Transportation in York Region

Canada has an efficient and modern transportation system. Whether you are travelling around or outside of York Region, there are many ways to get you where you want to go.

Public Transit

Around York Region

YRT/VIVA, York Region’s public transit system, is one of the best in North America. This service is fast and affordable. The transit system has two parts, York Region Transit (YRT) and VIVA, which provides local and rapid transit service across York Region.

If you need to get around York Region:

  • YRT services the residential parts of York Region. Visit the YRT/VIVA website for more information.
  • VIVA services the major roads in York Region

With more than 120 routes, YRT and Viva offer a convenient way to explore York Region, with easy connections to Toronto, Durham and Peel Regions.

To ride on the transit system, you must buy a ticket or a  pass from a machine at station locations or from a ticket agent. Please note that the bus drivers do not have change and do not give money back.

The transit system has three different fare zones. If you  travel in more than one zone, you might have to pay more. Visit the ZONES for more information. Tickets cost the same for both transit systems.

Outside of York Region

If you need to travel outside of York Region:

  • GO Transit System has many bus and train routes from York Region to the City of Toronto. It is fast and efficient.
  • TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) is a quick and easy way to get around Toronto. The subway system is linked with buses and streetcars to get you to where you are going.
  • Greyhound Bus provides bus service to anywhere in North America.
  • Via Rail operates train travel across Canada.

Car

York Region is part of a large road system including several multi-lane super highways making it easy to get around by car.

To drive a car, motorcycle or scooter in Ontario you need to:

There are many places to buy cars in York Region, including manufacturer car dealers, used car dealers, and individuals. You can find cars for sale in the classified section of the local newspapers under, "Cars for sale".

Air

York Region residents have access to the following airports:

  • Pearson International Airport is the largest airport in Canada with flights to major world cities around the world.
  • Buttonville Municipal Airport is operated by Toronto Airways Limited. This airport provides flight lessons, sightseeing rentals, and tickets for flights to towns and cities in southern Ontario.

Links

To find out more about transportation services in York Region, here are some helpful links:

  • Ontario Ministry of Transportation - detailed information on motor vehicles in Ontario that must be licensed and insured. Motor vehicles include cars, trucks, motorcycles, mopeds, mobile homes,  snowmobiles, trailers, etc.
  • Vehicle Registration - the locations in York Region where a vehicle can be registered.
  • Driver training courses - list of government-approved course providers in Ontario. 
  • Official Road Map of Ontario - select a city to see the road map for that area.
  • Taxis and other transportation services - search the yellow pages for a list of taxis and other transportation services in York  Region. For example, in the Category field, type ‘taxi’ and in the City field, type ‘york’.
  • Smart Commute - providing workplace-based support, such as carpool-matching and employee vanpool programs, as well as a variety of incentives to walk, cycle and take the transit.
  • Wheels.ca - consumer website that provides vehicle search information, reviews, articles and advice about purchasing a vehicle.     

Facts

Residents and businesses in York Region have access to North American and worldwide markets because of the area’s first class transportation network.

Canadians drive on the right hand side of the road.

Driver Training courses in Ontario offer 25 hours of classroom training and 10 hours of driving instruction. Prior to written and road tests, you should attend qualified driving school for classes and instruction. A driver training program, approved by the provincial government, teaches you the skills and attitudes you need to be a safe and responsible driver. You might be able to pay lower automobile insurance premium if you take driver training.

If you don’t need to drive, consider riding a bike or walking. It saves you money, improves your health, and helps the environment.

MapQuest and Google Maps - provides maps and driving directions between locations in North America.

From York Region, you can drive to many towns and cities in southern Ontario or the northern United States in only a few hours.

Canadian highways are becoming very busy, especially during times when people drive back and forth to work.

Taxis are another transportation service offered in York Region and throughout Canada. If there is no public transit or you need to go somewhere quickly, you can get  a taxi. There is a fee-based meter on each car regulated by the taxi company.