Highlights from the February 2024 Transit Executive Committee Meeting

Whitby, Ontario – On February 7, members of the Durham Region Transit Executive Committee (TEC) met to discuss various Durham Region Transit (DRT) initiatives and updates. Details and highlights include:

• Fare Integration – Removal of Double Fares Program: The Province of Ontario’s One Fare Program will launch February 26, 2024, and riders will no longer be required to pay a double fare when transferring between DRT and the TTC when using a valid PRESTO product. The program is funded by the Ministry of Transportation.

• January Service Update: DRT saw unprecedented pressures in 2023 on the transit network, including record ridership levels and service delays caused by higher loading and increased traffic congestion. To mitigate network pressures and minimize ridership impacts, DRT reallocated resources to areas experiencing the most pressure. Optimization of scheduled services for January 2024 was based on the established transit service guidelines. Routes continue to be monitored and will be further adjusted at future service changes within available resources.

• 2024 Transit Fares: The 10-year Transit Service and Financing Strategy includes significant increases in annual transit service levels and investments for the transition to an electric battery powered bus fleet. To minimize impacts on the property tax levy; and in response to continued inflationary pressures, and need to restore services suspended in January 2023, DRT proposed an adjustment of $0.25, or 7.5 per cent, on the base fare (Adult PRESTO Fare) with corresponding adjustments to the other fare categories. The fare adjustment will result in an estimated $0.95 million increase in fare revenue for 2024.

Quotes

“The Region of Durham and Durham Region Transit are delighted to participate in Ontario’s One Fare Program. The program will provide a seamless and affordable travel option for Durham Region and Toronto residents as they travel between our communities on public transit.”  

-        John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer

“By removing barriers and boundaries, Ontario’s One Fare Program provides residents with a more convenient and affordable way to travel between municipalities.”

-      Marilyn Crawford, Deputy Mayor for the Town of Ajax, and Chair of the Transit Executive Committee for Durham Regional Council

“Feedback from residents and customers regarding the January service changes is greatly appreciated as we strive to address pressures across the transit network. DRT remains committed to a reliable and efficient transit service and we have already begun to see improved reliability on major cross-regional routes and more-capacity on the network’s busiest routes.”

-        Bill Holmes, General Manager of Durham Region Transit

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For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.