Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

Bus rapid transit is a relatively new concept in North America. In Europe, we already have solid BRT experience, offering an innovative solution to traffic problems and we have been able to bring this experience to flagship operations in North America.

Take our contract in York, Ontario. We were awarded the contract in April 2005, and following a comprehensive start-up program, VIVA, a brand new, state-of-the-art BRT system went live five months later. Our real experience of similar systems in Rouen, France, meant that we could quickly and efficiently call on experts to get the system up and running as quickly as our client wanted.

BRT – A True Alternative to the Car

Today, that contract offers local people a completely new and innovative alternative to the car. A hybrid of a bus and a train, VIVA rapid transit vehicles run every 5 to 10 minutes along four major corridors in their own designated lanes, meaning that they can jump queues and avoid the gridlock that car drivers face. And, to help with punctuality and to make sure the buses keep moving, a GPS-based queue-jumping system which turns traffic signals to green in favor of the buses, makes sure that a VIVA vehicle beats the car every time.

Brand new vehicles were equipped with wide doors, low floors and ramps to help with strollers and wheelchairs. The vehicles are designed for comfort and meet stringent new rules on engine emissions, making them environmentally friendly. Even the new transit shelters have the latest technology to help passengers, including real-time VIVA smart displays to show the exact location of the next bus, ticket vending machines, an electronic ticket validator, and bright lights and clear side panels for added security.

Together with our Las Vegas flagship, we run the only two privately run operations in North America. We know the pitfalls, but we also know how to make it work – and how to really provide a solution to city traffic congestion.

Our Services Transit & Commuter Services Paratransit Services Rail Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Veolia Transport on Demand Light Rail Custom Transportation Solutions Brokerage & Call Center Management

Calling on Experts Our real experience with similar systems in Rouen, France, meant that we could quickly and efficiently call on experts to get the system up and running as quickly as our client wanted.