Durham Region Transit’s (DRT) 2020 business plan and budget was passed by the Regional Council, allowing DRT to build on improvements from the last few years.
The plan includes:
- Improving service: more than 13,000 hours of net additional service over a 12-month period spanning 2020-2021, including the introduction of PULSE Simcoe 901.
- Improving access: new articulated buses on PULSE 900 Highway 2 starting in September, more access to destinations beyond Durham including the Toronto Zoo, Rouge National Urban Park and Rouge Hill GO Station, as well as more On Demand service between Uxbridge and Mount Albert, in York Region.
- Improving incentives: continuation of fare incentives making it easier to ride DRT, including kids ride free and the removal of the ‘with a fare paying passenger’ stipulation, youth (ages 13-19) monthly 2-for-1 passes for July and August, Y10 youth pass and the Transit Assistance Program (TAP) pilot for persons receiving social assistance in Durham.
“That DRT ridership continues to increase shows that investment in transit is working. Getting people out of their cars and into a bus are important parts of the region’s climate change and environmental sustainability priorities, as well as our larger Strategic Plan,” said Regional Chair John Henry.
The 2020 budget sees no change to the price of monthly passes across all fare categories, including the co-fare program with Metrolinx that enables customers to travel with DRT for C$0.80 (US$0.60) when connecting to and from GO Transit. On May 1, single-trip tickets and PRESTO taps will increase by C$0.05 (US$0.037), with cash fares going up by C$0.25 (US$0.19).
“This year’s business plan and budget ensures continued investment in our strategic priorities of improving access, connections, performance and service,” said Bill Holmes, general manager of DRT. “We’re working hard to keep people moving safely throughout the region.”
“There are many advantages to investing in youth ridership, including making transit an attractive option for future generations. We want to continue to work towards building a transit network that is the first choice of residents and visitors to the region,” said Shaun Collier, mayor of Ajax and chair of the Transit Executive Committee.
DRT’s first round of service enhancements for 2020 arrive April 6. These service changes will make accessing public transit easier than ever and improve options for travel within the region and beyond.
