Enhancing Multimodal Connectivity
in York Region & Toronto

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 largest transit agencies—York Region Transit and Metrolinx—faced persistent 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 winter conditions, especially at crossings and curbside platforms
Rising repainting costs and recurring maintenance disruptions

To support seamless multimodal mobility—where buses, LRT, 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 recommended 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 pigmentation that resists fading and surface wear
✅ Fast, heat-bonded installation requiring minimal surface preparation
✅ Built to align with TAC, AODA, and Vision Zero specifications

Deployment Context

🚦 VIVA Rapid Transit – Toronto/York Region

York Region deployed TrafficPatternsXD™ across 28 intersections along the Highway 7 Rapidway, a major multimodal BRT corridor. Applications 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:
✔ Safer pedestrian navigation across BRT intersections
✔ Long-lasting surface clarity, reducing repainting cycles over 5+ years
✔ Stronger alignment with York Region’s Complete Streets policy and multimodal expansion

🚈 Finch West LRT – Toronto, ON

At Metrolinx’s new Finch West LRT corridor, TrafficPatternsXD™ was installed at high-traffic pedestrian zones and modal interfaces, with special attention to:

LRT boarding zones and platform edges
Conflict zones between transit, cycling, and pedestrian flows
Surface reinforcement in areas with snowplow and de-icing exposure

Results:
✔ Clear, high-contrast wayfinding around platforms and crossings
✔ Reduced slip risk at modal transition areas
✔ Thermoplastic panels applied on schedule with no deep surface milling reducing traffic down-time

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 and Metrolinx 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

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

Best For: Colored bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, plazas, and urban streetscapes

Key Features:

UV-stable and skid-resistant finish
Flexible to accommodate substrate movement without cracking
Low VOC content (<50 g/L), environmentally friendly
Available in a wide range of colors, including solar-reflective options

Performance Highlights:

Touch dry in 1–4 hours at 77°F (25°C)
Durable under various weather conditions
Extends pavement life by protecting against UV and weathering

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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

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

Best For: Signalized intersections, mid-block crossings, and traffic calming zones

Key Features:

Aggregate-reinforced for enhanced durability
Supplied in 150 mil thickness for robust application
Installed using infrared heating and stamping technology
Brick-like appearance enhances aesthetic appeal

Performance Highlights:

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

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TrafficPatterns® | Preformed thermoplastic markings for decorative crosswalks and streetscapes

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

Key Features:

Surface-applied without the need for stamping
Available in various patterns and colors
Quick installation with minimal traffic disruption
Cost-effective alternative to brick or stone pavers

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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DecoMark® | Preformed thermoplastic graphics for branding and wayfinding

Best For: Logos, surface signage, community branding, 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
Environmentally friendly materials, free of heavy metals

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 Canadian streets and climate conditions.

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📘 Visit the Full Resource Hub →
📞 Or call us to discuss your project goals.

📍 Trusted by: Toronto • Vancouver • London • Mississauga • Richmond • York Region • Waterloo