2 free months of transit begins in York Region
Posted February 4, 2012 8:31 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Commuters in York Region can leave their change at home starting Saturday, as passengers begin two months of free rides on the YRT/Viva system.
The move comes in response to a bitter three-month long strike which left many people stranded.
“I realize the hardship encountered by our riders, parents, students and our seniors during this labour dispute between the Region’s contractors and the unions. Commuting without transit has not been easy,” York Region chairman and CEO Bill Fisch said in a release.
Last week, members of two locals of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) ratified deals with Miller Transit, which operates 51 of 120 routes, and Veolia Transportation, which runs Viva service, ending a strike that began Oct. 24, 2011. Earlier this month, the regional municipality terminated its deal with First Canada on 29 routes , and hired TOK Transit Ltd. to operate buses in the region’s northern parts.
The stretch of free rides will run from Feb. 4 until March 31. Saturday marks the first day of resumed bus service in York Region, although it will take a few weeks for full service to resume.
For anyone who already purchased a monthly pass for February, it will be honoured during the month of April or can be returned for a full refund at YRT/Viva’s head office in Richmond Hill.
