Viva

Viva is York Region's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. Launched on September 4, 2005, Viva has coincided with York Region's fast growth. This service is operated by Veolia Transportation.

Benefits of VIVA

Stops (called Vivastations) are located no less than 750m apart to reduce travel time. Each Vivastation has an automated ticket vending machine allowing passengers to pay their fare before boarding the bus, thus speeding up loading. Terminals have MultiRide vending machines, which dispense booklets of 10 tickets and give change and take bills.

Because passengers purchase their fare before boarding, this means VIVA operates on an honour system. Ticket inspectors inspect random buses to see if everybody has paid their fare.

Next Bus display informs passengers approximately how long the wait for the next bus is. It also specifies the route and terminal. Currently the next bus system in being linked to regular YRT routes.

Queue jump lines were installed at some intersections. They are extended right turn lanes that VIVA buses may use to bypass heavy traffic and speed to the VIVAstation at the intersection. Signal Priority informs a computer if the bus is running behind. The computer holds traffic lights (either turning a red one to green quicker or holding a green) so the bus can make up some time.

History

Phase 1

Phase 1 of Viva was the introdcution of a bus rapid transit system across York Region. This saw the introduction of five lines: VIVA Blue, VIVA Purple, VIVA Orange, VIVA Green, and VIVA Pink. The first two routes, Blue and Purple, debuted with the launch of Viva in September 2005. The folling month in October, Orange and Green were introduced. The final route, Pink, was introduced in January 2006.

The routes were lined with Vivastations (the name for stops and terminals). They featured ticket vending machines and next bus displays. A new terminal was built at 407 and Yonge Street, called Richmond Hill Centre, and is used by Viva, York Region Transit and inter-regional GO Buses. Viva connects with the Toronto Transit Commission subway system at the exisiting terminals, Finch and Don Mills.

A fleet of specially appointed Van Hool rigid and articulated buses were introduced for use. The fleet gradually grew. the buses have interior displays and announcements which show the next stop for passengers. The buses are able to by-pass cars with queue jump lanes and signal priority.

vivaNext

vivaNext is the next phase of the Viva bus rapid transit (BRT) system. This phased deals with the Yonge and Spadina subway extensions into York Region as well as improving the BRT system with dedicated Rapidways and extended lines. New Vivastations will be built along the Rapidways and will be accessible by crosswalks.

The Rapidways, a term given by vivaNext, are dedicated lanes in the centre of the road. Travel times are improved as the rapid transit vehicles do not have to deal with congestion on the regular roadways. There will also be transit priority signals located at intersections. Two Rapidways will be built in Newmarket, and one in each Markham, Richmond Hill, and Vaughan.

Routes

Viva's routes are all colour coded. The fares for Viva are the same as YRT except the $1 "zonal” surcharge for “Blue” line passengers for passing through both zone boundaries in a single trip, located roughly north of Bloomington Rd and south of King Sdrd.

There are 3 7-day a week routes:

• VIVA Blue- Finch Station to Newmarket Terminal
• VIVA Purple- Markham-Stouffville Hospital to York University
• VIVA Orange- Martin Grove to Downsview Station

There are also 2 short turns and 2 other routes that operate during rush hour only:

• VIVA Blue- Finch Station to Bernard Terminal
• VIVA Blue A- Finch Station to Newmarket Terminal (Omiting Richmond Hill Centre)
• VIVA Green- Don Mills Station to McCowan Road
• VIVA Pink- Finch Station to Unionville GO Station

An extension of Purple and Green east to Cornell (Markham Bypass) is on hold from 2008, because of resident's objections to a new bus terminal being built. A terminal on a nearby site is being considered, but construction has not started. Green originally had 7 day a week service to Unionville GO Station, however ridership was poor and was cut back to rush hours only. It will be reinstated when additional development around the future Markham Centre happens.

Fleet

Currently, Viva's fleet consists of 60 40-foot Van Hool AG300 buses and 41 articulated 60 foot AG300 buses. YRT/VIVA has stated that all future purchases of vehicles will be 60ft in length. Although the original purchase contract in 2005 allowed a discounted purchase price of additional AG300s until 2011, a new contract for 60 foot buses over five years was awarded to Nova Bus. The choice was made because of the long wait for parts experienced by maintainance for the Van Hools and Nova Bus met the Canadian content requirement in the RFP.

The articulated AG300s are normally restricted to VIVA Blue because of its high ridership. The 40ft A330s serve all other routes (Purple, Orange, Green and Pink).

Fleet number range	Thumbnail	Year	Manufacturer	Model	Engine	Transmission	Destination sign	Seating	Garage	Miscellaneous notes
5101-5160	File:Viva 5120.JPG	2005-2006	Van Hool	New A330	Cummins ISL	Voith D864.3E	TwinVision Amber LED	Kiel Lite	Veolia (Vaughan)
5201-5225		2005-2006	Van Hool	New AG300	Cummins ISM	Voith D864.3E	TwinVision Amber LED	Kiel Lite	Veolia (Newmarket) Veolia (Vaughan)
7201-7205	File:VIVA 7202.jpg	2007	Van Hool	New AG300	Cummins ISM	Voith D864.3E	TwinVision Amber LED	Kiel Lite	Veolia (Newmarket) Veolia (Vaughan)
8201-8211	File:Viva 8210.jpg	2008-2009	Van Hool	New AG300	Cummins ISL	Voith D864.5	TwinVision Amber LED	Kiel Lite	Veolia (Newmarket)
1080-1094	File:York Region Transit novalfx.jpg	2010	Nova	LFX	Cummins ISL9	Voith D864.5	TwinVision Amber LED	~53 American Seating Insight	Veolia (Vaughan)	Being delivered, expected to enter service in December 2010

Also see

York Region Transit

References

• York rolls out state-of-the-art transit, Toronto Star B3, May 26, 2005
• Viva Bus Rapid Transit, Toronto Star B4 and B5, September 3, 2005