Highlights from the May 2026 Transit Executive Committee meeting
Whitby, Ontario – On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, members of the Durham Region Transit (DRT) Executive Committee (TEC) met to discuss various DRT initiatives and updates. Details and highlights include:
Shaping DRT’s Accessibility Plan 2026-2030
Durham Region Transit (DRT) is taking the next step in building a more inclusive transit system by developing its Accessibility Plan 2026–2030, guided by Durham Region’s Multi‑Year Accessibility Plan.
Through a series of engaging virtual and in‑person consultations, DRT invites residents to share their experiences, ideas, and priorities to help create a shared vision for accessibility across DRT services and infrastructure.
Have your say: annual public information centres
DRT is connecting with communities across the region to explore the future of transit through a series of informal, drop-in Public Information Centres (PICs) held at locations throughout Durham Region. These sessions provide a welcoming space for customers and residents to share their experiences, ask questions and provide valuable feedback. By participating, community members can help shape future transit services while engaging directly with the DRT team in open, meaningful conversations about transit in their communities.
Upcoming sessions include:
- May 12, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Port Perry Walmart
- May 26, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Fisher’s, Beaverton
- May 26, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Brock Community Health Centre, Cannington
- May 28, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Brock Libraries - Sunderland Branch
Safe Driver Awards 2025
In 2025, DRT recognized 31 operators with milestone Safe Driving Awards, marking five-year increments of safe driving. An additional 230 operators earned credit toward their next milestone, highlighting a strong, organization‑wide commitment to safety. Drivers will be recognized at the next Regional Council meeting on May 27, 2026.
Fare Alignment and Seamless Transit Act, Schedule 4 of Bill 98
Staff provided an overview of the recently announced Fare Alignment and Seamless Transit Act, which will give new authority to the Minister of Transportation related to transit fares and service integration for transit systems and municipalities. This includes:
- Setting up a common fare structure and fare prices, as well as rules for discounts, transfers and related matters.
- Making regulations to identify new or existing routes as priority routes, set service standards and service integration requirements.
- Creating a unified trip-booking system approved by the Minister and requiring transit systems to provide specialized transportation service to a prescribed distance outside their primary service area.
Quotes
“Engaging with Durham residents is essential to understanding how transit must continue to evolve to meet their needs. The conversations at public information centres create a space for honest feedback and help Durham Region Transit to enhance the transit network and improve and deliver services that truly reflect the priorities of the communities we serve.”
– John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer
“TEC fully supports efforts to enhance transit ridership across municipal boundaries, but it is critical that the province fund all operating, and capital pressures related to their decisions for fares, service integration and prescribed service standards, or mandatory trip booking systems. The Province of Ontario One Fare Program works because they reimburse transit agencies for all lost fare revenue.”
– Regional Councillor Marilyn Crawford, Chair of the Transit Executive Committee
“Accessible transit is vital to ensuring everyone in our community can connect to opportunities, services and each other. By listening to residents and incorporating diverse perspectives into the Accessibility Plan 2026–2030, Durham Region Transit is taking meaningful steps to identifying and removing barriers and advancing an inclusive public transit service.”
– Bill Holmes, General Manager of Durham Region Transit
To view the complete TEC agenda, visit DurhamRegionTransit.com/TECMay2026.
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