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Specialized Services

Durham Region Transit (DRT) Specialized Services provides transportation for eligible disabled residents of Durham Region. Service is provided on a temporary or permanent basis.

DRT Accessible bus service enables passengers who use mobility devices the flexibility of using conventional transit routes rather than depend on DRT Specialized Services exclusively. DRT’s objective is to make your travel experience on accessible conventional transit as easy as possible.

Durham Region Transit Specialized Services - Effective February 18, 2008 - closure of the west entrance to Ajax - Pickering Hospital until renovation project is complete.  Access for Specialized Services will be the east receiving entrance off Harwood Avenue.

DRT Specialized Services Eligibility Criteria

• unable to board conventional vehicles
• unable to walk 175 meters

Attendant's policy: one person may accompany a client. The attendant pays full fare. Notify the dispatcher to confirm available space.

How to Register

Read the Application Letter  and complete the Eligibility Application Form 

Page One - Passenger Information: download and fill out the form electronically or print and fill out the form. This information is used to advise our operators of any special assistance you may require.  

Page Two - Information from Physician/Physiotherapist : to confirm your eligibility, your attending physician must complete this page.

Personal information on the application form is collected under authority of the Municipal Act, 2001,S.O. 2001, CHAPTER 25, and in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.56, and will be used solely to assist DRT Specialized Service in safely transporting the client.

Completed forms (Page One & Two) can be faxed to 905-427-3473

or mailed to

DRT Specialized Services
110 Westney Road, South, Ajax L1S 2C8

For information call:
Ajax Pickering - 905-683-4114
Oshawa, Whitby, Clarington - 905-725-4000
Brock, Uxbridge, Scugog Townships - 1-800-263-1916

Booking Your Trip

• Trips are based on availability and first come, first serve basis.
• Clients may book up to two weeks in advance.
• Clients must book by 3:00pm the business day before for weekday
  service (For example: Friday by 3:00pm for Monday trips, Monday by 3:00pm for Tuesday trips).
• Clients must book by 3:00pm Thursday for weekend service.
• Holiday service: call dispatcher or check our web site for specific holiday service schedule.

Answering machine

Occasionally, due to call volume, your call may be answered by a messaging machine. If your call concerns a same-day cancellation or request to book a trip, please leave a message with your name and phone number. We will return your call as soon as possible. 

Subscription Booking

• Subscription bookings can be arranged for trips on the same day(s) and time(s) over extended periods as space permits. 
• DRT accepts waiting lists for subscription bookings.
• If over 50% of trips are cancelled in a three month period, a written cancellation notice is sent. Clients may re-apply at any time by registering on our ongoing waiting list.

Scheduling Courtesy

• Please call after 9:00am to reserve a future trip. Before 9:00am, dispatchers focus on completing schedules and accepting cancellations.
• Customers must be ready 15 minutes prior to pick up time.
• DRT may leave 5 minutes after the scheduled departure time if the client has not shown.

Canceling Your Trip

• Please try to provide 24 hours notice of cancellation. 
• Customers are charged for the trip if notice of cancellation is not provided before the vehicle arrives.
• Customers are removed from the booking system if service is not used within a 6 month period, the client must re-apply for service.

Fare Payment Options

• Customers are encouraged to open a pre-paid account with DRT for their convenience.
• Customers also have the option to pay per ride - $2.90 per trip, throughout Durham Region 
• Specialized Services Monthly Pass ($97.00 per month) is available directly from DRT Customer Service staff by calling 905-683-4114, 905-725-4000 or 1-800-263-1916. The Specialized Services monthly pass is valid on DRT and GO Bus fixed route service in Durham Region.  Not transferable.
• Discounted Access Monthly Passes are not valid for Specialized Services.

Hours of Operation

Seven days a week including holidays - 6:00am - 1:00am
Call dispatcher or check our web site to confirm specific holiday service

Customer Service Inquiries

Address eligibility appeals and any concerns to:
Durham Region Transit Commission
Customer Service
605 Rossland Road, East
Whitby, Canada L1N 6A3
905-668-7711
Email: drtspecialized@durham.ca

Health & Safety

• Clients are required to wear seatbelts.
• It is a mandatory requirement to be secured with a DRT provided physical restraint system.
• On boarding, clients are encouraged to transfer from a scooter to a regular seat. This is not a mandatory requirement. However, our Operators will advise passengers of the risks involved if the client does not elect to transfer.
• Children under six (6) years of age must be accompanied by an adult at least sixteen (16) years of age, able to care for and carry the child (if necessary). The child must be safely secured and DRT may require the child be in a car seat. 
• Smoking, drinking or eating is not allowed.
• Wheelchairs and scooters must be properly maintained.
• Operators do not assist with groceries or lift heavy articles.
• Operators are not permitted to enter client homes.
• Residences must be accessible.
• Walkways, ramps and steps must be clear of snow and ice.

Contracted Taxis

Contracted taxis (accessible vans and sedans) are used regularly to support DRT Specialized Services, usually in the following circumstances:

• During peak periods to ensure customer delays are minimized.
• After 6:00pm on weekdays.
• During weekends and holidays.
• To attend a medical appointment in Durham Region.
• In an emergency situation. 

DRT Dispatchers must arrange all contracted taxi bookings.

At the time of booking your trip, dispatcher will advise if your trip is booked with a taxi.

Clients on a pay per ride basis pay only the DRT fare rate directly to the taxi operator.

Updated February 16, 2010