Back to SearchWhitby, Ontario – Members of the Durham Region Transit Executive Committee (TEC) met virtually on March 2 to discuss various Durham Region Transit (DRT) initiatives and updates. Details and highlights include:
- March 7 service updates: It was reported that service changes, effective March 7, will include the return of some temporarily paused service, as well as the launch of new service based on ridership demand. Operations at Pickering Parkway Terminal are also being updated to alleviate congestion.
- Service integration: DRT staff has been working with Brampton Transit, Mississauga Transit, the TTC and York Region Transit since late 2020 to identify service integration opportunities to benefit customers travelling between Toronto and neighbouring municipalities. Updates and reports will be presented to TEC as information becomes available.
- Rapid transit projects: Through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program approved funding, about 11 kilometres of dedicated median Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lanes will be constructed through parts of Pickering, Ajax and the western limit of Whitby. Design work for the median BRT segments is underway and the project team will be consulting the public in March to gather feedback on station shelters.
- Zero Emission Transit Fund: Durham Region Transit has been invited to submit an application to Infrastructure Canada through the Zero Emission Transit Fund to advance fleet transition to zero greenhouse gas emission vehicles.
- Transit Operator and Worker Appreciation Day: Bill Holmes, General Manager, DRT advised TEC that DRT will be joining transit agencies across the country in recognizing the exceptional staff of DRT as part of Transit Operator and Worker Appreciation Day on March 18. This day of recognition will be highlighted on social media using #ThanksTransit and online at DurhamRegionTransit.com.
- GO Transit co-fare agreement: In response to an announcement from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation on March 1, the introduction of GO Transit co-fare agreements will make local transit more accessible, with free trips for riders connecting to and from GO Transit on municipal transit systems, including DRT. GO Transit also announced further discounts for youth and post-secondary students that will result in almost double the savings through PRESTO, making transit more affordable for students.
Quotes
“Seamless connection and convenience are critical for Durham Region residents and visitors, and we are proud to support the Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit project, improving the competitiveness of DRT by linking communities, employment, schools and other major destinations across the region.”
- John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer
“A key principle of service integration in public transit is that it facilitates real change that will benefit customers travelling within Durham Region and beyond. By working with neighbouring municipalities, we can bring the best sustainable travel options forward to support people to seamlessly travel between municipalities in the GTHA.”
- Shaun Collier, Mayor of Ajax and Chair of the Transit Executive Committee
“Durham Region Transit is pleased to see that through our co-fare agreement with Metrolinx, the province is further supporting residents using public transit to travel on DRT for free when connecting with GO Transit to travel across the Region and beyond. In addition, upcoming service changes will enhance access to transit by welcoming the return of some routes, which were paused earlier in the year, and introducing new service. We will continue to review travel trends and make further service adjustments as communities take next steps in re-opening for business and recreational travel.”
- Bill Holmes, General Manager of Durham Region Transit
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For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.
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