How TrafficPatternsXD preformed thermoplastic is helping GrandLinq LRT in Waterloo and VIVA Rapid Transit in York Region deliver safer, more durable platforms and crossings while reducing maintenance costs.
How preformed thermoplastic is helping Canadian Complete Streets perform better
The Challenge
Transit stations, particularly at-grade LRT and bus rapid transit (BRT) platforms, are busy places where safety, visibility and durability all matter. They face:
- Constant vehicle traffic wear and tear across platforms and crossings
- Elevated slip risk during rain, snow, and freeze–thaw cycles
- Rapid fading of painted markings, leading to wayfinding breakdowns
- Maintenance cycles that interrupt transit service and strain operations
- Design mandates for Complete Streets and Vision Zero performance
Transit agencies needed a surface system that could meet TAC safety standards, provide lasting traction, and minimize disruptions during installation and upkeep.
TrafficPatternsXD
TrafficPatternsXD is a preformed thermoplastic made for durability, visibility and skid resistance. Anti-skid aggregate runs through the material, so it grips in wet and icy conditions, and its colour stays clear under thousands of footfalls a day.
Strategic applications included:
- LRT & BRT platforms and pedestrian waiting areas
- Crosswalks near boarding zones and transfer hubs
- Edge delineation and modal transitions in civic plazas
Key system benefits:
- Non-slip performance: Embedded aggregate texture for superior year-round traction
- Fade resistance: UV-stable pigments retain visibility under constant use
- Fast installs: Stamped into the asphalt, with little service downtime
- Multimodal alignment: Supports Canadian transportation guidelines and Vision Zero
GrandLinq LRT in Waterloo, Ontario
TrafficPatternsXD went in at LRT platform edges, crosswalks and transfer points across the ION corridor. The result was improved traction, safety, and visibility for riders navigating between train cars, buses, and active transportation paths.
- Improved traction in winter months
- High-contrast crosswalks remained legible through freeze–thaw cycles
- Zero service disruption thanks to phased nighttime application
VIVA Rapid Transit in York Region
TrafficPatternsXD went in at key intersections and boarding zones along the Highway 7 Rapidway and at busy transfer points. Paired with green MMAX for bike lanes, it gave the corridor a safer, consistent surface.
- Safer pedestrian routes through complex intersections
- Thermoplastic durability minimized repainting cycles
- Supported York Region's Complete Streets framework
Implementation Highlights
- Installed during off-peak hours to avoid service disruptions
- Compatible with asphalt: no milling or deep surface prep required
- Built to withstand freeze–thaw cycles, de-icing salts, and plow abrasion
- Designed for long-lasting color contrast and safe pedestrian guidance
Results for Viva, Metrolinx and GrandLinq
With TrafficPatternsXD, VIVA, Metrolinx and GrandLinq showed that a surface system can make platforms safer, keep transit running and cut maintenance costs. For transit authorities, that means:
- Year-round pedestrian safety in Canada's most demanding transit zones
- Lower costs over the service life through reduced repainting and repair needs
- Improved rider experience at key transfer hubs and platforms
- Stronger performance with multimodal standards and accessibility codes
