York Region Transit has rolled out a significant package of service improvements for 2026, with 33 route and schedule changes designed to better serve growing ridership across the region. For Markham residents and commuters, the changes bring new connections, improved frequencies on key corridors, and a continued push toward electrifying the transit fleet.
The changes are part of YRT's 2026 Annual Transit Plan, which was developed in response to shifting ridership patterns and a projected increase of 2.5 million revenue riders this year. York Regional Council has backed the expansion with a $1.5 billion capital budget for 2026, part of a record $14 billion ten-year capital plan that prioritizes transit infrastructure alongside other growth-related projects.
Key Route Changes Affecting Markham
Several of the 2026 service adjustments directly impact routes serving Markham neighbourhoods, business districts, and transit hubs.
Route 2 - Milliken: Extended to Kirkham Drive
One of the most notable changes for Markham riders is the weekday extension of Route 2 (Milliken) along Kirkham Drive. Three new stops have been added: Denison Street/Andress Way, Kirkham Drive/Mohandas Drive, and Kirkham Drive/Bousfield Gate. This extension provides service to a growing residential area that previously had limited transit access.
Frequency on Route 2 has also been improved across the board. Morning rush hour service now runs every 21 minutes instead of 22, midday service has been tightened from every 42 minutes to every 35 minutes, and evening service has seen the biggest improvement, going from every 53 minutes to every 40 minutes. Weekend service along the Kirkham Drive extension is planned to begin in September 2026.
Route 1 - Highway 7: Schedule Adjustments
Route 1, which runs along the busy Highway 7 corridor through Markham, has received schedule adjustments to better reflect on-street conditions. Eastbound trips that previously started at the Cochrane Drive stop now begin at Highway 7/Commerce Valley Drive. Riders who normally boarded at Cochrane Drive should use the Highway 7/Cochrane Drive stop instead. The change affects early morning trips on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Route 90/90B - Leslie: Extended Evening Service
For workers in the Headford Business Park area, Route 90 now offers extended late evening southbound service on weekdays. The last southbound trip from Leslie Street departs at 12:17 a.m. instead of the previous 11:35 p.m., providing a much-needed connection for shift workers finishing after midnight. Route 90B has also been adjusted, with southbound trips now starting from Leslie Street/16th Avenue instead of West Beaver Creek Road.
Viva Purple: Schedule Refinement
The Viva Purple line, which serves as a rapid transit spine along Highway 7, has had its schedules adjusted to better reflect on-street travel times. While there are no changes to frequency, the refined schedules should provide more accurate arrival predictions for riders who depend on the service for their daily commute.
A $1.5 Billion Investment in Transit Infrastructure
The service improvements are supported by York Region's significant capital investment. The approved 2026 capital budget of $1.5 billion includes several transit-specific priorities that will shape the system for years to come.
Most notably, the region is advancing the purchase of 315 electric buses, which represents a major step in the transition toward a zero-emission transit fleet. The electric buses will gradually replace older diesel vehicles, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs over time. The first batches are expected to enter service on Markham routes in the coming years as charging infrastructure is built out at YRT depots.
The budget also includes funding for advancing the design of priority bus rapidways, which are dedicated transit lanes that allow buses to bypass traffic congestion. These rapidways have been identified as critical to improving service reliability and speed along York Region's busiest corridors, several of which run through Markham.
Next Service Changes Coming April 26
YRT operates on a rolling service change calendar, and the next batch of adjustments is scheduled for Sunday, April 26, 2026. Riders should check the YRT website closer to that date for details on any additional route or schedule modifications that may affect their regular commute.
The transit agency also invites public feedback through its annual planning process, which includes both online submissions and in-person consultation sessions at locations across York Region. Markham residents who want to influence future service decisions can participate through the YRT website or attend upcoming community engagement events.
Tips for Markham Transit Riders
- Use the YRT Trip Planner on the YRT website to check updated schedules before your trip, particularly if you ride Route 1, Route 2, or Route 90
- Download the YRT app for real-time bus tracking and service alerts
- If you commute to GO Transit stations, check for improved connections, particularly on Route 86 which has been adjusted for better alignment with GO train schedules at Richmond Hill GO Station
- Watch for the April 26 service changes, which may include additional improvements to Markham routes
For more local news and community updates in Markham and Richmond Hill, visit MarkhamBusiness.com.