Life just became a bit easier for York University students making the trek to their isolated west-end campus.
On Friday, officials from all levels of government announced the official start of a new rapid transit bus line from
Downsview Station to the university.
"Our government recognizes that investments in public transit create jobs and help our businesses prosper now and in the future," said MP Paul Calandra.
"These improvements will provide commuters and students in north Toronto and York Region with more transit options, while cutting commute times and improving air quality."
It’s part of a two-phase plan to improve transit to the area: the six kilometres of bus-only lanes and a Spadina subway extension to the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, which will include a station at York and is expected to be complete by the end of 2015.
"The York University express bus route is an example of how three levels of government worked together to deliver a local transit solution for students and visitors to the campus. It is a green solution that addresses customer needs by providing much needed public transit infrastructure and doing it with low-emission hybrid vehicles," said Mayor David Miller.
Ottawa and Queen’s Park contributed $9.7 million each to the project while the City put in $18.4 million.
In total, the Harper government has committed $350 million to the TTC and the City to improve subways, streetcars, buses and to start a proposed farecard system.