Press Release - YRT/Viva Snow Angels take to York Region streets to share the warmth of transit with commuters

Snow Angels’ acts of kindness demonstrate transit beats driving this winter

NEWMARKET – The Regional Municipality of York is encouraging residents to consider the convenience of transit during the final weeks of the winter season. York Region Transit (YRT)/Viva “Snow Angels” will take to the streets for three weeks starting today, armed with hot chocolate and shovels to bail out frozen commuters.
For riders already recognizing the benefits of YRT/Viva, Snow Angels will be offering complimentary hot chocolate along YRT/Viva routes. To help those choosing to drive, Snow Angels will be shovelling driveways and offering complimentary YRT/Viva tickets for taking transit next time.

“Our extensive transit network offers convenient, reliable transportation for our residents,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Bill Fisch. “YRT and Viva provide an excellent alternative to driving a car – in the winter or any time of year.”
Public transit options such as YRT/Viva have been shown to ease commuting stress. By leaving the driving to someone else, YRT/Viva riders can read, chat with a friend, listen to music or just relax. With the help of the Snow Angels, existing riders will realize they have made the right choice and new riders will be inspired to forgo the stressful winter driving commute.

“It’s important to thank our existing riders and encourage more York Region residents to try transit,” said City of Vaughan Regional Councillor Joyce Frustaglio, Chair of the Region’s Transit Committee. “What better way to do this than through a kind and thoughtful gesture?”
In the spirit of Snow Angel acts of kindness, residents are invited to share other inspiring stories with YRT/Viva at transitinfo@york.ca Submit your experience observing or being a part of simple acts of kindness, such as giving up a bus seat for someone in need, opening a door or otherwise lending a hand. Submitted acts of kindness will be posted on www.yrt.ca
YRT/Viva offers local and rapid transit service options throughout all nine municipalities of York Region. Over 80 routes keep residents connected within York Region, as well as with connecting services in the City of Toronto and the Region of Peel.

More than 18.2 million riders used YRT/Viva services in 2007, with nearly 73,000 trips made on average each day between Monday and Friday. Nearly 400 vehicles will make up the YRT/Viva fleet in 2008, including five diesel-electric hybrid vehicles. Pending final budget approval, all 90 Viva vehicles will be powered with a bio-diesel fuel blend in 2008.
For more information about YRT/Viva, please visit the YRT/Viva website at www.yrt.ca or call the Customer Service Centre at 1-866-MOVE-YRT (668-3978).
For more information on The Regional Municipality of York, please visit www.york.ca