NEWMARKET, Ont. - Metrolinx is proposing a new funding schedule for York Region's vivaNext projects originally funded in April 2009.

Under the proposed new schedule, York Region will receive $790 million from Metrolinx for projects to be constructed over the next five years.

There would be $965 million for projects to be constructed between 2016 and 2020, extending some projects by five years from the original schedule.

This funding will be used for the construction of rapidways - dedicated lanes for Viva vehicles.

York Region chairman Bill Fisch says the rapidways will help meet a growing demand for public transit.

Rapidways are planned for Yonge Street in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, Davis Drive in Newmarket, and Highway 7 in Markham and Vaughan.