Enhancing Safety & Durability
High-Traffic Transit Stations

How Canadian LRT & BRT Platforms Are Improving Multimodal Performance
with Thermoplastic Surfacing

The Challenge

Transit stations—especially at-grade LRT and BRT platforms—are high-stress environments where safety, visibility, and performance are non-negotiable. These hubs face:

Constant pedestrian 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 compliance

Transit agencies needed a high-performance surface system that could meet technical safety standards (TAC, AODA), provide lasting traction, and minimize disruptions during installation and upkeep.

The Solution: TrafficPatternsXD™

TrafficPatternsXD™ is a preformed thermoplastic engineered for extreme durability, vibrant visibility, and non-slip safety. Its aggregate-embedded surface enhances traction in wet and icy conditions, while its long-lasting color retains clarity over time—even under thousands of daily footfalls.

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: Thermoplastic inlay process reduces service downtime
✅ Multimodal alignment: Complies with TAC, AODA, and Vision Zero mandates

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

Featured Projects

🚉 GrandLinq LRT – Waterloo, ON

Installed TrafficPatternsXD™ at LRT platform edges, pedestrian crossing points, and modal transition areas 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 – Toronto/York Region

Applied TrafficPatternsXD™ at key intersections and boarding zones along the Highway 7 Rapidway and at high-volume modal transitions. Paired with Green MMAX™ for cycling lanes, the system enhanced safety and design cohesion across the corridor.

✅ Safer pedestrian routes through complex intersections
✅ Thermoplastic durability minimized repainting cycles
✅ Supported York Region’s Complete Streets framework

🚈 Finch West LRT – Toronto, ON

At Metrolinx’s Finch West LRT corridor, TrafficPatternsXD™ was installed at platform edges, crosswalks,

and pedestrian access points to enhance user navigation and reduce surface degradation.

These high-friction areas experience constant boarding activity and seasonal stress.

✅ Clear, consistent wayfinding at high-traffic stations
✅ Thermoplastic stood up to vehicular overruns and salt exposure
✅ No grinding or heavy prep needed—fast install within project schedule

Conclusion

Results & Long-Term Benefits for VIVA, Metrolinx, and GrandLinq

By adopting TrafficPatternsXD™, VIVA, Metrolinx, and GrandLinq demonstrated how advanced surface systems can enhance pedestrian safety, improve transit reliability, and lower maintenance costs.
These implementations offer a scalable solution for transit authorities seeking:

✔ Year-round pedestrian safety in Canada’s most demanding transit zones
✔ Lower lifecycle costs through reduced repainting and repair needs
✔ Improved rider experience at key transfer hubs and platforms
✔ Stronger compliance with multimodal standards and accessibility codes

Have a project in mind?

Join us for a lunch & learn
information session and receive a
free $25 SKIP THE DISHES gift card!

Follow us on social media 🙂

🛠 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

LEARN MORE →

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

LEARN MORE →

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

LEARN MORE →

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

LEARN MORE →

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

LEARN MORE →

💬 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.

📨 Request Spec Sheets or Samples →
📘 Visit the Full Resource Hub →
📞 Or call us to discuss your project goals.

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