Enhancing Complete Streets
Connectivity in Southern Ontario

How Surface Design is Supporting Complete Streets & Vision Zero Implementation

The Challenge

As Ontario municipalities accelerate Complete Streets and Vision Zero implementation, two of the province’s transit agencies — York Region and the Waterloo Transit Corridors faced historical surface infrastructure challenges in critical corridors:

Inconsistent markings at transit stations and intersections
Faded lane demarcations in bus zones, creating confusion for operators and pedestrians
Slippery surfaces in wet/winter conditions, especially at crossings and curbside platforms
Rising repainting costs and recurring maintenance disruptions

To support seamless multimodal mobility—where buses, motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians share the same space—municipal engineers needed a system that could deliver durable visibility, anti-slip performance, and long-term cost efficiency.

The Solution: TrafficPatternsXD™

HUB Surface Systems: Extremely Durable Surface Treatments

HUB Surface Systems proposed TrafficPatternsXD™, a preformed thermoplastic system engineered for heavy-use environments with demanding safety, durability, and design requirements.

Key Benefits:

Embedded aggregate for superior year-round traction—even in rain, snow, or freeze–thaw cycles
UV-stable, high-contrast markings that resists fading and surface wear
Fast, return to service requiring minimal surface preparation
Built to align with TAC, AODA, and Vision Zero guidelines

🚦 VIVA Rapid Transit – Toronto/York Region

York Region installed TrafficPatternsXD™ at more than 30 intersections along the Highway 7 Rapidway, a key BRT corridor designed under the Complete Streets framework. These high-performance applications strengthened safety, visibility, and durability at critical crossing points. Installations included:

Bus stop platforms and crosswalks for improved legibility
Modal transition points connecting cyclists, buses, and pedestrians
Lane definition in bus priority zones to reduce operator error and improve efficiency

Results:
Pedestrian channelling for safe bus stop access
Long-lasting surface visibility
Stronger alignment with York Region’s Complete Streets policy and multimodal expansion

🚍 East London Link, Bus Rapid Transit – London, ON

London’s East London Link—a key component of the city’s Rapid Bus Transit network—required surface solutions capable of withstanding heavy transit wear while supporting safe cycling integration:

MMAX™ was applied to define bicycle lanes with vibrant, slip-resistant surfacing that cured quickly and minimized traffic disruption.

TrafficPatternsXD™ was installed at intersections and pedestrian conflict zones, improving safety and visibility in winter-prone conditions.

Result: Reduced maintenance interventions, improved traction through freeze–thaw cycles, and stronger alignment with London’s Complete Streets and active transportation goals.

The Results

Feedback from municipal stakeholders, planners, and transit operators noted:

✅ Improved platform navigation and user confidence at pedestrian zones
✅ Greater safety for cyclists via consistently visible, anti-slip surfaces
✅ Reduced maintenance frequency compared to traditional paint or epoxy-based treatments
✅ Improved modal separation, enhancing transit flow and commuter satisfaction

Conclusion

By implementing TrafficPatternsXD™ in these high-impact transit environments, York Region created safer, more navigable, and lower-maintenance transit corridors.

These case studies illustrate how performance surfacing contributes to:

Greater transit efficiency through clear delineation of BRT and LRT zones
Increased public safety for all road users—including cyclists and pedestrians
Reduced maintenance costs and fewer disruptive repainting cycles
Stronger integration of multimodal infrastructure across urban corridors

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🛠 Product Line at a Glance

Engineered Surface Solutions for Modern Urban Infrastructure

TrafficPatternsXD™ | Preformed thermoplastic system for high-traffic crosswalks and intersections

Best For: Pedestrian crossings, streetscape enhancements and traffic calming zones

Key Features:

Aggregate-reinforced thermoplastic for enhanced durability
Supplied in 150 mil thickness (3.8 mm)
Installed using infrared heating and stamping technology
Aesthetically pleasing designs and high contrast visibility

Performance Highlights:

Designed to withstand heavy vehicular loads
Maintains skid resistance over time
Low maintenance with long service life

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MMAX® | Methyl methacrylate (MMA) resin-based coating for high-durability lane markings

Best For: Bus lanes, bike lanes, transit routes, and high-traffic areas requiring high colour contrast.

Key Features:

Exceptional durability and skid resistance
Fast-curing, allowing for minimal traffic disruption
Color-stable pigments for long-lasting visibility
Extended application temperature range (35°F to 150°F / 2°C to 66°C)

Performance Highlights:

High friction surface suitable for all weather conditions
Resistant to snowplow damage and de-icing chemicals
Ideal for year-round application

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TrafficPatterns® | Preformed thermoplastic markings for decorative crosswalks and streetscapes

Best For: Enhanced crosswalks, pedestrian zones, and traffic calming areas

Key Features:

Surface-applied designs created with colour
Available in various standard patterns and colours
Quick installation with minimal traffic disruption
Custom designs available

Performance Highlights:

Durable and skid-resistant surface
Fade-resistant colors for long-term visibility
Suitable for both asphalt and concrete substrates

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StreetBond® SB150 | Advanced waterborne epoxy-modified acrylic coating for asphalt and concrete surfaces

Best For: Colored area markings, pedestrian realms, and urban streetscapes

Key Features:

UV-stable and skid-resistant finish
Flexible to accommodate substrate movement without cracking
Low VOC and environmentally responsible
Available in a wide range of standard / custom colours, including solar-reflective options

Performance Highlights:

Cures in 24hrs (25°C)
Durable under various weather conditions
Extends pavement life by protecting against UV and weathering

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DecoMark® | Preformed thermoplastic graphics for branding and wayfinding

Best For: Logos, surface signs, community branding, wayfinding and decorative markings.

Key Features:

Customizable designs to match branding requirements
High UV resistance ensures vibrant colors over time
Easy application with propane heat torch

Performance Highlights:

Engineered to last 6 to 8 times longer than paint
Maintains appearance in high-traffic pedestrian areas
Enhances community identity and navigational clarity

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💬 Ready to Collaborate?

Whether you’re working on a master plan, issuing an RFP, or looking for long-term solutions to reduce maintenance costs—HUB’s surface systems deliver performance you can trust, backed by 25+ years of experience in Canada.

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