By the end of 2014, York Region transit riders will have access to 34 brand new buses.
In a vote late last week, York Regional Council approved a contract to purchase 34 new buses for the region from New Flyer Industries Canada. By taking advantage of the joint procurement agreement offered by Metrolinx (the provincial transit agency) to Ontario municipalities, York is able to purchase each bus at a reduced cost.
At $521,000 each, the new set of 40-foot buses will cost the Region a total of $18 million.
"York Region is committed to ongoing investment in transit to help move residents across our nine municipalities and get them to and from work, school, shopping and entertainment venues," said York Region Chairman and CEO Bill Fisch about the decision. "This bus purchase will ensure our YRT/Viva transit fleet continues to be a state-of-the-art and efficient means of travel."
The 34 buses will be integrated into the Region's existing fleet of 339 "conventional" buses, 116 Viva bus rapid buses, and 27 Mobility Plus vehicles.
Thanks to continual upgrades and an a ever-growing population, YRT/Viva has seen a steady rise in ridership over the past five years. In 2012, the system recorded the highest ever transit ridership numbers to date.
Currently over 23 million riders use the system ever year, a number that is expected to continue to climb.
Writer: Katia Snukal
Source: The Regional Municipality of York