News

Durham Region to receive $22.9 million in COVID-19 relief funding from Province

Whitby, Ontario – The following statement is being issued on behalf of John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer for The Regional Municipality of Durham:

“Today, the Province of Ontario announced that Durham Region is receiving more than $22.9 million in COVID-19 relief funding, as part of the larger $4 billion in funding for Ontario municipalities within the Safe Restart Agreement—an investment in federal-provincial financial assistance for municipalities and transit operations.

As...

Ridership recovery in Durham Region

WHITBY, ON – On Wednesday, July 8, members of the Transit Executive Committee (TEC) met virtually and at Regional Headquarters to discuss Durham Region Transit’s (DRT) Service Restoration Plan, updates on DRT’s response to COVID-19 and U-Pass agreements:

• Service Restoration Plan: Christopher Norris, Acting Deputy General Manager, Operations, and Michael Binetti, Supervisor, Service Design, presented on DRT’s Service Restoration Plan. The phased-in approach to reintroducing service is structured...

Durham Region Transit offering free PRESTO cards

WHITBY, ON – To help transition customers to contactless fare payment in advance of the July 2 resumption of fare collection, Durham Region Transit (DRT) will be offering free PRESTO cards for a limited time.  

Starting tomorrow, DRT is distributing 2,500 PRESTO cards at no cost through the following point of sale locations:

• DRT’s Customer Service Centre at 110 Westney Rd. S. Ajax
• Pickering Town Centre Guest Services at 1355 Kingston Rd. Pickering
• Oshawa Centre Guest Services at 419 King St. W. Oshawa

Durham Region Transit’s commitment to moving the Region safely during Phase 2 reopening

WHITBY, ON – At Durham Region Transit (DRT), safety is at the core of all business, operational and customer service focused decisions. As the Region enters Phase 2 of reopening, DRT is reminding customers of the additional measures in place to ensure passenger and operator safety.

DRT has adopted the June 11 recommendation of the Ministry of Transportation that public transit passengers wear a face covering or non-medical mask at all times during their travels on public transit, except for...

Fare collection, 2020 rates, and incentives

WHITBY, ON – After suspending fares on March 23 to support the physical distancing measures required as a part of the COVID-19 response, Durham Region Transit (DRT) is set to resume fare collection on July 2. Along with fare collection, the resumption of front door boarding (and implementing rear door exiting) will begin to ensure one-way passenger flow and eliminate bunching at the front doors. Also effective July 2:

• 2020 fare rates: 2020 fare rates will be in effect (approved as part of the...