Durham Region Transit's executive committee met Wednesday, Oct. 8, reviewing a slate of initiatives that Regional officials say point to long-term investments in the region's transit network — including the arrival of the region's first fully Canadian-built electric buses.
The Transit Executive Committee, which oversees Durham Region Transit (DRT), received updates on a range of projects, from fleet electrification to community art installations and staff involvement in national transit organizations, according to a Durham Region Transit news release.
"These updates show how we're investing for the future of Durham Region. From our first fully Canadian-built electric buses to initiatives that connect art, community and sustainability, we're making long-term investments that will benefit Durham Region residents for generations to come," Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer John Henry said in the release.
The release did not specify how many electric buses DRT has ordered or when they are expected to enter service. It described them as the transit agency's first buses built entirely in Canada.
Two locals heading to national youth summit
The committee also recognized two people with Durham ties who have been selected for this year's Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) Youth Leadership Summit: Francisco Castillo, a DRT employee, and Christopher Langlois, a Durham College student.
"Supporting the next generation of transit leaders is vital to the future of public transportation in Canada. We're proud of DRT's Francisco Castillo and Durham College Student Christopher Langlois for being selected to participate at this year's CUTA YLS. Programs like this show the talent and passion of young people who are helping drive not only DRT forward, but the Canadian transit industry forward," Regional Councillor Marilyn Crawford, chair of the Transit Executive Committee, said in the release.
Public art benches and industry leadership
DRT staff have also been working on public art benches, a creative project highlighted at the meeting. General Manager Bill Holmes praised employees for taking on projects beyond their daily duties.
"I'm proud of our team for leading innovative and community-focused initiatives that go above and beyond their daily responsibilities. From creative projects like the public art benches to staff taking on leadership roles across the Canadian transit industry, these accomplishments highlight the dedication, skill and commitment of DRT employees who continue to make a difference locally and nationally," Holmes said in the release.
The release noted many DRT staff also take part in work groups and committees across Ontario and Canada, which the agency says helps keep DRT an industry leader in public transit.
The complete agenda and supporting documents from the Oct. 8 meeting are posted on the Durham Region Transit website.
