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

Whitby, Ontario – On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, members of the Durham Region Transit (DRT) Executive Committee (TEC) met to discuss various DRT initiatives and updates. Details and highlights include:

• Celebrating all the incredible staff at DRT - Transit Worker Appreciation Day:
  • Transit Worker Appreciation Day (March 18, 2026) recognizes the important role transit workers play in delivering public transit services and contributing to the economic development and community wellbeing and safety across Canada. DRT will participate in the Canadian Urban Transit Association’s (CUTA) national campaign recognizing transit operators and workers and highlight the contributions of DRT staff. More information about CUTA’s Transit Worker Appreciation Week is available here.

• Updates to PRESTO:
  • PRESTO is transitioning to an account-based system that allows customers to manage their cards and fares through a centralized account, enabling real-time card loads, improved digital tools and expanded self-service features.
  • As of March 2, 2026, overdraft protection is no longer available once a PRESTO card is converted to the new system. Customers must have sufficient funds on their card to pay the full fare when tapping.

• Driving Durham - 2026 to 2030 Service Strategy:
  • Driving Durham outlines how DRT plans to deliver transit service across the Region over the next five years, considering population and employment growth, customer feedback and Regional targets.
  • The strategy aligns with the Transit Service and Financing Strategy, focused on where and when service will operate across Durham Region. Adjustments will be made through annual service plans and budgets to reflect changing conditions.
  • This strategy builds on past success and is guided by the following five pillars: availability, innovation, reliability, safety and growth. For more information about the five-year service strategy (2026 to 2030), visit this link.                                      

• Meeting the demand - On Demand Availability Action Plan:
  • The On Demand service has recently been impacted by a reduction in available vehicles, resulting in reduce ridership, on time performance, and service availability.
  • DRT shared the five actions implemented to resolve the current challenges by mid-April 2026.

• Improving travel times, trips and connections – On Demand system enhancement:
  • DRT is implementing a new process to better optimize the scheduling of booked trips, to maximize vehicle capacity and accommodate more customer trips, including real-time requests.
  • Starting March 14, 2026, next day On Demand booking requests will pause daily from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. while Via Transportation’s optimizer software reviews upcoming trips and vehicle availability to improve service efficiency.

• Protecting transit staff from coast to coast – Bill C-14: 
  • Bill C-14, the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, passed third reading in the House of Commons and is now before the Senate. The bill expands Criminal Code sentencing provisions so assaults against all transit workers performing their duties are treated as an aggravating circumstance at sentencing. More information about Bill C-14 is available here.

Quotes

“Driving Durham reflects DRT’s commitment to planning for the future of transit across the region. As Durham Region continues to grow, the five-year service strategy will help ensure DRT is ready to meet the evolving needs of residents, businesses and visitors. Guided by pillars, such as availability, innovation, reliability, safety and growth, this strategy builds on past successes while positioning DRT to deliver a modern, connected and customer-focused transit network.

-       John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer

“With Transit Worker Appreciation Day quickly approaching, I want to extend my sincere thanks to all DRT staff who keep our transit system moving. As we celebrate DRT’s 20th anniversary in 2026, their professionalism, dedication and commitment to the communities we serve continue to be the heart of our organization. I encourage everyone to join us on March 18, and throughout the week, by thanking a DRT staff member in person or sharing a message of appreciation on social media using the hashtag #ThanksTransit.”

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

“Ensuring safe, reliable, accessible and inclusive transit service remains DRT’s top priority for both customers and staff. The recent progress of Bill C-14 reinforces the importance of protecting transit workers across the country. At the same time, we are taking meaningful steps to strengthen services through fleet renewal, and optimization tools that will allow us to provide more service within existing resources to help meet the growing demand for transit across our region.”

-       Bill Holmes, General Manager of Durham Region Transit

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

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