Accessibility Spotlight

All DRT buses include both courtesy and priority seating. Priority seating is at the front of the bus, behind the operator, and is available to customers using a mobility aid (e.g. walker and cane) or who would otherwise benefit from a seat. Customers with invisible disabilities have the same right to access priority seating as passengers with visible disabilities.

If the bus is full, or priority seating areas are occupied, customers using a mobility aid may need to wait for the next bus to ensure that they can be safely accommodated while travelling. 

Courtesy seating is directly behind priority seating and is available for customers who may benefit from having a seat near the front of the bus. In these instances, DRT asks that customers do the right thing and give up their seat to a passenger in need.

Both priority and courtesy seating sections are labelled on DRT with the below signs. 

All Durham Region Transit buses have a minimum of two designated mobility aid securement areas, as highlighted below. Securement is not mandatory, and customers will have to notify the operator if they wish for their mobility aid, to be properly secured. All DRT operators are trained in the proper securement techniques to ensure safety of both the customer, the mobility aid, and passengers. When not being occupied by a mobility aid, this area has folding seats to allow for additional seating on the bus. 

DRT buses offer fully accessible boarding. Our low-floor (no stairs) kneeling buses can physically lower the bus to the same height of the curb and DRT buses are also equipped with a folding ramp. If you require the folding ramp to board, advise the operator, who will be happy to deploy the ramp. Be sure to position yourself with the front doors, approximately a couple metres away from the edge of the curb, allowing space for the doors to open and the ramp to be deployed. 

Did you know?
Ahead of the January 2025 deadline, Durham Region Transit (DRT) is working hard to ensure transit stops are accessible in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Currently, our accessible stops have a concrete pad, which provides sufficient space for persons using mobility aids (e.g., wheelchair), making it easier to board our fully accessible buses using the folding ramp. Many of our stops are also equipped with a shelter, providing a safe space with both seating and standing room, for those with and without mobility devices. We aim to install shelters at all DRT stops with 20 daily boardings per day or more.