Highlights from the March 2024 Transit Executive Committee Meeting

Whitby, Ontario – On March 6, members of the Durham Region Transit Executive Committee (TEC) met to discuss various Durham Region Transit (DRT) initiatives and updates. Details and highlights include:

• One Fare Program: The Province of Ontario’s One Fare Program officially launched on February 26, 2024. DRT celebrated by welcoming provincial partners, MPPs, and Regional Chair John Henry to their Ajax facility earlier in February. The One Fare program eliminates double fares paid by DRT customers when transferring between DRT and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), including Wheel Trans.

• Transit Operator and Worker Appreciation Day: DRT looks forward to celebrating Transit Operator and Worker Appreciation Day on March 18. DRT encourages all residents and customers to share their experiences and appreciation for everyday transit workers on social media using the hashtag #ThanksTransit.
• 2024 DRT Business Plan and Budget: The approved 2024 plan includes an increase in revenue service hours that will enhance service across the region and improvement reliability and other strategic initiatives. Access the full report here.

Further to the TEC meeting, DRT wants to remind residents of the upcoming Public Information Centres. Starting March 18, 2024, DRT will be hosting its annual Public Information Centres (PICs) across the Region. PICs offer an opportunity to meet with our service design team and learn about our network, planning process and the future of public transit service in Durham. Attendees are welcome to ask questions, share their thoughts and provide valuable insight into the customer experience and suggestions. For more information, visit, DurhamRegionTransit.com/PICS.

Quotes

“Our dedicated and hard-working transit employees deserve our recognition, support, and appreciation for all that they do for our residents and customers. On March 18, we will be honouring Transit Operators and Worker Appreciation Day by celebrating our Durham Region Transit staff. Your efforts are valued and appreciated. Thank you, DRT.”  

-        John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer

“The proposed 2024 DRT budget will deliver the Region’s biggest annual investment in transit service hours, which customers will see through enhanced service levels and reliability across the transit network. Public transit is a priority and we will need sustained annual investments to reach our objective to increase DRT services by 127 per cent by 2032.

-      Marilyn Crawford, Deputy Mayor for the Town of Ajax, and Chair of the Transit Executive Committee for Durham Regional Council

“The One Fare Program, funded by the Ministry of Transportation, has been a long time in the making. Convenient cross boundary travel is a priority for transit agencies of across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. I’m excited about future opportunities for investment in public transit in Durham, and beyond, that will enable residents to leave their cars at home and use public transit.”

-        Bill Holmes, General Manager of Durham Region Transit

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For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.