Our Vehicles
With over 400 vehicles in our fleet, YRT/Viva owns one of the largest bus fleets in Ontario. We strive to provide our customers with vehicles that are safe, clean and in reliable condition.
Y
RT bus repainting/branding program
In 2008, we rebranded part of the YRT fleet to the tri-blue and white seen today. To convert older vehicles into the new colour scheme, 35 vehicles are budgeted and scheduled for repainting in 2010 and 2011.
Bicycle racks on conventional buses
All YRT conventional buses carry a two position bicycle rack. The Bike 'n' Bus Program officially launched June 2010 in conjunction with Clean Air Day.
Accessibility
YRT/Viva continues to improve its services by making it accessible for everyone in accordance with the Integrated Accessibility Standards of the Accessible for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Some of the accessible features on our fleet include:
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Kneeling buses with ramp or lift for easy boarding
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Automated next stop announcement
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Variable Message Display signs displaying next stop information
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Priority seating areas located close to the operator
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Two designated spots for passengers using mobility aid
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Slip resistant floors with minimal glare
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Grab bars, handrails and stanchions conveniently located across bus
For information on accessible routes, visit our Accessibility page.
Bus life
In 2007, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation amended their bus replacement subsidy program to encourage the retirement of buses after 12 years. YRT staff analyzed a number of factors to determine the benefit, if any, of decreasing the bus retirement age from 18 to 12 years.
There is a cost savings of approximately $39,000 per vehicle over the latter life of the bus. By replacing the vehicle at 12 years, we can:
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Reduce engine and transmission overhauls
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Eliminate mid-life bus refurbishment
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Improve fuel economy, vehicle reliability and customer service and reduce emissions
Participation with Metrolinx in the joint procurement of conventional and Mobility Plus buses
YRT's five-year conventional and Mobility Plus bus replacement strategy has 72 conventional and 23 specialized buses budgeted for replacement.
To assist the Region in vehicle procurement, YRT has partnered with Metrolinx in a Joint Vehicle Procurement Process for the purchase of both 30-foot and 40-foot conventional buses, as well as for the purchase of Specialized Mobility vehicles. YRT staff participates in both the steering and technical Metrolinx committees. The benefits of participating in the Metrolinx process are:
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Reduced bus unit cost by consolidating municipal transit bus orders, achieving volumes required to attain economies of scale for municipal transit systems.
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Cost avoidance in the procurement process. (Metrolinx provides technical specification development and support, engineering assistance, clerical/administrative support, Fairness Commissioner and vehicle inspections during assembly).
Delivery of conventional vehicles
19 New Flyer vehicles were delivered in July 2010
19 New Flyer vehicles were delivered in November 2010
20 New Flyer vehicles were delivered in February 2011
Delivery of Mobility vehicles
Bid submission/evaluations took place November 2010, with recommendations and award proposed for the first quarter 2011.
Viva Nova Bus procurement
Using past experience with the Van Hool Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) vehicles, YRT Capital Assets and York Region Rapid Transit Corporation developed a specification that would
build upon and improve the maintainability of the vehicle
and the ride experience for the customer.
Nova Bus, located in Montreal, won the award and the first
15 vehicles were received before the end of 2010, with an option for an additional 36 more in future years. The vehicle will be state-of-the-art in mechanical aspects, comfort and appearance.
Installation and testing of a bus-pedestrian alert system
YRT is always looking for technological and engineering advancements to improve the reliability and safety of our vehicles for our customers.
We are currently investigating options to reduce bus/pedestrian collisions with bus-pedestrian alert systems. More details will be released as they become available.