The transit planning agency will showcase the Bombardier-made Flexity Freedom at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) until the fair closes after Labour Day.

 

　　During that time visitors can tour the vehicle’s interior and get their picture taken inside the cab. Metrolinx staff will also be on hand to answer questions about the LRV and the light rail projects.

 

　　The first planned LRT line, the Eglinton Crosstown, is expected to begin operating in 2020.

 

　　* Take a trip to Niagara

 

　　There’s still some time to make use of GO Transit’s seasonal service to Niagara Falls.

 

　　All summer long, the regional transit provider has offered weekend trips originating from Union Station to the Falls’ VIA rail station. The service concludes Labour Day, Monday, Sept. 2, but will resume briefly for Thanksgiving weekend.

 

　　A single ride, adult fare from Union to the Niagara costs $20.10 although it is cheaper to use the Presto fare card. GO is also giving away three $50 travel vouchers for filling out an online survey on the service.

 

　　For more information, visit www.gotransit.ca

 

　　* Streetcar photo nabs contest prize

 

　　The TTC announced the winner of its Ride Guide photo contest recently.

 

　　University of Toronto graduate student and amateur photographer Fang Su’s entry was the top choice from 300 submissions according to a judging panel of photographers and TTC staff.

 

　　In addition to winning a monthly metropass and a selection of prizes from contest co-sponsor Spacing magazine, Su’s shot of a streetcar in motion graces the cover of the Summer 2013 Ride Guide.

 

　　To see the image pick up a copy of the guide, available on most TTC vehicles.

 

　　* Student artwork on display at subway stations

 

　　An ongoing subway art exhibition features work by students from the city’s priority neighbourhoods.

 

　　The Art Responsibly showcase is on display until the end of the year at six subway stations on both the Yonge-University-Spadina (YUS) and Bloor-Danforth lines. It features 21 hand-painted posters with a range of social themes from environmental awareness to gay rights.

 

　　The exhibit is sponsored by the youth charity Arts for Children and Youth (AFCY) and subway advertising firm Pattison Onestop.

 

　　* Viva bus lane opens in Richmond Hill

 

　　In news that will be of interest to Toronto commuters to the 905, the York Viva bus rapid transit (BRT) lane down the middle of Hwy. 7, opened for service in Richmond Hill last weekend.

 

　　While the entire seven-kilometre express lane isn’t fully complete, York Region Transit (YRT) and Viva express bus service is now running between Bayview Avenue and Hwy. 404. The remainder of the BRT which ends at Warden Avenue, is scheduled for completion in 2014.

 

　　The project is part of a billion dollar undertaking from Metrolinx and York Region to build a network of Markham-area bus rapidways with connections to GO Transit and the TTC.