About DRT

The Route to Wow

In 2025, Durham Region Transit (DRT) was on the Route to Wow, delivering strong momentum, bringing customer-focused programs, expanded service and significant progress on future infrastructure that moved our communities forward in powerful ways.

• DRT operated over 615,000 hours of fixed-route service and approximately 200,000 hours of On Demand service (including Specialized Transit).
• Fleet of 200 buses, including first six battery-electric buses and eight 18-metre articulated vehicles, operated across 36 routes and carried 900,000 to 1.2 million customers each month. On Demand service carried an additional 25,000 to 30,000 customers monthly. 
• 192,475 DRT customer service calls were processed.

Highlights include:

• Over 35,000 scheduled hours and nearly 23,000 On Demand hours added to the transit network.
• Fare-free service for Canadian Armed Forces members and veterans.
• Joined forces with Durham Tourism to spotlight local attractions served by DRT routes
• Partnered with The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program to make travelling on DRT more accessible for individuals with non-visible disabilities.
• Collaborated with the Region’s Community Growth and Economic Development Department on a new initiative to install six benches that enhanced the aesthetic appeal of transit stops in the community.
• Welcomed the first mechanic apprentice into our new program—investing in developing the skilled workforce that will keep DRT moving into the future.
• Supported the next generation of transit professionals by partnering with Durham College for their inaugural Hackathon and sponsoring a local post-secondary student at the CUTA Young Leader Summit.
• Construction began on the Durham-Scarborough Bus Rapid Transit system along Kingston Road in Ajax.
• Purchase of property for new terminals at Windfield Farms and Harmony between Taunton and Conlin.

Watch our Year in Review video to see the Route to Wow in action.

Durham Region Transit (DRT) and it’s employees remain committed to advancing the public transit network to be convenient, reliable, and which contributes to economic development and livable communities across the Region of Durham. Below are a just few of DRT’s notable highlights from 2024.

• 170,000 calls through DRT Customer Service.
• 60,000 new revenue service hours added to the transit network.
• 13.1 million customer trips.
• 18.9 million revenue service kilometers.
• Initiated the operational pilot for battery-electric buses.
• Implemented a successful Outreach Worker program in partnership with Social Services to support unhoused and at risk residents intersecting with DRT.
• Implemented a pilot High School Ambassador program at Ajax High School.
• Enhanced community engagement across the Region.
• Launched the One fare program in partnership with the MTO, eliminating double fares for customers transferring between DRT and the Toronto Transit Commission.

 View DRT's 2023 year end video here. 

 The numbers below are projected to the end of 2023.

 Summary

• Durham Region Transit (DRT) experienced record ridership levels this fall, the highest ever recorded and exceeding pre-pandemic ridership levels. 
• Travelled over 425,065 scheduled service hours and 57,420 On Demand hours.
• Operators delivered 120,862 Specialized Service Trips and 83,974 On Demand trips throughout the year.
• Customer service team responded to over 181,000 calls.

 Service enhancements

• DRT has developed the 2023 Stations, Terminals, and Hubs Strategy to guide the expansion of terminals, and develop stations and create transit hubs.
• Launched a new On Demand app that provides planning tools and more flexible plans for customers.
• DRT’s new ambassador program has enhanced face-to-face engagement with customers, partners and communities.

 Partnerships

• DRT signed a $62 million agreement with the Canadian Infrastructure Bank to support the purchase of up to 98 zero-emission buses over the next four years.
• DRT is working with Metrolinx on the design of the new Oshawa to Bowmanville GO Transit rail extension, as well as the integration of DRT transit services.
• DRT teamed up with Canadian Blood Services to help make a meaningful impact for National Blood Donor Day.
• TTC generously loaned DRT 10 buses to help maintain service in the weeks following the fire.

 Fare incentives

• PRESTO card reduced to $4, from the previous price of $6.
• Offered the 2-for-1 Summer Youth Pass via PRESTO.
• DRT customers now have an option to pay fare by tapping PRESTO card or credit card, including credit cards linked to smartphones and smartwatches. 
• TAP (Transit Assistance Program) program for residents eligible for Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and Ontario Works.

  Awards and recognition

• The Accessible Durham Conference recognized DRT’s programs, services, technology, and equipment that make travelling on DRT accessible.
• 27 DRT operators achieved safe driver milestones ranging from five to 30 years without a preventable collision.

The numbers included in the summary section are projected to the end of 2022. 

Summary

• 589,574 hours of scheduled and Demand Response transit service.
• 142, 503 On Demand trips and 95,931 Specialized Service trips were delivered in 2022.
• DRT’s customer service team responded to 148,581 calls.
• More than 85 per cent of customers travelling with DRT used a PRESTO card, E-Ticket or digital U-Pass.

Service enhancements

• In September 2022, DRT updated the delivery model for On Demand and Specialized Services, combining the two to create an equitable Demand Response service, known as On Demand.
• A total of 10 hybrid buses were introduced to DRT’s fleet.
• DRT released a request for proposals for electric buses. The six buses are part of DRT's electric bus pilot and are expected to be delivered by the end of 2024.
• Increased service frequency was introduced for several routes and now 12 DRT routes operate every 15 minutes or better during weekday peak periods.
• Council has adopted the Fleet Transition Plan which will enable DRT to achieve a zero-emission transit fleet by 2037.  

Partnerships and community engagement

• In summer 2022, Route 917Z operated every 30 minutes during weekends and holidays, providing convenient, frequent access to the Toronto Zoo and Rouge National Urban Park. DRT customers took 2,234 trips with Route 917Z.
• DRT and the Canada Infrastructure Bank agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding to pursue a funding agreement that would support the purchase of up to 100 battery electric buses by 2027 as part of DRT’s E-Mission Zero strategy.
• DRT partnered with the Region of Durham’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team to visually promote significant initiatives, such as Pride Month and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, on DRT routes.   
• DRT participated in various parades and community engagement activities, including the Durham Regional Police Service Festive RIDE campaign launch.

Fare incentives

• 789 youth customers saved $113,040 as part of DRT’s 2021-2022 Y10 program.

• In the spring of 2022, GO Transit introduced co-fare agreements with several municipal transit agencies, including DRT. Due to this change, DRT customers travel fare-free on DRT when connecting to and from GO Transit.

Awards and recognition

• The Region of Durham received a Peter J. Marshall Award for innovation for DRT’s On Demand service.
• DRT was recognized by METRO Magazine, a North American transit industry publication, with an Innovative Solutions Award. DRT, its system provider (SPARE) and third-party app provider (TRANSIT) was honoured for the innovative work in launching DRT On Demand.
• DRT celebrated five million revenue rides in September 2022, with a projection of more than seven million revenue rides by the end of December 2022.
• 32 DRT operators achieved safe driver milestones ranging from five to 30 years without a preventable collision.

View DRT's 2021 year end video here.

The numbers below are projected to the end of 2021.

Summary

• More than 484,000 hours of transit service, including On Demand and Scheduled services
• 125,000 On Demand trips projected, this year DRT also celebrated 100,000 On Demand trips since the service began
• 65,000 Specialized Service trips projected for 2021    
• DRT's Customer service team responded to more than 128,000 calls this year.
  

Service enhancements 

• Overnight service connecting DRT with the Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) Blue Night Network and providing 24-hour service through Scheduled and On Demand services
• Service integration with the TTC and GO Transit including a new route to Scarborough City Centre
• DRT introduced Route 917Z which runs directly to the Toronto Zoo and Rouge National Urban Park on weekends and holidays during the summer season
• Developed The Route Ahead, Service Strategy 2022-2025 and Social Equity guidelines

Partnerships 

• Ontario Power Generation donated $10,000 towards free On Demand trips to and from Durham Region COVID-19 vaccination sites. By the end of the year, 660 free trips will have been provided.
• In partnership with Durham Region Paramedic Service and the Durham Region Health Department, DRT helped with mobile COVID-19 testing and supported the administration of more than 19,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses.
  
• Launched the innovative WAVE (Whitby Autonomous Vehicle Electric) shuttle pilot project, testing a self-driving shuttle across a six-kilometre route along the Whitby waterfront. This pilot was performed in partnership with: 
  • Ontario Centres of Innovation
  • SmartCone Technologies Inc.
  • AutoGuardian by SmartCone
  • Durham Region Transit
  • Town of Whitby
  • Durham Region
  • Metrolinx
  • Nokia Canada
  • Ontario Tech University
  • Durham College
  • Cybersecurity Compliance Corp.

Fare incentives 

• PRESTO E-Tickets were introduced on DRT buses and more than 342,000 E-Tickets have been used, including 23,000 digital U-Passes with Durham College, Trent University Durham GTA and Ontario Tech University
• Further enhanced Y10 monthly passes for youth ages 13 to 19 for unlimited travel with DRT
• Children 12 years of age and under ride DRT for free and are not required to be accompanied by a fare paying passenger
• TAP (Transit Assistance Program) program for residents eligible for Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and Ontario Works.

Summary

• Almost 8,000 hours of new service
• Seven new growth buses
• Four new bus operators

Frequent network

• Route 216 Harwood, 405 Wilson and 407 Ritson added to the Frequent Network
• Route 224 Harwood-Salem extended along Salem Road to Taunton Road
• Early Saturday morning service added to routes 216 Harwood, 302 Brock-Baldwin, 401 Simcoe, 407 Ritson, 915 Taunton, 916 Rossland and PULSE 900 Highway 2
• Saturday late-evening service added to routes 302 Brock-Baldwin, 915 Taunton and 916 Rossland
• Additional late-evening trips added to routes 224 Harwood-Salem, 302 Brock-Baldwin, 915 Taunton and 916 Rossland
• Route 916 Rossland afternoon service improved to every 15 minutes
• PULSE 900 Highway 2 Sunday service improved to every 15 minutes, between downtown Oshawa and the Pickering Town Centre
• Capacity increased on routes 401 Simcoe and 915 Taunton during weekday peak periods

Expanding to new growth areas

• North Pickering (Brock Road and Zents Drive)
  • Route 112 Brock via Rex Heath Drive
• North Oshawa (Kedron Street)
  • Route 420 Britannia West extended to Windfields Farm
  • New route 422 Simcoe-Bloor connects Oshawa Station to Windfields Farm, via Simcoe Street
• Whitby (Brooklin)
  • Route 302 Brock-Baldwin adjusted routing to remove duplication with route 304 Anderson
  • Route 304 Anderson extended to Brooklin and UOIT/DC, replacing route 310 Winchester

Expansion to employment and commercial areas

• Additional Monday to Saturday late evening trips on routes 216 Harwood, 217 Monarch, 223 Bayly, 305 Thickson and 308 Whitby Shores, replacing late night shuttle service
• Additional weekday morning trips on route 406 Wentworth
• Additional Sunday evening trips on route 403 Park
• Increased frequency to 30 minutes on routes 305 Thickson and 910 Campus Connect
• Additional Saturday morning trips on routes 110 West Pickering, 112 Brock, 223, Bayly, 305 Thickson, 403 Park and 910 Campus Connect
• Additional Saturday late evening trips on routes 110 West Pickering, 112 Brock, 223 Bayly and 403 Park

Additional service changes

• More direct routing (faster customer travel times) on routes 101 Bay Ridges, 219 Ravenscroft, 225 Audley North, 291 Ajax Community Route and 312 Central Whitby
• Trip reductions on Route 111 Finch during weekday peak periods reflecting use
• Sunday service cancelled on route 103 reflecting low use, alternatives available
• Route 218 Pickering Beach service cancelled, alternatives available
• Trip reductions on routes 217 Monarch, 226 Westney South and 232 Church during weekday peak periods, reflecting use
• Trip reductions on routes 226 Westney South and 232 Church, after 20:00 Monday to Saturday, reflecting use, alternatives available
• Frequency reduction to 60 minutes on routes 225 Audley North, 226 Westney South and 232 Church
• Trip reductions on routes 304 Anderson and 308 Whitby Shores during weekday peak periods, reflecting use
• Trip reductions on route 304 Anderson, after 20:00, Monday to Saturday, reflecting use, alternatives available
• More direct routing (faster customer travel times) on routes 601 Brock-Uxbridge, 603 Pickering Uxbridge and 950 Reach-Simcoe North
• New Sunday service on route 950
• New schedules provide new connections with GO Transit at Highway 407 and Pickering Station
• OnDemand services to Orillia and Lindsay extended to Port Perry
• OnDemand available seven days per week and expanded into Brock Township

Summary

• Nearly 11,000 hours of new service
• Four new growth buses
• Seven new bus operators
• New website for better customer communications

High Frequency improvements

• Route 120 Whites will run every 30 minutes or better, seven days a week
• Route 915 Taunton extended to Harmony Terminal (via UOIT/Durham College)

• Early Saturday morning service for Routes 120 Whites, 224 Harwood-Salem, 302 Baldwin-Brock, 915 Taunton, and 916 Rossland
• Extended Saturday evening service for Route 224 Harwood-Salem
• Earlier Sunday morning and extended evening service for Routes 120 Whites and 224 Harwood-Salem
• Route 401 Simcoe gets improved Sunday service, mirroring Saturday

• More capacity during weekday peak periods on Routes 401 Simcoe and 915 Taunton

Expanding to new growth areas

• North Pickering (Brock and Zents) *delayed due to construction
  • Route 112 through Rex Heath Drive
• East Ajax (Rossland and Audley)
  • Route 225 through Turnerbury Ave
• Whitby (Brooklin)
  • Route 302 extended west of Baldwin
  • Route 310 to operate 7 days a week
• North Oshawa (Kedron)
  • Route 310 to operate 7 days a week along Simcoe north of Conlin
  • Route 417 to operate 7 days a week
  • Route 420 extended to Windfields Farms

Improvements to employment and commercial areas - Routes

• 217 Monarch
• 223 Bayly
• 305 Thickson
• 403 Park
• 405 Wilson
• 407 Ritson Colonel Sam
• 409 Garrard Stevenson
• 410 Olive Harmony
• 411 South Courtice

Summary

• Schedule and resource realignments leading up to High Frequency improvements
• Reallocation of resources from low-ridership routes to busier routes

High Frequency improvements

• PULSE 900 Highway 2 and 401 Simcoe gets 30 minute or better service, seven days a week
• Routes 224 Harwood-Salem, 302 Brock-Baldwin, 915 Taunton, and 916 Rossland get 30 minute or better service, until 19:00, seven days a week
• Routes 302 Baldwin-Brock, 915 Taunton, and 916 Rossland get Saturday and Sunday service frequency increases
• Route 224 Harwood-Salem gets increased Sunday service

New service

• Route 120 Whites gets Sunday service increases to 30 minutes, between 10:00 and 18:00
• New Route 420 West Britannia introduces 30 minute weekday peak-period service between UOIT/DC north campus and Britannia West
• New Route 408 Garrard-Stevenson will service to the Garrard and Stevenson area
• Route 305 Thickson gets two-way service on Thickson, from Consumers to Taunton
• Route 910 Campus Connect gets two-way service on Thornton, from Gibb to Taunton
• Route 409 Garrard gets two-way service on Garrard, from Gibb to Taunton
• New Route 603 Brock Road introduces weekday service from Pickering Parkway Terminal to Uxbridge (replaces Route 199)
• New Routes 651 Uxbridge Demand Response and 652 Scugog Demand response introduces weekday demand-response service connecting lower-density areas of Scugog and Uxbridge Townships with Port Perry and Uxbridge
• New Route 653 Beaverton-Orillia introduces one-day-a-week demand-response service between Beaverton and Orillia
• New Route 654 Cannington-Lindsay introduces one-day-a-week demand-response service between Cannington and Kawartha Lakes