[getsmart-l] HOV lanes to be part of any York road plans

[Janet May]

HOV lanes to be part of any York road plans
Region says move will ease congestion

Mar 31, 2007
David Blumenfeld, Staff Writer 

(York Region) - When it comes to future road expansion, the Region of York
has its eyes set on High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes. 

In an effort to reduce traffic congestion, regional councillors endorsed a
plan Thursday that will see HOV lanes included in all future regional road
expansions to six lanes. 

"Traffic congestion is a threat to the high quality of life that we have all
come to expect and appreciate in York Region," regional chairperson Bill
Fisch said. "HOV lanes have proven successful in keeping people and goods
moving and I am confident that these multi-passenger vehicle lanes will
bring improvements to our regional road system." 

HOV lanes are currently in use on Yonge Street in Thornhill, from Centre
Street to Steeles Avenue, and on Hwy. 404 from Beaver Creek to Hwy. 401. 

Studies suggest HOV lanes carry fewer vehicles but more passengers than
regular lanes, reduce travel time, increase bus ridership and increase
carpooling by as much as 40 per cent, the region said. 

Based on Thursday's endorsement by council, regional staff will now
incorporate HOV lanes in the planned widening of Dufferin Street, scheduled
for construction next year. 

HOV lanes will also be presented as options for McCowan and Kennedy roads,
Bayview Avenue, Leslie and Keele streets and 16th Avenue. 

"Our growing communities require new and innovative ways to manage our
increasing transportation demand," said Whitchurch-Stouffville Mayor Wayne
Emmerson, who is also chairperson of York's transportation and works
committee. "If HOV lanes can offer some relief to our drivers, incorporating
them into our planning process now will help alleviate potential future
traffic congestion." 

The number of people required per vehicle in HOV lanes on Dufferin Street
will be finalized prior to implementation. Vehicles in HOV lanes on Yonge
Street and Hwy. 404 now require a minimum of two passengers. 

York Region's transportation master plan identifies several other roads on
which HOV lanes or dedicated bus-only lanes could help alleviate traffic
congestion, including: Jane Street from Hwy. 7 to Steeles Avenue; Bathurst
Street from Major Mackenzie Drive to Centre Street and Rutherford/Carrville
Road from Jane to Yonge. 

The cost of creating HOV lanes on 95 kilometres of region roads during the
next 10 years has been estimated at $200 million.

 

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