Face coverings recommended

Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health has strongly recommended that Ontarians wear a mask in indoor public settings, which includes DRT public transit vehicles and facilities. Riders are reminded to stay safe and be respectful of DRT customers and employees at all times.

Riders are reminded to stay safe and be respectful of DRT customers and employees at all times.

From the Durham Region Health Department: How to keep safe while using your non-medical face mask or face covering.

 UPDATED: Passenger expectations in response to COVID-19
  • Do not travel on public transit (scheduled, Specialized and On Demand services) when presenting with symptoms associated with COVID-19, or have travelled outside the country within the last 14 days, or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. If travelling on Specialized and On Demand, call or use the application to cancel your trip.
  • Front door boarding protocols are in effect on scheduled service, except for individuals who are physically unable to exit through the rear doors, board the bus through the front doors and exit the bus through the rear doors.
  • Use contactless fare payment options whenever possible such as the PRESTO card or PRESTO E-Tickets app from your smartphone. More information.
  • Remain behind the yellow line on the floor while the bus is in service.
  • Maintain physical distancing when possible.
  • Although masks are not required for staff or riders, Durham Region Transit (DRT) respects and supports anyone who chooses to wear a mask.
  • Perform hand hygiene (either washing hands with lukewarm water and soap for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer), whenever possible.
  • Respect respiratory etiquette all times during your journey by:
    • covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing using the crook of your elbow or tissues that are immediately discarded in the appropriate disposal receptacle, followed by performing hand hygiene and
    • not touching your mouth, nose or eyes with your hands.

DRT operators are not expected to enforce the requirements of the policy, but Durham Regional Police Services may be contacted when a passenger demonstrates blatant disregard for the passenger requirements, resulting in a disturbance or conflict with other passengers on the bus.

View the individual route maps for the new service network effective September 7, 2021.

Operational policies to support our COVID-19 response

  • Customers will notice the installation of plexiglass and floor markings to encourage physical distancing at our Customer Service Centre and point of sale at 110 Westney Road South. Hand sanitizer is available for customer use, and only one customer is permitted in the foyer at a time. Please continue to respect posted signage to keep everyone safe.
  • DRT points of sale may not be open to customers or have restrictions in place; please visit our Where to buy page to see an updated list of open POS.
  • Please note the On Demand and Specialized Services booking agents are available from 05:00 to 24:00 Monday to Friday, 07:00 to 24:00 on Saturdays and 07:00 to 22:00 on Sundays.
  • Customers who travel on scheduled DRT service must do so without the assistance of an operator to ensure the continued well-being and safety of our operators. Customers who require securement of their mobility device and are unable to do so interdependently will be accommodated by contacting a Specialized Services booking agent. If you do not require securement support from the operator, please continue to use scheduled service.
  • Customers with a mobility device or stroller, who are unable to exit through the rear doors, can exit at the front with the assistance of the kneeler/ramp. 
  • Seats located within the mobility device area must remain in the upward position and cannot be used for seating at this time.
  • Customers using Specialized Services must book trips via phone and complete a verbal pre-screen with the DRT booking agent. Please call 1-866-247-0055 to book your trip. Customers should contact the booking agent should they develop any symptoms prior to their trip.
  • An enhanced bus cleaning process is in effect to ensure thorough, daily disinfecting with Health Canada approved cleaning/disinfecting products. The products we source are safe for daily use by all staff. The disinfecting measures include wiping down all hard surface touch points, including stanchions, stop request buttons, doors and the driver’s area; the exteriors of our vehicles are also cleaned daily.

Bus in front of a sunset

If you have any questions about how to get where you need to go, or about our updated policies, please reach out to our Customer Service team at 1-866-247-0055 or use our Customer Comment form to find the DRT transit solution for you.

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