Metrolinx has announced that the Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit (DSBRT) project has taken an important next step in the transit building process.
The transit agency has issued a Notice of Completion for the DSBRT Environmental Project Report (EPR). Now it is asking the public to review the report.
The Preliminary Design Business Case (PDBC), the next major phase in the transit planning process, is scheduled to be completed this year.
“Now that the DSBRT EPR has been completed, the public is given an opportunity to comment for a period of 30 days until February 22. After that, there will be a 35-day minister’s review period from February 23 to March 29,” said a Metrolinx statement.
Project Overview
With rapid growth in this region over the past decade, and an expectation for this growth to continue in the future – with approximately 215,000 residents and 66,000 jobs anticipated by 2041 – travel demand along the corridor will continue to increase.
As the population grows, so will traffic and congestion. Bus rapid transit provides an alternative to car use, reducing traffic congestion, as well as greenhouse gas emissions.
Bus Rapid Transit was identified as the preferred transit technology to link Durham Region and the City of Toronto through the Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit Initial Business Case (IBC), and was identified in the 2041 Regional Transportation Plan.
Metrolinx is working with Durham Region, Durham Region Transit (DRT), City of Toronto and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) on the planning and design of this rapid transit corridor.
What is Bus Rapid Transit?
- Dedicated Lanes for buses, where feasible, resulting in shorter travel times and more reliable transit service.
- Frequent Service with a bus every 5 minutes or less during peak hours.
- Smart Signals on Highway 2 are already installed and will adapt to support smoother traffic flow for all commutes – on buses, in personal vehicles, and on bicycles.
- Better Connections: TTC, DRT and GO Transit routes can use the dedicated lanes and share the same stops, making it easier to travel throughout the region.
- Reliable Service with buses that are separated from general traffic in most areas.
- 36 Kilometers
- 85% Reduction in average bus delays
- 49 Proposed Stops
- 162 kilotonnes of CO2 reduced
- Two-way service every five minutes
- $686 million in economic benefits
- 38,400 expected daily ridership by 2041
- 208 Fewer Traffic Related Injuries
Project Timeline
