It was an historic occasion as Viva rapid transit service was officially launched at the Richmond Hill Terminal at Yonge St. and Highway 7 on September 6, 2005. Representatives from the three levels of government and the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) gathered to mark this milestone event. The President and CEO of CUTA, Michael Roschlau applauded Viva saying, "In this era of high gas prices, rising greenhouse gas emissions, increasing congestion, deteriorating air quality, the bold initiative taken by York Region is a critical step... Viva is a model because it integrates more elements of bus rapid transit than anywhere else in Canada."