Back to SearchWhitby, Ontario – At the recent Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference, the Region of Durham was awarded with the 2022 Peter J. Marshall Municipal Innovation Award for Durham Region Transit’s (DRT) On Demand service. The award is given to municipal governments who demonstrate excellence in the use of innovative approaches to improve capital and/or operating efficiency. Award recipients are also recognized for innovating through service delivery initiatives and partnerships.
The award program’s objective is to showcase instances where Ontario municipalities have implemented innovative programs like On Demand transit, and can point to tangible, measurable outcomes from new, more cost-effective ways of providing public services and facilities.
During the pandemic, DRT scaled up its On Demand service to meet the transit needs of residents and essential workers while mitigating operational pressures. The cost-effectiveness of the On Demand service has enabled DRT to further invest in scheduled service in main corridors, increasing frequency and convenience of transit; now with 24/7 service available. It helps grow public transit ridership across Durham.
The Peter J. Marshall Municipal Innovation Award demonstrates Durham Region’s strength and commitment to leading the way in service excellence and implementing creative solutions.
The award was presented to Elaine Baxter-Trahair, Chief Administrative Officer for the Region of Durham, and Mayor of Clarington, Adrian Foster who attended the 2022 AMO Conference in Ottawa.
This award is announced annually to acknowledge municipalities who have creatively and successfully implemented new, innovative ways of serving the public. It is sponsored by AMO, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario, the Canadian Council for Public Private Partnerships, the Municipal Finance Officers’ Association, and the Ontario Municipal Administrators’ Association.
Quotes
“This award demonstrates Durham Region’s continued focus on creating innovative services that gets residents and visitors where they need to go. During the pandemic, DRT’s On Demand service was vital to essential workers and residents, providing a flexible and personal service delivery model with access to transit across Durham. We are committed to continuing to find innovative ways to provide service excellence and enhancements through transportation projects.”
- John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer
“Despite the unprecedented challenges experienced during the pandemic, DRT’s On Demand service helped balance operational pressures while ensuring customers across Durham Region had access to transit. It is clear, through this award and public use of On Demand, that DRT is committed to customer-focused services and forward-thinking solutions for public transit.”
- Shaun Collier, Mayor of Ajax and Chair of the Transit Executive Committee
“Recognizing the importance of designing services that meet the needs of our residents, DRT is proud to have supported customers and residents with On Demand to ensure a seamless and convenient experience using transit. DRT will continue to pursue services that support enhanced access to public transit and growth of public transit ridership across the region.”
- Bill Holmes, General Manager of Durham Region Transit
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For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.
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