Back to SearchWhitby, Ontario – On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, members of the Durham Region Transit (DRT) Executive Committee (TEC) met to discuss various DRT initiatives and updates. Details and highlights include:
DRT 2026 Fare Strategy approved:
TEC approved the 2026 DRT Fare Strategy, which supports further modernizing the fare payment and management system. This includes considerations for:
- Fare capping, and the elimination of monthly passes.
- Exploring the transition to eliminating cash fares.
- Expanding criteria for the Transit Affordability Program.
- Enhancing the revenue protection program.
Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit update:
An update was provided on the Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit (DSBRT) line, a planned 36-kilometre rapid transit corridor between downtown Oshawa and the Scarborough Town Centre. Updates were provided for sections of the DSBRT in Ajax and Pickering that are funded by the Investing In Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), and which will be under various stages of construction between 2026 – 2028. Watch this video to learn more.
April service updates:
Effective Monday, April 13, 2026, DRT will implement service enhancements to improve GO Train connections and on-time performance. The main changes are described below. Customers are encouraged to check DurhamRegionTransit.com for full details of their routes and schedules.
- 411/421: For consistency, Route 421 will replace 411 trips on the weekend. There will be a new branch 421F on weekends, from Trulls Road to Oshawa Centre Terminal.
- 618: On weekdays, routing will be modified to operate via Paxton Street and Scugog Line 6. New stops have been updated to serve Port Perry Hospital, improving access for residents, patients and staff. New stops have also been added on 1401 Scugog Line 6 and at Easy Street to support the local employers and their employees.
Durham College Hackathon:
On March 14 and 15, 2026, DRT partnered with Durham College’s Faculty of Business and IT to host its second annual Hackathon, where 35 students developed innovative solutions to real-world transit challenges in 24 hours. Supported by DRT staff mentors and judges, students produced 12 projects, with the winning entry focused on improving parts and inventory management through predictive data analysis.
Transit Worker Appreciation Day:
The DRT team, and other Regional staff, help residents travel safely and reliably to work, school, shopping, appointments and essential services. Every area of transit plays a part in this effort, from front-line staff to the individuals and teams working tirelessly behind the scenes. On March 18, we celebrated this work through Transit Worker Appreciation Day, an online campaign encouraging our community to Thank Transit. Meet some of the people who move Durham.
Quotes
“The Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit project is focused on building more connected communities across our region. As construction progresses, we recognize the temporary impacts this work may have and appreciate the patience and co-operation of residents and businesses. Once complete, the DSBRT will deliver a faster, more reliable, and more sustainable transit system that strengthens connections between neighbourhoods and improves quality of life for years to come.”
- John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer
“On Transit Worker Appreciation Day, and every day, it is important that we recognize the dedicated transit workers who serve our communities. Your professionalism, resilience and commitment do not go unnoticed. On behalf of the Transit Executive Committee, thank you for the essential role you play in keeping people connected and moving safely.”
- Regional Councillor Marilyn Crawford, Chair of the Transit Executive Committee
“The updated DRT Fare Strategy provides a clear roadmap for evolving the fare system in a way that reflects best practices across the industry. It supports greater consistency across the GTHA, while advancing access and affordability for our customers. This ensures our fare system remains modern and responsive to the needs of the communities we serve.”
- Bill Holmes, General Manager of Durham Region Transit
To view the complete TEC agenda, visit DurhamRegionTransit.com/TECApril2026.
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Public Inquiries
The Region of Durham
311 (within Durham Region)
905-668-7711 or 1-800-372-1102 (Toll-free)
311@durham.ca
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