Back to SearchWhitby, Ontario – On Wednesday, October 8, members of the Durham Region Transit Executive Committee (TEC) met to discuss various Durham Region Transit (DRT) initiatives and updates. Details and highlights include:
- Truth and Reconciliation Walk: On September 26, more than 200 Durham Region, DRT and community members took part in the annual walk for Truth and Reconciliation. DRT participated in the event, offering transportation for participants who needed additional support to complete the route. The bus featured artwork highlighting this significant day of observance.
- Fostering a new generation of transit leaders: DRT is proud to support the next generation of transit professionals through participation in the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) Youth Leaders Summit (YLS), taking place October 31 to November 2. In partnership with Region’s Works and Community Growth and Economic Development Departments, DRT invited applications from students at Ontario Tech University, Durham College and Trent University. Christopher Langlois, a Durham College student, was also selected to participate at the YLS.
- Empowering local artists and providing customers a new place to sit: DRT collaborated with the Region’s Community Growth and Economic Development Department on a new initiative to install six benches that will enhance the aesthetic appeal and cultural significance of transit stops and surrounding public spaces. The project combines functional seating with works of public art, marking the first time benches have been installed at stops, around the Region, addressing customer feedback.
- New electric buses built by Canadians, for Canadians: DRT will soon receive the first fully Canadian built electric bus from New Flyer, with the new seven buses expected to be in revenue service in spring 2026.
- DRT staff in leadership roles:
Congratulations to DRT staff recently elected and appointed to leadership roles within the transit industry associations:- Lindsay Cochrane, Communications Specialist – Vice-Chair, Marketing and Communications Committee, Ontario Public Transit Association (OPTA).
- Deb Daniel, Program Manager, Community Engagement and Change – Vice-Chair, Specialized Services Committee, OPTA.
- Christopher Norris, Deputy General Manager, Maintenance – Board of Directors and Chair, Governance Committee, CUTA.
Many DRT staff also actively participate in various work groups and committees to support public transit excellence across Ontario and Canada and to ensure that DRT remains an industry leader.
Quotes
“These updates show how we’re investing for the future of Durham Region. From our first fully Canadian-built electric buses to initiatives that connect art, community and sustainability, we’re making long-term investments that will benefit Durham Region residents for generations to come.”
- John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer
“Supporting the next generation of transit leaders is vital to the future of public transportation in Canada. We’re proud of DRT’s Francisco Castillo and Durham College Student Christopher Langlois for being selected to participate at this year’s CUTA YLS. Programs like this show the talent and passion of young people who are helping drive not only DRT forward, but the Canadian transit industry forward.”
- Regional Councillor Marilyn Crawford, Chair of the Transit Executive Committee
“I’m proud of our team for leading innovative and community-focused initiatives that go above and beyond their daily responsibilities. From creative projects like the public art benches to staff taking on leadership roles across the Canadian transit industry, these accomplishments highlight the dedication, skill and commitment of DRT employees who continue to make a difference locally and nationally.”
- Bill Holmes, General Manager of Durham Region Transit
To view the complete TEC agenda, visit this link.
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For media inquiries, please contact Corporate Communications.
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