Back to SearchWhitby, Ontario – On Wednesday, April 2, members of the Durham Region Transit Executive Committee (TEC) met to discuss various Durham Region Transit (DRT) initiatives and updates. Details and highlights include:
- Transit Operator and Worker Appreciation Day: On March 18, DRT celebrated Transit Operator and Worker Appreciation Day, recognizing the dedicated employees who ensure the system operates safely and smoothly. This day was a chance to thank operators, maintenance staff, customer service representatives, and others who keep public transit moving in Durham Region. Watch the video.
- May Service Changes coming to DRT: Beginning Monday, May 5, 2025, DRT will implement service enhancements across the transit network as part of the 2025 Annual Service Plan. The enhancements are designed to add new services and improve reliability. Updates available at: May 2025 service updates - Durham Region Transit
- Partnering with Durham College for student Hackathon: DRT collaborated with Durham College’s Faculty of Science, Engineering, and Information Technology during their 24-hour hackathon March 22 and 23. The event challenged student teams to develop innovative technological solutions using DRT open data aimed at enhancing the transit customer experience. Students accessed DRT’s open General Transit Feed Specification data, integrated external data, and designed new user interfaces. A panel consisting of DRT staff and college faculty evaluated the presentations, and awards were given to the top three entries. For more information about Durham College’s Hackathon, visit this link.
- The Sunflower program launches in April 2025: DRT has joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program to support customers with non-visible disabilities. Adopted globally, the program helps promote understanding and inclusion by providing a discreet way for individuals to indicate they may need assistance, patience, or support while using transit. Effective April 29, 2025, DRT customers can order a free Sunflower pin or lanyard either online or by calling DRT Customer Service.
- Durham Region and DRT celebrated Black History Month: In February, DRT teamed up with The Region’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion teams to wrap a bus for Black History Month. The wrap featured artwork by Toronto artist Reisha Felix, which honours Black hairstyles as symbols of resistance and cultural identity.
- Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) advocates against bus tariffs: In a letter to the federal Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs, CUTA voiced serious concerns about the potential inclusion of buses and bus components in phase two of Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods. CUTA emphasized that such tariffs would have unintended negative effects on public transit systems, manufacturing, and affordability across Canada.
Quotes
“Durham Region Transit continues to showcase the power of collaboration by working with municipal partners and organizations like Durham College to explore new ideas and improve transit for everyone. By participating in innovative events such as the Hackathon, DRT is demonstrating how public transit values community, partnership and creativity.”
- John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer
“On Transit Operator and Worker Appreciation Day, we honoured the dedication, professionalism, and compassion that our staff demonstrate every day. I am also very excited that DRT is joining the Sunflower program, which is an important step toward a more inclusive community and supportive transit experience for all riders.”
- Regional Councillor Marilyn Crawford, Chair of the Transit Executive Committee
“Through community meetings and information sessions, DRT is directly engaging with residents to better understand their transit needs. Our upcoming service changes in May are a result of our commitment to ongoing dialogue with the communities we serve; they are designed to improve our transit system and better align with rider demand and feedback.”
- Bill Holmes, General Manager of Durham Region Transit
To view the complete TEC agenda, visit this link.
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Media inquiries:
The Regional Municipality of Durham:
Corporate Communications
905-668-4113 extension 2383
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