General Committee

 

 

 

 

 

TO:

Mayor and Members of Council

 

 

 

 

FROM:

Alan Brown, Director of Engineering

 

 

 

 

PREPARED BY:

Arup Mukherjee, Manager of Transportation

 

 

 

 

DATE OF MEETING:

28-01-2005

 

 

 

 

SUBJECT:

Viva Phase 1 (Quick Start) Signal Maintenance Agreement

 

 

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION:

That, subject to the satisfaction of the Town Solicitor and the Director of Operations and Asset Management, the Director of Engineering be authorized to sign the agreement with the Region of York for the maintenance and operation of 6 (3 existing, 3 future) traffic signals as defined in the report where transit signal priority is required for the Viva Phase 1 (Quickstart) project.

 

PURPOSE:

This report seeks Council endorsement to sign an agreement with the Region of York for the maintenance and operation of 6 Town of Markham traffic signals (3 existing, 3 future) where transit signal priority is required for the Viva Phase 1 (Quickstart) project.

 

BACKGROUND:

In 2002, the Region initiated the necessary planning and technical studies to implement the rapid transit network outlined in their Transportation Master Plan.  The Rapid Transit implementation project outlined a strategic approach to introducing rapid transit service.  The first stage of rapid transit implementation is called Viva Phase 1 (formerly called Quick Start).  This phase involves the introduction of Rapid Transit Vehicles (RTV’s) in mixed traffic lanes with enhanced system features to give priority and brand recognition for this higher order service. 

 

The full build-out scenario involves construction of a dedicated transit right-of-way.  Environmental Assessment studies for the full build-out have been completed on both the Yonge Street and Highway 7 routes with the Markham North-south route expecting completion in the next few months.

 

In May, 2004,  Council endorsed the alignment for the full build-out alignment along Highway 7 for the Quick Start (Viva Phase 1) route (See attachment A).

 

DISCUSSION:

Transit Signal Priority

As noted earlier, Viva Phase 1 involves rapid transit vehicles operating in mixed traffic lanes with enhanced system features.   These features include transit signal priority, off-board fare collection, new stops (referred to as Viva Stations) and passenger information systems.  Transit signal priority helps to reduce delays at signalized intersections for rapid transit vehicles by adjusting the signal timing as the vehicle approaches the intersection. 

 

In order to provide transit signal priority, the transit vehicle must be equipped with a transponder.  The traffic signal also requires a special controller.  The special controllers must be installed at municipal intersections that are along the route for Viva Phase 1.  The following intersections under Town of Markham jurisdiction are affected by this proposal:

 

·        Denison Road/Hood Avenue (existing)

·        Denison Road/Victoria Park Avenue (existing)

·        Esna Park Drive/IBM (existing)

·        South Town Centre Boulevard/Clegg Road (future)

·        Enterprise Boulevard/N-S Link (future)

·        N-S Link/Helen Avenue (future)

 

Agreement with Region required

The Region has requested they be permitted to maintain and operate the above noted municipal signals to ensure that the overall transit system is fully integrated with their signal system and functions efficiently.  The Region requires an agreement in order to maintain and operate local municipal signals. Staff has reviewed the draft agreement from the Region and are satisfied that it will continue to meet the needs of the Town while supporting the rapid transit initiatives.  Principles of the agreement are:

 

  • The Region will maintain and operate the 6 signals (3 existing, 3 future)
  • The Town will retain ownership of the intersection
  • All signal plant and timing changes will be subject to approval by the Town
  • All costs associated with installation of the special controller will be borne by the Region
  • Maintenance costs for the signal will remain unchanged.  Any increase in maintenance costs will be based on the Town’s maintenance contract for local signals.
  • The average maintenance cost per signal, as determined from the Town’s maintenance contract, would be allocated to the affected signals.  This amount will be transferred to the Region as part of the agreement

 

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

There are no financial considerations since proposed installation costs will be borne by the Region and any increased maintenance costs will be allocated to the Region.  The Finance Department in the future will have to transfer applicable maintenance costs to the Region for the affected signals in accordance with the agreement.

 


BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

The Operations and Asset Management and Legal Departments has reviewed the report their comments have been incorporated.

 

ATTACHMENTS:

Attachment A – Proposed Viva Phase 1 Route

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alan Brown, C.E.T.

Director of Engineering

 

Jim Baird, M.C.I.P., R.P.P.

Commissioner of Development Services

 

 

 

P:\Development\Engineering\REPORTS\2005\Feb\Signal Priority Agreeement.doc