Highlights from the February 2026 Transit Executive Committee meeting (TEC)

Whitby, Ontario – On Wednesday, February 4, members of the Durham Region Transit Executive Committee (TEC) met to discuss various Durham Region Transit (DRT) initiatives and updates. Details and highlights include:                                                                                             

• Year in review: 2025 was a pivotal year for DRT, with major service enhancements, customer-focused initiatives like the Sunflower Program and the renewed Customer Satisfaction Survey. DRT added more than 46,000 scheduled hours and 23,000 On Demand hours, while advancing long-term projects, such as facility upgrades for a future battery-electric fleet, the Durham–Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit corridor, and new workforce programs including its first mechanic apprenticeship. Watch DRT’s year in review video to see the Route to Wow. 

• Pilot for standalone solar lighting at stops: DRT manages more than 2,000 bus stops across the Region and previously tested solar lighting at stops without shelters or nearby street lighting. Following the successful pilot, DRT is now expanding solar lighting to rural bus stops that operate in the evening and are not located near a streetlight.

• Technology Roadmap: TEC has approved the DRT Technology Roadmap, which outlines the technology and resources needed to support current service and future growth. The Technology Roadmap will guide improvements to DRT’s systems, service delivery and organizational structure, helping inform technology-related decisions over the next five years.
• Black History Month bus wrap: The bus wrap featured on DRT bus 1723, is the cornerstone art for Durham’s Black History Month celebrations. It is a piece by artist Ken Daley and is entitled Legacy. The art is a vibrant and introspective painting that celebrates the power of education and the enduring ties within the African-Caribbean diaspora in Canada. 

Quotes

“Modern, reliable systems are essential to delivering the level of transit service Durham residents expect. The Durham Region Transit Technology Roadmap positions DRT to innovate, grow and make transit more convenient and responsive for customers across the Region.”

-        John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer

“Last year was a standout year for DRT, marked by operational improvements and meaningful steps forward. As we celebrate DRT’s 20th anniversary in 2026, I’m excited to see how the investments into DRT will continue to improve mobility, economic development, and quality of life across Durham.”

-        Regional Councillor Marilyn Crawford, Chair of the Transit Executive Committee

“DRT employees do more than deliver transit service; they also contribute to community safety and well-being. The situations shared at TEC—outlining the exceptional actions of DRT employees who selflessly responded to help pedestrians and customers in distress—happen every day across our Region. We are very grateful for their selfless acts of kindness.”

-        Bill Holmes, General Manager of Durham Region Transit

To view the complete TEC agenda, visit DurhamRegionTransit.com/TECFeb2026.

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