Transit Executive Committee: Vaccination policy, E-Ticket enhancements, Electric bus pilot

Whitby, Ontario – Members of the Transit Executive Committee (TEC) met virtually on November 3, 2021 to discuss various Durham Region Transit (DRT) initiatives and updates. Details and highlights include:

• Vaccination policy: In addition to current health and safety measures in place to protect staff and customers, DRT has implemented the Region’s vaccination policy. The policy requires all employees to be fully vaccinated by December 20, 2021, except where there is an approved accommodation under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
• E-Ticket enhancements: DRT customers can now activate their PRESTO E-Tickets by scanning the QR code on the PRESTO device barcode reader. This E-Ticket update applies to all customers using U-Pass, monthly passes and single ride E-Tickets. Existing customers are encouraged to update the PRESTO E-Tickets app now to take full advantage of this convenient and touchless way to pay their transit fare.
• Electric bus pilot: Upon Finance & Administration Committee approval of financing, TEC recommended that a negotiated Design-Build-Operate-Maintain (DBOM) agreement—with Oshawa Power and Utilities Corporation (OPUC)—for the charging equipment and infrastructure at DRT’s Oshawa depot be implemented. This work will support the charging equipment and infrastructure requirements of the battery electric bus pilot taking place in Oshawa. The pilot is a key and timely part of the E-Mission Zero program to transition to a zero green house gas emissions transit fleet. 

Quotes

“The Region is thrilled to be taking its first steps towards our zero-emission transit fleet. In line with our reputation as a municipal leader in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, this is an innovative pilot to evaluate essential technical requirements in order to develop a successful transition program.”

-        John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer

“As we look forward to increased ridership, we are pleased to offer our customers the opportunity to ride DRT using E-Tickets. With open payment around the corner, customers will have even more options when choosing transit to travel across the Region and beyond.”

-        Shaun Collier, Mayor of Ajax and Chair of the Transit Executive Committee

“Aligned with the Region’s Corporate Climate Change Plan and the Region’s Community Energy Plan towards a 100 per cent zero GHG emission transit system, we need to accelerate our E-Mission Zero plan. The implementation of electrical charging equipment and infrastructure at DRT’s Oshawa depot for the pilot project is the first milestone in our broader plan.”

-        Bill Holmes, General Manager of Durham Region Transit

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For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.