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Event date: Saturday, March 7 2026
First posted: Wednesday, March 11 2026
Last updated: Tuesday, April 14 2026 - revised linking to BRT/SE event
On Saturday, March 7 2026, York Region Transit hosted an open house event at its Newmarket Operations and Maintenance Facility, sometimes referred to as "North Division" by transit enthusiasts. This event was free of charge, but was limited to a maximum of 100 registrations for scheduled shuttle bus departures from Newmarket Bus Terminal. For those who are curious, a VIVA branded New Flyer XD40 (2578) operated as the shuttle.
Visitors were treated to an exterior bus wash as the bus entered the garage, and open displays of vehicles including New Flyer XE40 and XD60 buses, accessible transit vehicles built on RAM Promaster and Chevrolet Express chassis', and a Ford Police Interceptor Utility SUV fitted and branded for YRT Special Constable services.
To much excitement of transit enthusiasts, the driver's area of both New Flyer buses were open and changing of external destination signs were allowed.
Many tables were set up as information booths for VIVA Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects, service planning & initiatives, and accessible transit services. An activity booth was set up for button making - visitors could pick an image, colour them in, and have them pressed into wearable buttons. True to its advertisement, refreshments of Tim Bits and various beverages including hot chocolate and tea were provided. Although Tim Hortons was running their signature Roll Up To Win contest, several visitors reported "please play again" as their only results from cups obtained at the event, alleging result fixing. Finally, several static posters detailing major milestones of YRT were set up.
The story continues at the Richmond Hill Operations and Maintenance Facility Open House
Shuttle bus footage
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