Mary-Frances TURNER

Biographical note
Mary-Frances Turner is President of York Region Rapid Transit Corporation, a unique share capital corporation mandated to plan, design and deliver rapid transit and help shape transit-oriented initiatives in York Region. With over 30 years’ experience in urban planning and corporate leadership, Mary-Frances’ role has been central to the implementation and continued development of rapid transit in York Region. VivaNext projects include subways, bus terminals, and dedicated bus lanes on key corridors. A passionate urbanist, Mary-Frances has injected the vivaNext projects with energy and enthusiasm. Under her leadership, vivaNext has grown from a vision to a reality, generating public interest and support and securing over $3.6 billion in funding from all levels of government.

Presentation: Transforming the Citizen Experience
York Region Rapid Transit’s mission is to design and deliver exceptional rapid transit in York Region which will attract, move and connect people throughout growth areas and along the main corridors.  With a changing digital world that is moving at a fast pace, it is important for industry experts to continue to design for the future with integrated urban planning and a great transit network such as Viva.  The vivaNext designs integrate complementary mobility choices such as cycling, walking and connections to park and ride shared facilities that in the future could be used for ride sharing or other new IT technologies. We are transforming our major streets using the urban design and planning concept known as the “complete street” – which are welcoming and functional for all users.