Ontario Construction News staff writer
Canada and Ontario last week announced $114.5 million joint funding for the construction of dedicated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) infrastructure in the City of Pickering. The Regional Municipality of Durham is contributing more than $30.5 million.
“Integrated and accessible public transit systems are essential to building cleaner and more inclusive communities,” said Mark Holland, Ajax MP. “The construction of Bus Rapid Transit in Durham means more frequent and reliable public transit services, saving people time and money, and better linking them to friends, family and other communities across the region.”
The project includes construction of 7.5 km of dedicated median bus rapid transit lanes, 20 sheltered bus stops at 10 locations, and 7.5 kilometres of bike lanes along Highway 2 in Pickering. Work is part of the Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit initiative, which will provide more frequent and reliable transit services to the Durham Region and the City of Toronto.
“This project will improve future access to and from Pickering GO Station connecting residents to jobs, schools, and other communities, making it faster and easier for residents in Pickering and Durham Region to connect to GO Transit and Durham Region Transit,” said Pickering-Uxbridge MPP Peter Bethlenfalvy.
Once completed, this project will provide residents with a safe and more accessible public transit system and enhanced active transportation options.
“Today’s announcement will create good paying jobs, while also creating future opportunities for greener transit options, while ensuring that residents in the Regional Municipality of Durham have continued access to a safe, modern, and reliable public transit system for years to come,” said Whitby MP Ryan Turnbull.
Ontario’s Minister of Finance and Member of Provincial Parliament for Pickering-Uxbridge, on behalf of the Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure
“Provincial, federal and local governments are working together to improve public transit infrastructure in Durham Region. Residents will benefit from the Bus Rapid Transit Lanes on the Highway 2 corridor, which will result in faster commutes and shorter travel times.”