It won’t cost you anything to take Durham Region Transit (DRT) starting Thursday.

The transit agency says it is making a number of changes in response to the COVID-19 situation.

Schedule changes will also be coming Monday to reflect their reduced ridership demands and support social distancing efforts recommended by the Durham Region Health Department.

They say the changes will be in effect until further notice.

DRT will begin implementing the following:

Effective Wednesday, March 18: DRT’s Customer Service Centre at 110 Westney Rd. S. will be closed to customers. Staff will remain onsite to answer customer questions and help with trip planning via phone and online.

Effective Thursday, March 19: Customers will board buses using the rear doors only. Customers with mobility aides, or otherwise requiring the ramp, will continue to use the front doors. No fare payment will be required for any customer. Bus loads will be limited to support customers’ social distancing practices.



Effective Monday, March 23: a temporary DRT service reduction will be implemented until further notice. Enhanced Saturday service will be in effect Monday to Friday, with regular Saturday and Sunday service operating on weekends.



Click here for a full list of schedule changes.

DRT also say they are launching a dedicated COVID-19 website on Friday, March 20 to help ensure customers have the information they need to get where they need to go safely.