PLANNING FOR SEAMLESS BUS RAPID TRANSIT

By Maurice Brenner Regional Councillor Ward 1 Pickering At this weeks Transit Executive Meeting, we had an opportunity to learn more about the Plans for the Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit (DSBRT) Over the next decade, Durham Region will see significant changes to rapid transit across the Region (Kingston Road/Highway 2). The goal is to move more people and reduce the dependency on vehicles. Metrolinx has completed its business plan to construct 36km of bus rapid transit (BRT) from Scarborough to Whitby. Research confirms that during the first 5-years of launching the BRT service on Kingston Road there was a 50% increase in transit ridership. But more work needs to be done. The current patch work of bus lanes along Kingston Road will be changing. The preliminary design business case ((PDBC) which is currently in progress, will be subject to First Nations consultations which may impact timelines. Once approved we will see Median BRT lanes similar to what exists along Highway 7 in York Region, heated median bus shelters and an active transportation facility. Seamless, accessible sidewalks and cycling lanes will also be completed making it safer for walkers and for cyclists. Construction is expected to begin in Pickering with each phase expected to take approximately 3-5 years Dixie to Bainbridge – Construction starts 2025, Steeple Hill to Merritton – Construction starts 2025. For the section between Merritton to Dixie – Construction could start in 2027 once details have been worked out to widen Kingston Road under the the rail bridge. Moving east to Ajax and Whitby construction will take place between Harwood to Wicks sometime in 2024, Wicks to Galea construction could start in 2025 and Lake Ridge to Des Newman construction could start in 2026 The contracts will be administered by the Region of Durham. It is recognized that construction will have impacts on our already congested road network which is why expectation is to minimize from start to finish to 3-5 years. from start to finish for each phase, concerns have been flagged as to the negative impact this will have on traffic. No fewer than 2 lanes will remain open during the construction period. While there will be some congestion, once completed Durham Region will see faster and more reliable transit service that will encourage new ridership by providing a viable alternative to taking the car. There is also an expectation that for every $1 invested in rapid transit, it generates $4-$5 in economic returns and close to 50,000 jobs per $1 billion. As the process evolves, it is important that we ensure that Durham Region and DRT continue to involve and engage the Public and in particular users of Public Transit. Stay tuned and watch for more updates on future DRT initiatives.