With over 500 vehicles in our fleet, YRT owns one of the largest bus fleets in Ontario. We strive to provide our customers with vehicles that are safe, clean and in reliable condition.
Accessibility
YRT continues to improve its services by making it accessible for everyone in accordance with the Integrated Accessibility Standards of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Some of the accessible features on our fleet include:
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Kneeling buses with ramp or lift for easy boarding
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Automated next stop announcements
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Variable Message Display signs displaying next stop information
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Priority seating areas located close to the operator
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Two designated spots for passengers using mobility aids
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Slip resistant floors with minimal glare
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Grab bars, handrails and stanchions conveniently located across the bus
For more information, visit our Accessibility page.
Bicycle racks on conventional buses
All YRT conventional and Viva bus rapid transit buses are equipped with a two position bicycle rack. The Bike 'n' Bus Program officially launched June 2010 in conjunction with Clean Air Day.
Vehicle procurement - conventional and Mobility Plus
YRT's five-year conventional and Mobility Plus bus strategy (2016-2020) has 123 conventional and 20 specialized vehicles budgeted to accommodate expansion and replacement needs.
YRT has partnered with Metrolinx in a joint Transit Procurement Initiative program for the purchase of 30-foot and 40-foot conventional buses, as well as the purchase of Specialized Mobility vehicles. YRT staff participates in both the steering and technical Metrolinx committees. The benefits of participating in this process are:
- Reduced bus unit cost by consolidating municipal transit bus orders, achieving volumes required to attain economies of scale for municipal transit systems.
- Cost avoidance in the procurement process. Metrolinx provides technical specification development and support, engineering assistance, clerical/administrative support, Fairness Commissioner and vehicle inspections during assembly.
Viva (Bus Rapid Transit)
YRT Capital Assets works with the York Region Rapid Transit Corporation in the procurement of bus rapid transit vehicles. Together, they develop specifications for improved bus performance, maintainability and ride experience for the customer. YRT has high standards for its fleet to ensure state-of-the-art mechanical components, comfort and appearance.
Reliability and safety - maintenance programs
Transit buses procured by YRT have a design life of 12 years as specified by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). However, the Region's vehicle replacement strategy for 40 foot buses is 18 years. To bridge this gap, YRT conducts a mid-life overhaul at 10 and 11 year intervals, which aids in extending the lifecycle of the bus.
The overhaul program includes interior and exterior body work, new flooring and seating, structural and cosmetic repairs, painting, and overhaul of the transit management systems cabinet. A major overhaul of the mechanical systems are also conducted, including: engine, transmission, radiator, charge air cooler, drive axle assessment, brake relining, suspension replacement, auxiliary heater and air conditioning refresh.
Pedestrian/turn warning systems
Due to YRT's high standards and commitment to improving safety measures, YRT is piloting two collision warning systems in 2016. These systems are proactive in alerting the bus operator and/or pedestrians to be cautious. The newest versions of one system consist of radar detectors and internal mounted warning lights. The other system enables pedestrian side-sensing and is integrated with technology allowing for advanced image sensing and processing.
Vehicle health monitoring
YRT is investigating vehicle health monitoring (VHM) systems to assess the health and improve the maintenance standards of the fleet. These systems continually measure, monitor and report on the status of critical systems and components on the bus. The purpose is to identify faults or performance outliers, and correct these concerns before they become failures.
YRT has initiated pilot programs with VHM systems on 52 conventional buses and 27 bus rapid transit buses. These programs are ongoing and being assessed to-date.