What’s going on subway surfers, we’re back on the surface today taking an in-depth
What’s going on subway surfers, we’re back on the surface today taking an in-depth

look at Mississauga’s bus rapid transit system. Located on the western border of the
look at Mississauga’s bus rapid transit system. Located on the western border of the

city of Toronto, Mississauga’s rapid transit service, named MiExpress, operates nine express
city of Toronto, Mississauga’s rapid transit service, named MiExpress, operates nine express

routes across the city, with some running into neighbouring Brampton and Toronto. Almost
routes across the city, with some running into neighbouring Brampton and Toronto. Almost

12 kilometres of the system consists of a dedicated roadway, referred to as the transitway,
12 kilometres of the system consists of a dedicated roadway, referred to as the transitway,

which services 11 enhanced stations along an east-west corridor spanning the city. Today,
which services 11 enhanced stations along an east-west corridor spanning the city. Today,

we’ll be taking an in-depth look at this transitway system, exploring its design, operations,
we’ll be taking an in-depth look at this transitway system, exploring its design, operations,

as well looking at what works and doesn’t work for passengers. I’m Zach with Vanishing
as well looking at what works and doesn’t work for passengers. I’m Zach with Vanishing

Underground, and let’s take a look.
Underground, and let’s take a look.

The Mississauga Transitway network is divided into two segments, broken in the middle by
The Mississauga Transitway network is divided into two segments, broken in the middle by

the City Centre Transit Terminal at Square One. On the eastern segment, nine stations
the City Centre Transit Terminal at Square One. On the eastern segment, nine stations

are serviced by MiExpress routes 100, 107, and 109. MiLocal route 87 also services five
are serviced by MiExpress routes 100, 107, and 109. MiLocal route 87 also services five

stops between Renforth Station and Tahoe station, before continuing to service limited stops
stops between Renforth Station and Tahoe station, before continuing to service limited stops

to Meadowvale Town Centre Terminal in mixed traffic. GO Transit routes 19 and 40 also
to Meadowvale Town Centre Terminal in mixed traffic. GO Transit routes 19 and 40 also

operate along this section of the transitway, however these routes stop only at Dixie and
operate along this section of the transitway, however these routes stop only at Dixie and

Renforth stations. A connection to MiExpress route 185 is also made at Dixie station, with
Renforth stations. A connection to MiExpress route 185 is also made at Dixie station, with

buses running north from the station into Brampton and Bramalea Terminal. On the western
buses running north from the station into Brampton and Bramalea Terminal. On the western

segment, two stations are serviced by MiExpress routes 100 and 109. Route 110 follows these
segment, two stations are serviced by MiExpress routes 100 and 109. Route 110 follows these

routes between City Centre Terminal and Erin Mills Station, before continuing south to
routes between City Centre Terminal and Erin Mills Station, before continuing south to

the South Common Terminal, University of Toronto Missisauga Campus, and Clarkson GO Station.
the South Common Terminal, University of Toronto Missisauga Campus, and Clarkson GO Station.

GO Bus routes 25 and 29 also use the transitway, following the MiExpress routes between City
GO Bus routes 25 and 29 also use the transitway, following the MiExpress routes between City

Centre and Winston Churchill stations. Other GO Bus routes on the Highway 407 West service,
Centre and Winston Churchill stations. Other GO Bus routes on the Highway 407 West service,

namely routes 45, 46 and 47, also stop at the Erin Mills station. Plans were proposed
namely routes 45, 46 and 47, also stop at the Erin Mills station. Plans were proposed

to allow these buses to stop at Winston Churchill Station as well, however no further progress
to allow these buses to stop at Winston Churchill Station as well, however no further progress

has been made on these since 2017. If you want to learn more about the evolution of
has been made on these since 2017. If you want to learn more about the evolution of

this transitway network, check out our video by clicking the button in the top right corner
this transitway network, check out our video by clicking the button in the top right corner

of your screen. At each station, two platforms are located
of your screen. At each station, two platforms are located

on opposite sides of the roadway, covered by a canopy. Stations not serviced by GO buses
on opposite sides of the roadway, covered by a canopy. Stations not serviced by GO buses

contain a 55 metre platform, bordered by tactile strips, that can accommodate two articulated
contain a 55 metre platform, bordered by tactile strips, that can accommodate two articulated

buses, while a platform length canopy provides shelter for passengers when boarding and alighting.
buses, while a platform length canopy provides shelter for passengers when boarding and alighting.

Stations shared with GO Transit contain a longer platform, with stations at Renforth,
Stations shared with GO Transit contain a longer platform, with stations at Renforth,

Erin Mills and Winston Churchill divided into four separate boarding areas in each direction.
Erin Mills and Winston Churchill divided into four separate boarding areas in each direction.

Under the canopy, one or two enclosures contain a sheltered waiting area, equipped with seats,
Under the canopy, one or two enclosures contain a sheltered waiting area, equipped with seats,

automatic doors, and heating, as well as an emergency call button, waste receptacles and
automatic doors, and heating, as well as an emergency call button, waste receptacles and

vending machines. On the platform, more benches are available, as well as a real-time information
vending machines. On the platform, more benches are available, as well as a real-time information

display showing upcoming MiWay departures, while audio messages make occasional safety
display showing upcoming MiWay departures, while audio messages make occasional safety

and rider alert announcements. All stations along the eastern transitway except Cawthra
and rider alert announcements. All stations along the eastern transitway except Cawthra

also feature dedicated staircases and elevators, which allow passengers to ascend or descent
also feature dedicated staircases and elevators, which allow passengers to ascend or descent

from the transitway to street level. At street level, bicycle racks are provided for cyclists
from the transitway to street level. At street level, bicycle racks are provided for cyclists

to lock up their bikes, as well as cycling roll-ups on the stairs to allow cyclists to
to lock up their bikes, as well as cycling roll-ups on the stairs to allow cyclists to

bring their bikes on the bus bike racks. Wi-fi is provided at most stations along the transitway,
bring their bikes on the bus bike racks. Wi-fi is provided at most stations along the transitway,

and public restrooms are also provided at Renforth. Four stations along the route also
and public restrooms are also provided at Renforth. Four stations along the route also

feature parking lots, encouraging park and ride traffic to the subway, while others feature
feature parking lots, encouraging park and ride traffic to the subway, while others feature

passenger pick up and drop off areas and taxi stands.
passenger pick up and drop off areas and taxi stands.

Operations along the majority of the transitway are the same. Buses enter the transitway via
Operations along the majority of the transitway are the same. Buses enter the transitway via

a dedicated ramp, governed by stop and yield signs. Along the transitway, buses can travel
a dedicated ramp, governed by stop and yield signs. Along the transitway, buses can travel

between 60 and 80 kilometres per hour, however these speeds are reduced to 50 when travelling
between 60 and 80 kilometres per hour, however these speeds are reduced to 50 when travelling

through stations. Buses stop only on request, requiring passengers to be visible on the
through stations. Buses stop only on request, requiring passengers to be visible on the

platform for boarding, or to pull the stop request to alight. Roundabouts are installed
platform for boarding, or to pull the stop request to alight. Roundabouts are installed

at Winston Churchill, Erin Mills, Dixie, and Renforth stations, allowing buses to turn
at Winston Churchill, Erin Mills, Dixie, and Renforth stations, allowing buses to turn

around if the station is the last stop on the route. Through Downtown Mississauga, buses
around if the station is the last stop on the route. Through Downtown Mississauga, buses

travel in mixed traffic to service the City Centre Terminal at Square One, before proceeding
travel in mixed traffic to service the City Centre Terminal at Square One, before proceeding

along Highway 403 to Erin Mills Station. Along the highway, bus by-pass lanes are available
along Highway 403 to Erin Mills Station. Along the highway, bus by-pass lanes are available

for use on the shoulder when traffic is running slow, as well as dedicated transit priority
for use on the shoulder when traffic is running slow, as well as dedicated transit priority

signals at Erin Mills and Mavis. Most of the transitway sees MiWay service run every 5-10
signals at Erin Mills and Mavis. Most of the transitway sees MiWay service run every 5-10

minutes on weekdays, and every 10-15 minutes on weekends. Standard 40 foot buses and articulated
minutes on weekdays, and every 10-15 minutes on weekends. Standard 40 foot buses and articulated

60 foot buses are used, depending on route and day of the week. GO Transit buses run
60 foot buses are used, depending on route and day of the week. GO Transit buses run

every 30-60 minutes along the transitway, using a mixture of coach and double decker
every 30-60 minutes along the transitway, using a mixture of coach and double decker

buses. There are also many unique sections on the
buses. There are also many unique sections on the

transitway, which incorporate features specially designed to meet the needs of the area. At
transitway, which incorporate features specially designed to meet the needs of the area. At

Etobicoke Creek station, the station is integrated with a neighbouring office development, allowing
Etobicoke Creek station, the station is integrated with a neighbouring office development, allowing

passengers to access the property directly from the transitway station. With Etobicoke
passengers to access the property directly from the transitway station. With Etobicoke

Creek being one of the busier stations for employment traffic, this link helps to make
Creek being one of the busier stations for employment traffic, this link helps to make

transit an attractive choice for those working at the major office buildings surrounding
transit an attractive choice for those working at the major office buildings surrounding

the station. Further west, Cawthra station features an
the station. Further west, Cawthra station features an

underground tunnel, allowing passengers to access the westbound platform of the transitway.
underground tunnel, allowing passengers to access the westbound platform of the transitway.

As this station was set back from the cross street and has no connecting bus routes, its
As this station was set back from the cross street and has no connecting bus routes, its

location next to Highway 403 was taken advantage of to provide a parking lot as well as an
location next to Highway 403 was taken advantage of to provide a parking lot as well as an

area for passenger pick up and drop off. The tunnel is accessible, with a ramp parallel
area for passenger pick up and drop off. The tunnel is accessible, with a ramp parallel

to the stairs, as well as lighting and an emergency call button for safety.
to the stairs, as well as lighting and an emergency call button for safety.

At City Centre Terminal, an on-street station services Square One, allowing buses to easily
At City Centre Terminal, an on-street station services Square One, allowing buses to easily

pick up and drop off passengers from the street. The stop is in close proximity to the Square
pick up and drop off passengers from the street. The stop is in close proximity to the Square

One GO Terminal, providing convenient connections to GO Transit routes, as well as other MiWay
One GO Terminal, providing convenient connections to GO Transit routes, as well as other MiWay

and Brampton Transit Zum routes at the City Centre Terminal. A walkway through the terminal
and Brampton Transit Zum routes at the City Centre Terminal. A walkway through the terminal

also provides access to the Square One Shopping Centre, the largest mall in Ontario.
also provides access to the Square One Shopping Centre, the largest mall in Ontario.

Bus-only lanes exist off the transitway, allowing buses to bypass congestion between the various
Bus-only lanes exist off the transitway, allowing buses to bypass congestion between the various

transitway segments. At Erin Mills, a bus only left-turn provides access to a dedicated
transitway segments. At Erin Mills, a bus only left-turn provides access to a dedicated

ramp. While most buses opt not to use this, during heavy traffic, this ramp provides direct
ramp. While most buses opt not to use this, during heavy traffic, this ramp provides direct

access to the bus by-pass lanes along Highway 403, reducing delays for passengers. At Mavis,
access to the bus by-pass lanes along Highway 403, reducing delays for passengers. At Mavis,

a bus-only right turn allows vehicles to by-pass long queues along Centre View Drive. A temporary
a bus-only right turn allows vehicles to by-pass long queues along Centre View Drive. A temporary

no-right on red prohibition is activated when the transit signal is triggered, allowing
no-right on red prohibition is activated when the transit signal is triggered, allowing

buses to enter the highway shortly after the turn. Along Eglinton, a bus-only entrance
buses to enter the highway shortly after the turn. Along Eglinton, a bus-only entrance

to highway 427, as well as a bus-only left turn lane onto Dundas continue the seamless
to highway 427, as well as a bus-only left turn lane onto Dundas continue the seamless

route to the subway. So what does the transitway do well? For starters,
route to the subway. So what does the transitway do well? For starters,

the transitway has created a high-quality transit spine running across Mississauga.
the transitway has created a high-quality transit spine running across Mississauga.

Combined with the under-construction Hurontario Light Rail line, the transitway will provide
Combined with the under-construction Hurontario Light Rail line, the transitway will provide

a high quality bus service to support a grid network of buses. Additionally, the east end
a high quality bus service to support a grid network of buses. Additionally, the east end

of the transitway at Renforth is well positioned to provide important connections to Toronto
of the transitway at Renforth is well positioned to provide important connections to Toronto

Pearson Airport, the future Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail, as well as the Bloor-Danforth
Pearson Airport, the future Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail, as well as the Bloor-Danforth

subway, reducing travel times for commuters and connecting them to high quality transit
subway, reducing travel times for commuters and connecting them to high quality transit

infrastructure. Major north-south transit routes connect to the transitway at Winston
infrastructure. Major north-south transit routes connect to the transitway at Winston

Churchill, Erin Mills, Central Parkway, Tomken, and Dixie stations, allowing passengers to
Churchill, Erin Mills, Central Parkway, Tomken, and Dixie stations, allowing passengers to

continue further into Mississauga. Along the transitway, the high frequency of service
continue further into Mississauga. Along the transitway, the high frequency of service

provides a similar service level to a rail rapid transit system, ensuring that passengers
provides a similar service level to a rail rapid transit system, ensuring that passengers

can depend on a vehicle arriving shortly no matter when they travel.
can depend on a vehicle arriving shortly no matter when they travel.

The transitway also provides excellent access to employment destinations in Mississauga,
The transitway also provides excellent access to employment destinations in Mississauga,

and is designed to provide connections for counter-peak commuters coming from Toronto.
and is designed to provide connections for counter-peak commuters coming from Toronto.

Stations at Renforth, Dixie, and Tomken provide connections to frequent employment shuttles
Stations at Renforth, Dixie, and Tomken provide connections to frequent employment shuttles

running every 15-20 minutes to the neighbouring employment districts. While the introduction
running every 15-20 minutes to the neighbouring employment districts. While the introduction

of the transitway resulted in many of these shuttle routes no longer operating directly
of the transitway resulted in many of these shuttle routes no longer operating directly

to the subway, buses to the subway from the transitway run every 10 minutes or better
to the subway, buses to the subway from the transitway run every 10 minutes or better

during peak, allowing for high quality transfers between the two routes. Furthermore, stations
during peak, allowing for high quality transfers between the two routes. Furthermore, stations

at Orbitor, Spectrum, Etobicoke Creek and Tahoe are located in close proximity to the
at Orbitor, Spectrum, Etobicoke Creek and Tahoe are located in close proximity to the

head offices of many major corporations, providing a direct and frequent one-seat ride from the
head offices of many major corporations, providing a direct and frequent one-seat ride from the

subway to their place of employment. The transitway stations themselves are also
subway to their place of employment. The transitway stations themselves are also

well designed, with the enclosed shelter space providing a comfortable waiting environment
well designed, with the enclosed shelter space providing a comfortable waiting environment

for a large number of people. The enclosed area is well heated during the winter, and
for a large number of people. The enclosed area is well heated during the winter, and

provides ample seating and standing area. Some platforms have two separate enclosures,
provides ample seating and standing area. Some platforms have two separate enclosures,

allowing passengers more room to spread out as they wait for the bus. However given the
allowing passengers more room to spread out as they wait for the bus. However given the

frequency of buses, these areas usually do not get very busy. Furthermore, the integration
frequency of buses, these areas usually do not get very busy. Furthermore, the integration

of bike infrastructure, in the form of stairway bike wheel-ups and sheltered bicycle racks
of bike infrastructure, in the form of stairway bike wheel-ups and sheltered bicycle racks

encourages the integration of cycling into passenger’s commutes. Given the long walking
encourages the integration of cycling into passenger’s commutes. Given the long walking

distance to surrounding neighbourhoods at many stops, this helps to encourage alternative
distance to surrounding neighbourhoods at many stops, this helps to encourage alternative

methods for accessing the station, and provinces a higher quality travel experience.
methods for accessing the station, and provinces a higher quality travel experience.

While the transitway has brought many positive changes to public transit in Mississauga,
While the transitway has brought many positive changes to public transit in Mississauga,

there are many aspects of their design that have been pointed out by critics. While its
there are many aspects of their design that have been pointed out by critics. While its

construction did create a high speed dedicated transitway corridor, many of the stations
construction did create a high speed dedicated transitway corridor, many of the stations

are not well positioned to connect to the local neighbourhoods. This means that the
are not well positioned to connect to the local neighbourhoods. This means that the

majority of passengers using the transitway arrive either by connecting from other bus
majority of passengers using the transitway arrive either by connecting from other bus

routes, driving and parking at the stations, or being dropped off. Due to its positioning,
routes, driving and parking at the stations, or being dropped off. Due to its positioning,

walking to the transitway from adjacent neighbourhoods is out of reach for most customers, in addition
walking to the transitway from adjacent neighbourhoods is out of reach for most customers, in addition

to the fact that most surrounding development consists of single detached homed, with the
to the fact that most surrounding development consists of single detached homed, with the

exception of Central Parkway station. However, there are some improvements on this front,
exception of Central Parkway station. However, there are some improvements on this front,

with a new paved connection being constructed at Winston Churchill station to the adjacent
with a new paved connection being constructed at Winston Churchill station to the adjacent

neighbourhood, as well as another multi-use trail linking to nearby streets at Erin Mills.
neighbourhood, as well as another multi-use trail linking to nearby streets at Erin Mills.

Although these still lead to low density neighbourhoods and are not well signed from the transitway
Although these still lead to low density neighbourhoods and are not well signed from the transitway

itself, improvements like these will help to attract nearby residents to the rapid transit
itself, improvements like these will help to attract nearby residents to the rapid transit

corridor. Service integration is also a low point for
corridor. Service integration is also a low point for

the transitway, with many stations offering no connecting buses. While the transitway
the transitway, with many stations offering no connecting buses. While the transitway

itself sees high ridership, many of the stations see very little activity, owing not only to
itself sees high ridership, many of the stations see very little activity, owing not only to

the lack of trip generators, but a lack of connecting bus routes. Only half of the stations
the lack of trip generators, but a lack of connecting bus routes. Only half of the stations

have connecting bus routes that run seven days a week, however even these are infrequent
have connecting bus routes that run seven days a week, however even these are infrequent

outside of rush hours. While MiWay did make some effort to reorient their bus routes to
outside of rush hours. While MiWay did make some effort to reorient their bus routes to

feed into the transitway, there remain many examples were obvious connections are omitted.
feed into the transitway, there remain many examples were obvious connections are omitted.

Because of this, stations often rely on walk up passengers for traffic, however as previously
Because of this, stations often rely on walk up passengers for traffic, however as previously

stated, their isolated locations often do not allow for this. With the opening of the
stated, their isolated locations often do not allow for this. With the opening of the

Hurontario LRT, we hope that more MiWay routes will be redesigned to feed into the transitway,
Hurontario LRT, we hope that more MiWay routes will be redesigned to feed into the transitway,

allowing for a one transfer ride between any points in Mississauga. This might help to
allowing for a one transfer ride between any points in Mississauga. This might help to

improve ridership at intermediate stops on the transitway, as well as generate ridership
improve ridership at intermediate stops on the transitway, as well as generate ridership

along the corridor in the years to come. Finally, for connections that do exist between
along the corridor in the years to come. Finally, for connections that do exist between

the transitway and MiLocal bus routes, a lengthy walk outside of the transitway is often required,
the transitway and MiLocal bus routes, a lengthy walk outside of the transitway is often required,

in unsheltered environments. As many transitway stations have their entrances and exits on
in unsheltered environments. As many transitway stations have their entrances and exits on

only one side of the street, passengers travelling in the opposite direction are required to
only one side of the street, passengers travelling in the opposite direction are required to

walk up to 200 metres, and cross a busy roadway with no automatic pedestrian signals. Although
walk up to 200 metres, and cross a busy roadway with no automatic pedestrian signals. Although

routes are fairly frequent during rush hours, outside of rush hour, this can lead to lengthy
routes are fairly frequent during rush hours, outside of rush hour, this can lead to lengthy

waits due to the transfer time, which is especially unpleasant in a less sheltered environment.
waits due to the transfer time, which is especially unpleasant in a less sheltered environment.

Furthermore, at some stations where passengers have to transfer between platforms, such as
Furthermore, at some stations where passengers have to transfer between platforms, such as

Renforth, Dixie, Erin Mills and Winston Churchill, the design of the stations requires that passengers
Renforth, Dixie, Erin Mills and Winston Churchill, the design of the stations requires that passengers

either ascend the stairs and descend again on the other side, or walk all the way to
either ascend the stairs and descend again on the other side, or walk all the way to

the end of the platform before crossing the transitway.
the end of the platform before crossing the transitway.

Thanks for watching. We hope you enjoyed this video, and learned something new about the
Thanks for watching. We hope you enjoyed this video, and learned something new about the

design and operations of Mississauga’s transitway network. Feel free to leave a like and a comment
design and operations of Mississauga’s transitway network. Feel free to leave a like and a comment

if you have any questions, or want to see more, and as for us here, we’ll be Vanishing
if you have any questions, or want to see more, and as for us here, we’ll be Vanishing

Underground until the next one.
Underground until the next one.