Back to Search• Introducing DRT’s High School Ambassadors: DRT has launched its pilot High School Ambassador Program (HSAP) for the 2024-2025 school year at Ajax High School. This engaging and educational volunteer opportunity allows the selected students to partner with DRT to promote the benefits of public transit for students. DRT welcomes its very first High School Ambassadors, Saom Javaid and Zahra Zariwala, who are Grade 10 students and public transit riders. Welcome aboard Saom and Zahra!
• Abilities Centre Pathways 2 Employment partnership increases confidence for new transit riders: DRT continues to collaborate with the Pathways 2 Employment program at Abilities Centre to support jobseekers participating in the program with an understanding and confidence in using public transit. DRT Transit Ambassadors provide tailored travel training on trip planning, fares, stops, safety, using mobile apps, and route navigation. At the conclusion of the summer 2024 session, participants reported a 71 per cent increase in overall confidence in travel, navigation, and payment, with 84.8 per cent improving in identifying stop IDs and bus routes, and 65 per cent gaining confidence in paying for transit independently. DRT looks forward to continuing to positively impact local jobseekers through this program.
• Public art exhibit at bus shelters across the region: Durham Region launched a pilot project under the newly approved Public Art and Creative Placemaking Program, inviting local artists to submit their artwork for installation on DRT shelters. Shelters displaying the art are currently located at the Oshawa Centre terminal, Harmony terminal, and near the north Oshawa campus (Ontario Tech University and Durham College). The project enhances public spaces, celebrates local talent, and fosters a sense of community through creative expression.
• Additional 18 buses to be purchased to meet ongoing demand: TEC approved the purchase of 18 buses, maximizing the number of new buses from the approved 2024 budget. These are projected to be in service in September 2026. Annual ridership projections are 13.0 million for 2024, 13.9 million for 2025, and 15.2 million for 2026.
• Record ridership continues: Year to date, 2024 ridership is 20.6 per cent higher than 2019, and 25.9 per cent higher than 2023. The remaining new service hours approved in the 2024 budget were implemented during the October scheduled service change. In anticipation of additional revenue service hours being approved in the 2025 budget, DRT continues to recruit and train staff to implement the additional service as soon as possible in 2025.
Quotes
“The Public Art and Creative Placemaking Program is a meaningful way to celebrate local talent and enrich our community spaces. By showcasing artwork on DRT shelters, we are not only beautifying our transit system, but also fostering a sense of pride and connection among residents.”
- John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer
“The positive impacts of DRT’s High School Ambassador Program and the Pathways 2 Employment partnership with Abilities Centre are a testament to the exceptional impact of Durham Region Transit’s engagement team. The Transit Ambassadors play a crucial role in raising awareness across our communities and in promoting the benefits of public transit. Their leadership and enthusiasm help build a more inclusive and confident community of transit users.”
- Regional Councillor Marilyn Crawford, Chair of the Transit Executive Committee
“We are excited to continue enhancing the transit network towards a vision where the public chooses DRT services because it is convenient and meets their mobility needs, making 2024 a record year for transit ridership."
- Bill Holmes, General Manager of Durham Region Transit
To view the complete TEC agenda, visit DurhamRegionTransit.com/TEC.
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Media inquiries:
The Regional Municipality of Durham:
Corporate Communications
905-668-4113 extension 2383
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