Specialized Services

DRT Accessible conventional bus service enables passengers 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. Using DRT Accessible conventional fixed route service does not effect your eligibility for DRT Specialized Services.

DRT Specialized Services Eligibility Criteria

DRT Specialized Services provides accessible door to accessible door transit service for temporarily or permanently disabled residents of Durham Region who are not able to board conventional buses or walk 175 metres. Customers must meet the eligibility criteria and complete an application form to qualify for Specialized Services. Part of your application must be completed by your health care professional.

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 905-571-1177

or mailed to

DRT Specialized Services
44 William Street, West, Unit 1, Oshawa L1G 1J9

To Request an Application or Reserve Your Trip

Call DRT Specialized Services
1-866-247-0055 (Press 5)
Ajax, Pickering Dispatch 905-683-4114 
Oshawa, Whitby, Clarington Dispatch 905-725-4000
Brock, Scugog , Uxbridge Dispatch 1-800-263-1916

Reserving Your Trip

  • Trips are based on availability.
  • You may reserve your trip up to seven days in advance.
  • Weekday trip reservations are accepted up to 3:00pm the business day before your trip. Example - for Tuesday trips call before 3:00pm on Monday, for Monday trips call on Friday before 3:00pm.
  • Weekend trip reservations are accepted up to 3:00pm Thursday. Call dispatch or visit holiday service for details.

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. 

Attendant policy - one person may accompany a customer and pay the regular fare. Confirm with the dispatcher that space is available for your attendant.

Subscription Reservations

  • Subscription reservations can be arranged for trips on the same day(s) and time(s) over extended periods.
  • If 50% of your subscription trips are cancelled over a three month period, a written notice is sent. 

Scheduling Courtesy

  • Customers are asked to be ready 15 minutes prior to your scheduled pick up time.
  • DRT may leave 5 minutes after your scheduled departure time to maintain the schedule for the benefit of other passengers.

Canceling Your Trip

  • Please provide 24 hours notice to cancel your trip. 
  • Customers are charged a regular fare if notice of cancellation is not provided before the vehicle arrives for a pick up.

Fare Payment Options

  • Pre-paid account
  • Pay cash per ride
  • Specialized Monthly Pass available directly from DRT Customer Service by calling 905-571-1222 or 1-800-263-1916. The Specialized Monthly Pass is also valid for unlimited travel on DRT & GO Bus within Durham Region for the specified calendar month. The Specialized Monthly Pass qualifies for the CRA transit tax credit.
  • Access Monthly Pass (ODSP recipients)

Hours of Operation

  • Seven days a week 6:00am to 1:00am (including holidays)
  • Reservations accepted 7:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday
  • Trip Reservation closed weekends & holidays

Contracted Taxis 

Contracted taxis (accessible vans and sedans) are used to enhance DRT Specialized Services.

  • To minimize delays during peak hours of service.
  • In emergency situations.
  • Evenings and weekends.  

DRT Dispatchers must arrange all contracted taxi reservations. When you reserve your trip, your dispatcher will advise if your trip is booked with a taxi and which taxi company to expect for your trip. As this is subject to change, customers may call to confirm if the trip is booked with a taxi. 
Customers on a pay per ride basis, pay only the DRT fare rate directly to the taxi driver.


Health & Safety

  • Customers are required to wear seatbelts.
  • Securement with DRT’s physical restraint system is a mandatory requirement. On boarding, customers are  encouraged to transfer from a scooter to a regular seat. Transferring is not mandatory.  However, DRT Operators will advise passengers of the risks if the customer does not transfer to a regular 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 private homes.
  • Departure and destination locations must be accessible.
  • Walkways, ramps and steps must be clear of snow and ice.
  • Children under six must be accompanied by an adult.

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

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Updated October 4, 2011