York Region Rapid Transit Corporation Sustainable urban transportation an award submission vivaNext - Highway 7 East [H3] BRT Dedicated Lanes

York Region Rapid Transit Corporation and has developed its official plan, in , York Region currently has [YRRTC] is responsible for the planning, Centres and Corridors strategy, which more than one million residents and is design and construction of the York concentrates growth and development expecting to reach 1.5 million by 2031. Region Rapid Transit System and in key areas, and strengthens related infrastructure to deliver the downtowns in the Municipalities of Since 2001, York Region has had legal transit priorities set out in the Regional Markham, Newmarket, Richmond jurisdiction and responsibility for Municipality of York Transportation Hill and . By building more transit services, which prior to 2001, Master Plan. Sustainability is defined intensively in these areas, there will was the responsibility of its local area as meeting present needs without be less pressure for growth in existing municipalities. In 2002, the Region compromising the ability of future neighbourhoods and a reduction procured York Consortium 2002 as its generations to meet the same needs. in traffic congestion. The vivaNext private sector partner to design and YRRTC has refined our organizational project is a vital part of the Region’s develop the bus rapid transit [BRT] goals to foster sustainable strategies plan for the next generation of rapid component of the York Region Rapid and approaches to transportation transit being built to support growth Transit System [YRRTS], as a part of challenges. More specifically, and to provide a sustainable future the regional transportation system in addressing the present and future for York Region. York Region. transit needs from the perspective of the environment, economy, and York Region is located in the heart YRRTS was designed to link the four social equity. of the Greater Toronto and Hamilton regional centres in York Region along Area [GTHA] in Southern Ontario. It is two main corridors, namely: from Since the 2005 passage of Ontario’s comprised of nine area municipalities Richmond Hill [in the south] up Yonge Places to Grow Act, Ontario covering 1,756 square kilometres Street to Newmarket [in the north] municipalities must plan for [678 square miles], stretching from the and from Vaughan [in the west] along sustainable, more intensive land City of Toronto in the south, to Lake Highway 7 through to Markham [in the use, adopting provincially mandated Simcoe and the Holland Marsh in the east], providing a sustainable, long- growth targets and densities for north, and bounded by Peel Region in term alternative mode of transit and their communities. York Region has the west and Durham Region in the connecting to other transit systems welcomed this planning framework east. As the fastest growing region across the GTHA.

york region rapid transit corporation i 1 York region rapid transit The project is to be delivered in • twelve [12] vivaNext station system its entirety by 2021. This award platforms and canopies; submission is for the segment that was • accessibility towers at Bayview YRRTC delivered the first phase of completed and put into revenue service Station due to grade separation; Viva service, which involved the on August 18, 2013 – Highway 7 East in • station furniture and way-finding; planning, design and implementation the Town of Richmond Hill and City of • communications and fare vending of the BRT network running in mixed Markham [H3.1]. equipment, complete with ancillary traffic, the purchase of new buses, electrical infrastructure; and and the provision of off-board payment • temporary works, traffic control, facilities. This phase was launched Highway 7 East [H3.1] project environmental controls and other in 2005, and to date, there has been overview related activities required for the 38% increase in ridership and over The H3.1 segment of the project execution of the work. 22.7 million riders. included the construction of 6 stations [12 platforms] at key The second phase, which is currently intersections, together with the Project organization underway, is known as vivaNext and design and implementation of related Funding for the vivaNext H3.1 project involves the design and construction infrastructure and facilities. The two is provided by Metrolinx, an agency of of 34.2 kilometres of segregated platforms at Bayview Station are the province of Ontario. After handover centre-lane rapidways along much curbside and include two accessibility of each segment, Metrolinx will own of the current Viva network. The plan buildings with stairs and elevators the entire transit infrastructure. York is being implemented in stages with connecting Highway 7 to Bayview Region will own the road infrastructure, contracts being awarded for different Avenue. The design and construction and will operate and maintain both the segments within the network, namely: of this project is based on solid road and the transit infrastructure. sustainable development best • Highway 7 East in Richmond Hill practices for transportation delivery of The overall vivaNext H3.1 project is led and Markham [H3], a bus rapid transit system. by YRRTC, acting as Project Manager. • davis Drive in Newmarket [D1], McCormick Rankin Corporation [MRC], • Highway 7 West in Vaughan [H2] Implementation and construction a member of MMM Group, is the [two contracts], and of the project included the following Owner’s Engineer or also referred to as • yonge Street [Y2.1, Y2.2 and Y3.2] in elements: YRRTC’s Consulting Engineer. Kiewit- Richmond Hill and Newmarket. • Median removals; Ellisdon, a partnership [KED] was • drainage works; awarded the Design-Build Contract, The vivaNext project is being funded by • Utility relocations; and completed the work with various Metrolinx, an agency of the Province • Grading; construction subcontractors and of Ontario, with a mandate for a 25- • Fencing and barriers; Design Consortium [IBI Group, Delcan year plan to implement a common • retaining structures; Corporation and Aecom]. vision for transportation in the GTHA • culvert extensions; also referred to as . The • paving and pavement markings; project is an example of The Big Move • sidewalk (boulevard) construction; in action and represents $1.4 billion • Hard and soft landscaping; [2009] in provincial transit investment, • Lighting and traffic signalization; as a sustainable option for the future • intelligent transportation system reducing the dependency on cars and elements; providing viable alternatives.

york region rapid transit corporation i 2 Innovation in design and Security Intelligent Transportation System [ITS] Advancements sustainable elements Crime Prevention Through Stations Environmental Design [CPTED] is a ITS is an international transportation- pro-active crime prevention strategy engineering discipline that is concerned The curbside stations are a series of utilized by planners, architects, police with improving the efficiency of travel, steel half-arch frames and supporting services, security professionals and whether it involves the travelling public, blue glass panels cantilevering everyday users of public spaces. The commercial vehicles, or transit. This over waiting areas and the transit incorporation of the principles of new technology is an absolutely critical platform. The design is reflective of CPTED into the streetscape design component of the vivaNext program. old train station designs to create provides monitoring capabilities and Located at each station are a bank of an iconic transit shelter and was safety peace of mind for users. fare collection equipment, including inspired by transportation architecture a Ticket Vending Machine [TVM], a from historic and modern European There are four underlying CPTED Ticket Validator [TV], and two PRESTO examples. The stations are designed concepts: machines. PRESTO allows transit with functional details that define customers in the Greater Toronto and them as placeholders along Highway • Natural Surveillance Hamilton Area [GTHA] to pay their 7. The size of the canopies was the placement of physical features fare using a convenient, electronic, important to make passengers feel and/or activities, and people that reloadable smartcard. PRESTO makes comfortable while waiting. maximizes natural visibility or it easy to pay your fare while travelling observation. within and between transit systems Integral to the design is a heated • Natural Access Control by the simple tap of a card. The new 27-metre glass enclosure which offers deters access to a target and machines are user friendly, interactive protection from the elements, with creates a perception of risk to the and Accessibility for Ontarians with automatic doors at each end. Safety offender. Disabilities Act [AODA] compliant. and accessibility features include; • Territorial Reinforcement textured surfaces at platform edges defines clear borders of controlled There are several transit priority and near-level boarding from the space from public to semi-private measures that help Viva vehicles on the platform to the bus. The two shelters to private, so that users of an area new Highway 7 rapidways run smoothly are aligned with each other on the develop a sense of proprietorship and quickly through congestion. These north and south sides of the rapidway, over it. include on-board components on and are able to accommodate two • Maintenance each vehicle including a GPS system double articulated buses at a time. allows for the continued use of a and transmitters. There are also the space for its intended purpose. components at each intersection that A feature of the rapidway and station help each traffic signal respond to design is that they could be easily changing traffic requirements including converted to Light Rail Transit [LRT] in radio and infrared receivers that pick the future when ridership warrants it. up signals from approaching buses and emergency vehicles, and loop detectors in the roadway that detect cars waiting at the intersection. Lastly, there are variable message signs [VMS] located at each platform that provide next-bus arrival information to customers.

york region rapid transit corporation i 3 Each component needs to be To add to passenger’s sense of Red Asphalt connected to the overall transit security, a clearly marked Emergency The Transportation Association of system which keeps track of the Call Button [ECB] is located inside Canada [TAC] has designated red as schedule for each vehicle, and the stations glass enclosure, and its the colour to designate Bus Rapid determines when the traffic signal speaker provides immediate two-way Transit lanes. Extensive research and phasing requires a temporary contact between the caller and YRT analysis was conducted for a number adjustment to let a delayed bus get operators. The audio of the call is of alternatives to achieve a red colour, back on schedule. recorded and time-stamped, as is the including various surface treatments. video that is automatically captured However, based on a life-cycle analysis, The connection is provided through a by the closest camera when the it was determined that adding red fibre optics communications network button is pushed. pigment to achieve red asphalt was that links all of the intersections the most cost effective. and every vivastation to York Region Another ITS element is the stations Transit’s [YRT] operations and YR Public Address [PA] system. To The design, production, and placement traffic operations. This system is make sure the new PA system is of the red asphalt introduced new fully automated, with approaching always audible, we started with an challenges that provided the design vehicles alerting intersections acoustic analysis study using special team with an opportunity to be part that they are arriving, and each “Enhanced Acoustic Simulator for of a project to construct a mix that is intersection sharing that information Engineers” [EASE] software. This durable, aesthetically appealing and with the central traffic control study analyzed the two elements clearly defines’ the rapidway from mix system, which in turn compares that most critical to sound: Sound traffic lanes. information with the transit schedule. Pressure Level [SPL] and Speech Transmission Index [STI]. The To achieve the final “look” of the mix Each platform and the accessibility SPL, measured in decibels [dB], is design, red aggregates were used towers are well equipped with concerned with sound magnitude with polymer modified black asphalt electronic security devices, and takes into account ambient cement, and the addition of overseen 24/7 by YRT staff at transit noise levels – it is the relative an engineered red pigment. The headquarters. Stations are monitored “loudness” of a sound. STI predicts challenge was balancing the right constantly by three CCTV [Closed how the equipment being used amount of pigment to achieve the color Circuit Television] cameras. In and the surrounding environment without compromising the quality of addition to providing coverage of the will affect the quality of the sound, the mix and achieving a significant platform at all times, transit staff and therefore how intelligible it is contrast between the red asphalt and can maneuver the cameras manually to hear. This allows the PA system regular asphalt. as needed. to automatically adjust to ambient surrounding sound levels to ensure The other physical properties of the that it does not disturb area residents mix have been met and the mix has during the non-peak rush hours. excellent resistance to rutting based on the Asphalt Pavement Analyzer. Now implemented, the results in the field are achieving the desired contrast.

york region rapid transit corporation i 4 Construction innovations and • due to ongoing steel rusting of busy traffic to reach the left-turn sustainable features issues on the Warden station, the lanes, and provide a safe waiting area. steel used on the H3.1 project is A key highlight of the Pedestrian and In 2011 a model station was built on a higher grade and galvanized. Such Cycling Master Plan is the construction short section of the vivaNext network consideration and protection will of the lake-to-lake cycling and Walking in the City of Markham at Enterprise avoid costly maintenance. trail that will go from Lake Simcoe to Boulevard. Lessons learned were • the number of glass panel sizes Lake Ontario. Through York Region applied to H3.1 as a means to used on the H3.1 station canopies and Smart Commute efforts, biking is maximize the cost savings and was minimized compared to the being championed as a healthy, more minimize constructability challenges. Warden station while at the same environmentally friendly way to get The major lessons learned include: time presenting a consistent around, and the vivaNext corridors are architectural look. As a result, the facilitating this. • constructability modifications station canopy construction costs to improve design and reduce were reduced and maintenance Accessibility Structures construction time. The station requirements minimized. Two accessibility structures were built canopy steel column supports • providing ambient temperature to provide direct pedestrian access were directly connected to the inside the station canopy enclosure between the 7.0m grade differential foundation thereby reducing the during the winter time was an issue of Highway 7 to the local transit required length of the anchor bolts at the Warden station. To mitigate on Bayview Avenue, in the Town of and increasing the tolerances. The this issue, the H3.1 stations are Richmond Hill. The towers consist of an canopy concrete columns were equipped with radiant heaters for elevator shaft, a stairway and service changed to steel post and gypsum the enclosed area and louver covers rooms. The elevator is an electric reinforced concrete cladding which were designed and installed to traction unit with glazed doors and a provided more accurate setting protect cold air infiltration during glass rear wall. The stairs are clad with to steel tolerances. A continuous winter time. ceramic tile and set into a glass and concrete subsurface toe wall concrete enclosure. The upper level of was installed between the traffic Sustainable infrastructure the tower is linked to the sidewalk by roadway and a pedestrian boulevard a steel and glass pedestrian bridge on which separated the two work Bike Lanes each side of the road. These bridges zones and provided construction As part of the overall York Region run from the face of the tower building flexibility. Pedestrian and Cycling Master Plan, to an opening in the balustrade of the • the Warden station was designed bike lanes are included on the Bayview Avenue Bridge. The guards on with automatic door openers, H3.1 corridor. These lanes were either side of the pedestrian bridge are there were communication designed at 1.4 metres wide, with predominantly glass for transparency, issues experienced with the door an additional 0.5 metre buffer zone with stainless steel and aluminum sensors to the door openers. In between the bike and traffic lanes. detailing. The pedestrian bridge is many occasions the door sensor To give maximum visibility for the heated in the winter to prevent snow would miscommunicate the bus bike lanes, they were painted a high- and ice accumulation, thus providing movement adjacent to the station contrast green in the areas around safe passageways for users. and would open the door. This issue intersections, with specific bike lane was mitigated in the H3.1 design. markings to clearly identify them Manual push buttons are used for in the mid-block. Bike boxes allow door openers; this solution not only cyclists to avoid crossing three lanes mitigated the malfunction but was more cost effective.

york region rapid transit corporation i 5 The towers are set partially into the other community spaces as feasible. • Zero setbacks encourages higher hillsides on either side of Highway Sustainability includes green density, buildings tighter to the 7 and as a result, have concrete spaces that survive in the urban edge of the right-of-way and retaining walls on the back sides. environment and this project has walkability. These retaining walls extend from taken great care to investigate and • Boulevard landscaping provides the building rear to the east. On the implement the best options. a buffer between the street and south side, this forms a significant sidewalk. feature in the landscape allowing the Urbanization Highway Express Toll Route [407] Reduced intersection and driveway Soil Cell Technology exit ramp to remain undisturbed and curb radii was utilized to slow To allow long term tree survival and provides architectural details to the vehicular traffic and reduce the ability to grow to its maximum streetscape. pedestrian crossing distances, potential, the H3.1 project used supporting the commitment to CUPOLEX® soil cell technology Tree Grates and Planters pedestrian priority and creating a to achieve 16m3 of soil volume for Tree grates were used near more urban public realm. Based each tree, as per York Region’s intersections to enhance pedestrian on the right-of-way widths of requirements. This technology is a permeability by minimizing obstacles intersecting tertiary and secondary patented concrete forming system in the pedestrian zone. The 2m x roads and driveways, the size of made from 100% recycled plastic. 2m Oblio tree grate will expand to turning radii is 6m and up, as per Concrete is poured over the modular accommodate for tree growth using civil drawings. dome forms to create floating or removable ‘grow rings’ from 200mm structural slabs with an under slab to 500mm. Below-grade tree Other urbanization features included void that results in minimal concrete staking was used to reduce at-grade reduced traffic lane widths, wider contact with the soil, while providing a visual clutter. sidewalks, narrower driveway capillary barrier against moisture – it widths, bicycle lanes & buffers, uses less concrete and rebar than a Further away from intersections, reduced posted speed limit, zero standard slab with equivalent load concrete planters, placed at 8m setbacks and boulevard landscaping: bearing capacity. intervals within intersection limits • reduced traffic lane width and 10m at midblock zones, contain provides a more compact urban CUPOLEX® enhances tree health, a maximum of two trees each. environment and slows traffic. reduces aggregate use and can Planters enhance streetscape • Wider sidewalks encourage more support the weight of service vehicles greening by adding low shrubs, pedestrian activity. in the event they are required to perennials and ornamental • narrow driveway widths to access the boulevard limits for grasses. The tree palette has been minimize sidewalk impact and maintenance purposes. A manual selected from the Region of York’s maximize planter area. Root Rain System will supply water recommended list and includes • Bicycle lanes & buffers encourage and nutrients to the soil within the soil a combination of native and non- bicycle usage and provide a safe cells. This area will be monitored to native species which have been area for bicyclists. weigh the costs of implementation and proven to survive in comparably • reduced posted speed limit on survivability success. harsh streetscape conditions and are Highway 7 from 80 km/hr to 60 salt and drought tolerant. Existing km/hr that is proportionate with trees were preserved as conditions the roadway environment. permitted, and transplanted to

york region rapid transit corporation i 6 Root Rain Urban System situate transit near more people, it is to 2012. The Viva bus travel time • comprises a perforated plastic more likely that people will be willing values were provided by the INIT ring pipe and a grid inlet. to walk to transit. CAD/AVL systems. This result meets • inlet at tree grate surface the overall target of up to 40% during • provides access point for air and One of the objectives of the vivaNext peak periods. nutrients project, supported by land use policies • the grid allows water and air that encourage Transit-Oriented These travel time savings are through but prevents ingress of Development, is to create complete projected for each segment of the litter and debris. communities within walking distances vivaNext network as it is completed. • extremely vandal resistant. of transit. With housing, employment, This will continue to lead to ridership • the vertical piece of pipe can be cut retail, dining, services and recreation growth and the promotion of transit to length to ensure that the inlet is all located within a walkable distance, as a more sustainable form of flush or slightly [25 mm] proud of more people will be able to live more transportation. the final tree pit surround. of their lives without needing to get in their car. When they do want to Conclusion Growth that works and is move around, people will have travel The sustainable transformation sustainable for generations options to match their purpose and of this urban corridor will support to come destination. With every full bus taking growth, and reduce congestion to VivaNext will help transform our the equivalent of 70 cars off the road, help make York Region an even more traffic thoroughfares from busy more people taking rapid transit inviting place to live, work, shop highways and congested streets means less traffic congestion on the and play. These benefits extend well into dynamic urban corridors that roads for everyone. beyond York Region. For example, are welcoming to pedestrians, cyclists the rapidways will also play an and motorists. These corridors Operational performance important role in a seamless transit will connect to York Region’s urban In order to assess the operational system across the GTHA, help Centres that offer more places to performance of the rapidway, reduce traffic congestion, increase live, work, shop and play, a summary notes on field observations productivity and provide sustainable sustainable advantage. were provided by Viva staff, bus alternatives to car use, which help operators, traffic operations staff, and reduce environmental impacts. York region’s early commitment the paid duty police officers, along to creating and implementing a with travel time data collected for As outlined in this submission, ovember 2013 N ovember by E nvironics, conducted R esearch long-term growth management vehicles and transit. vivaNext is part of the sustainable * strategy means we have the right growth plan within York Region and land use policies in place, and are Through this feedback, operational features transit that has segregated ensuring that growth is managed and adjustments were identified to lanes with their own traffic signals, supported with effective public transit. improve the remaining vivaNext taking buses out of all-purpose Communities that are developed implementation. Signal timing congested traffic lanes. Research around great transit are more likely changes were made by York Region by Environics, noted that 79% of to include compact, pedestrian- staff, and then supplemental reviews York Region residents support a friendly neighbourhoods. Mixed- were undertaken. The introduction of more connected transit network use developments make it easier the rapidway decreased the Viva bus and transportation remains the for people to get around without a travel time during the morning peak number one issue for residents*. car, and because more compact hours by up to 38% in comparison to The vivaNext project is key to developments make it easier to 2011, and up to 45% when compared addressing these priorities.

york region rapid transit corporation i 7 York Region Rapid Transit Corporation Sustainable urban transportation an award submission Aerial view of completed Highway 7 rapidway [H3.1]

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Map not to scale york region rapid transit corporation i 4 The H3.1 segment of the vivaNext project included innovative construction and design techniques that provide a rapid transit system to support growth and a sustainable future for York Region.

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