Whitby residents are being invited to share their transit experiences as Durham Region Transit develops its 2026–2030 accessibility plan and gathers feedback on the future of service across the region.
The consultation initiatives were among the updates discussed at the May 6 Transit Executive Committee meeting, according to Durham Region Transit’s meeting summary. Committee members also heard about provincial transit legislation and recognition for operators’ safe-driving records.
Input on accessibility and service
DRT’s new accessibility plan will be guided by Durham Region’s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan. The transit agency is inviting residents to contribute through both virtual and in-person consultations.
The feedback will help establish accessibility priorities for DRT services and infrastructure. Residents are being asked to share their experiences and ideas as the agency develops the five-year plan.
DRT general manager Bill Holmes said in the meeting summary that listening to residents and including a range of perspectives would help the agency identify and remove barriers to public transit.
The agency is also holding its annual public information centres at locations throughout Durham Region. These informal, drop-in sessions give riders and other residents an opportunity to ask questions, describe their experiences and speak directly with DRT staff.
That feedback is intended to help shape future transit services. Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer John Henry said in the summary that discussions with residents help DRT understand changing needs and community priorities.
The meeting summary does not provide dates or locations for the accessibility consultations or public information centres.
Provincial fare changes and funding
Staff also outlined the recently announced Fare Alignment and Seamless Transit Act, contained in Schedule 4 of Bill 98. According to DRT, the legislation will give the transportation minister new authority over transit fares and service integration involving transit systems and municipalities.
Regional Councillor Marilyn Crawford, who chairs the Transit Executive Committee, expressed support for improving transit ridership across municipal boundaries while calling for provincial funding to cover costs arising from provincial decisions.
Her funding concerns included operating and capital costs tied to fares, service integration, prescribed service standards and mandatory trip-booking systems.
“The Province of Ontario One Fare Program works because they reimburse transit agencies for all lost fare revenue,” Crawford said in DRT’s meeting summary.
The committee update also noted that DRT recognized 31 operators in 2025 with Safe Driving Awards, which mark milestones in five-year increments. Another 230 operators earned credit toward their next milestone.
The drivers are scheduled to be recognized at the May 27 Regional Council meeting.
