The governments of Canada and Ontario, as well as the Regional Municipality of Durham, have reached a joint funding agreement for the construction of dedicated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) infrastructure in the city of Pickering.
The C$114.4-million (US$91.45 million) project includes the construction of 7.5 kilometers (4.66 miles) of dedicated median BRT lanes, 20 sheltered bus stops and 7.5 kilometers (4.66 miles) of bike lanes along Highway 2 in Pickering. The project is part of the Durham-Scarborough BRT initiative that is designed to include a total of 36 kilometers (22.37 miles) of BRT to connect the region of Durham to Toronto.
"Integrated and accessible public transit systems are essential to building cleaner and more inclusive communities. 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,” said Mark Holland, member of Parliament for Ajax.
The BRT initiative was identified in Metrolinx’s 2041 Regional Transportation Plan as the preferred transit option that would meet the needs of the region. By 2041, the corridor is expected to grow by approximately 215,000 residents and 66,000 jobs.
"The Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit project is a great opportunity to continue to build and connect our communities. Travel demand continues to grow in Durham Region and, with our federal and provincial partners, we will continue to provide safe and reliable transit for residents and visitors," said Regional Municipality of Durham Chair and CEO John Henry.
The government of Canada will contribute more than C$45.8 million (US$36.61 million) to the project through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Plan. Ontario is providing more C$38.1 million (US$30.46 million) and the Regional Municipality of Durham is contributing more than C$30.5 million (US$24.38 million).
