60 [[foot|feet]]) Cost per vehicle: [[Canadian dollar|$]]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]].
[[Image:Wheelchair.svg|15px]] All Viva buses are [[wheelchair]]-[[accessibility|accessible]].
Service fleet include:
==Future extensions==
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.
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'']
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]].
==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.
==Staff==
Drivers and other staff of Viva are employed by the bus operator.
===Uniforms===
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.
==Special 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:
* [[Canadian Criminal Code|Criminal Code]]
* [[Controlled Drugs and Substances Act of Ontario]]
* [[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]]
| |||