Whitby, Ontario – Members of the Transit Executive Committee (TEC) met virtually yesterday (June 2), to discuss various Durham Region Transit (DRT) initiatives and updates. Details and highlights include:
- Bus Rapid Transit: TEC received an update on the phasing and planned schedule for Bus Rapid Transit projects approved through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), including an additional 7.3 kilometres of the Durham Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit (DSBRT) corridor. Construction-related activities—for the $173 million ICIP investment in the DSBRT—will start in early 2022. Please visit www.metrolinxengage.com for more information on the DSBRT project.
- On Demand milestone and customer appreciation: Members of TEC approved the giveaway of a pre-loaded $500 PRESTO card to the rider that completes On Demand’s 100,000th trip – a milestone celebration for DRT customers and staff. More information will be available in the weeks ahead. A reminder that free On Demand and Specialized Services are available to residents travelling to and from vaccination clinics within Durham Region, thanks to a generous donation from Ontario Power Generation.
- Upcoming service enhancements: DRT shared upcoming service enhancements to support access to public transit as the province starts to re-open; and residents begin to return to work, shopping and more. Summer and fall service highlights include new routes, improved access to key employment areas, parks and green spaces, and local attractions, such as the Toronto Zoo. Also starting this fall is 24/7 access to public transit throughout the urban areas of the Region. More information on the June 21 service enhancements can be found here.
- Notes of gratitude: Students from Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School in Oshawa recently shared personal notes of gratitude with DRT staff. In anticipation of a safe reopening of the community, and the dedication of public transit employees throughout the pandemic, this kind gesture from local students serves as a reminder to DRT staff that their work makes a difference in peoples lives and is appreciated by the community. A brief example of one of the notes of gratitude:
“I want to thank you for all your hard work, especially during the pandemic. Every day you help people get to their jobs, appointments, and home safely. I know that it might be scary driving lots of different people, but your job is very important, and I appreciate your service. My sister takes the bus to go to Durham College, and I’m glad that she is safe on the bus.”
Quotes
“The notes of gratitude received from local students at Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School are a positive reminder of the dedication shown by essential workers throughout these times. I’d like to extend and restate my gratitude to all DRT and Regional staff for their continued hard work and dedication to safety.”
- John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer
“I’m excited to see that we continue to enhance service and adapt to changing travel demands across the Region. Improving access to local attractions and recreational locations this summer will go a long way—allowing residents to safely travel to outdoor activities. I’m particularly excited for the extension of route 224, which will see summer weekend and holiday service to Ajax waterfront parks.”
- Shaun Collier, Mayor of Ajax and Chair of the Transit Executive Committee
“On Demand completing 100,000 trips safely during the pandemic is a milestone we’re really proud of. As a gesture of our appreciation, a $500 pre-loaded PRESTO fare card is a small way we’re able to give back to our customers who choose DRT; and continue to support a sustainable transportation network in Durham.”
- Bill Holmes, General Manager of Durham Region Transit
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For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.