The Durham Region Transit (DRT) Executive Committee yesterday announced an upcoming fare increase from July 1 this year.
“Fares remain a crucial revenue source for DRT, funding over one third of operational expenses,” a statement said.
“This fare increase is part of DRT’s 10-year strategy to invest in service enhancements, transition to a battery-electric fleet, and offer new facilities and amenities,” the statement added.
DRT’s long-term plans aim to improve and expand service, including more routes, more frequent buses, upgraded facilities, and new technologies.
DRT said paying with Presto saves customers money and is the most cost-effective way to travel.
The following are the fare changes from 2025 to 2026.
“Fares are critical to keeping our transit system moving; in 2025 almost 40 per cent of operating costs were funded by fares. While fares are crucial to DRT’s success, customers can save more money by paying their fare using a Presto card, virtual wallet, or E-Ticket. An adult travelling regularly with DRT can save up to $10 a week compared to paying with cash,” said Bill Holmes, DRT General Manager.
To view DRT’s fares, visit: DurhamRegionTransit.com/Fares.
Other Initiatives
Other initiatives discussed at the meeting included making it easier to apply for and use specialized services, website update, and reviewing customer feedback and improving DRT. Once the rollout is complete, all specialized services customers will be able to:
- Plan and book trips without calling a booking agent.
- Track their vehicle live and see arrival times.
- Cancel trips easily in the app.
- View information about past trips.
- Customers will continue to have the option to book trips by phone and call for trip updates. However, customers who use the app may need to call less often, helping reduce call volumes and wait times for themselves and others.