Canada’s Brampton Züm broke ground on the next phase of its $285-million bus rapid transit (BRT) project.

Phase II of the project expands service along Queen Street and Steeles Avenue and will introduce service on Bovaird Drive. Completion is expected by the end of 2017.

“Following on the success of Phase I, it’s great to see the Züm project moving forward,” said Kyle Seeback, member of Parliament for Brampton West. “This rapid transit system will help increase economic growth and will improve the quality of life for residents of Brampton by providing a more efficient transit option, while cutting commute times and taking more cars off the road.”

Phase II will see Züm service launch along Bovaird Drive from the Mount Pleasant GO station to Airport Road in 2014. In 2015, Züm service will launch on Steeles Avenue, west of the new Brampton Gateway Terminal to the Lisgar GO station in Mississauga, and in 2016, Züm service will launch along Queen Street, west of the Downtown Terminal to the Mount Pleasant GO station.

Phase I included construction of BRT lines on Queen Street completed in September 2010, Main Street completed in September 2011 and Steeles Avenue completed in fall 2012. In addition, Phase I included the purchase of 20, 60-foot articulated buses that can carry 40% more passengers than the traditional 40-foot buses.

The Government of Canada has committed up to $95 million for both phases of Brampton’s plan. The Province of Ontario has already provided its contribution of $95 million, and the City of Brampton will fund the remaining $95 million in total project costs.