Buses will begin rolling out of Grand River Transit’s (GRT) new bus platform at the University of Waterloo Station beginning Monday, January 3, 2022.
“We are excited to open for the start of a new year and improve access to and around the university,” said Tom Galloway, Regional Councillor and Chair of the Planning and Works Committee. “University of Waterloo Station connects faculty, staff and students seamlessly to GRT buses and ION light rail, which is key to supporting sustainable transportation and to keeping our region moving as we continue to grow.”
Routes 201 iXpress, 9, 13, 19, 30 and 31 will run out of the bus-only platforms of University of Waterloo Station starting on January 3. Buses will operate out of two platforms on opening day while construction continues. When complete, the station will include five bus platforms and several customer amenities, including heated shelters, real-time bus information and more. GO Transit plans to serve the station at the end of January.
“Ensuring that Canadians have access to reliable and modern public transit infrastructure is vital to building connected and inclusive communities,” added Bardish Chagger, MP for Waterloo. “The opening of the new University of Waterloo Station will provide students and residents access to a modern transit hub with charging stations, information displays, and on-demand heated shelters, while providing greater access to Waterloo Region’s public transit system.”
University of Waterloo Station’s bus platforms are located between Phillip Street and Ring Road (between Engineering 5 and Davis Centre buildings), next to the ION light rail platform. The station connects to Laurel Trail, providing residents of the Northdale neighbourhood and beyond easy access to transit.
“The opening of new bus platforms at University of Waterloo Station will make life easier for commuters by enabling seamless connections between GRT buses, ION light rail, and GO Transit,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “Our government is building Ontario by investing in critical transportation infrastructure that helps people get where they need to go.”
This project was made possible with contributions from the Government of Canada’s Public Transit Infrastructure Stream (PTIS) of the Investing in Canada’s Infrastructure Program (ICIP) and the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF), as well as provincial and municipal funding, and investments from Metrolinx and the University of Waterloo totaling approximately $10.5 million.
“With approximately 40,000 individuals on campus on a typical day, these new transit platforms provide our community with a common arrival and departure point as well as additional options to explore and enjoy the broader region,” said Chris Read, associate provost, students at the University of Waterloo.
The Public Transit Infrastructure Stream, through a phased approach, provides cost-shared funding to help accelerate municipal investments in transit systems. These projects are vital in providing seamless integration of transit and active transportation infrastructure to help communities reduce congestion, improve commutes, connect neighbourhoods and businesses, and ensure all Canadians have access to modern, reliable services that improve their quality of life.
The new station also supports a commitment outlined by the University of Waterloo in its sustainability report to increase sustainable commuting trips to 90 per cent by 2025.
Featured image: (Twitter/@C_Mulroney)
