Durham Region Transit (DRT) is set to receive a major boost after federal, provincial, and regional governments announced a combined investment of $11.6 million to modernize public transportation across Durham Region.
The funding will support two key projects aimed at improving transit reliability, efficiency, and sustainability. The largest portion of the investment will be used to purchase 10 new diesel-powered buses to replace aging vehicles that have reached the end of their service life. The second project will introduce advanced fuel and fluid management software designed to optimize fleet operations and reduce maintenance costs.
Officials say the investment will help Durham Region Transit continue meeting the transportation needs of one of Ontario’s fastest-growing regions.
Durham Regional Chair John Henry welcomed the funding announcement, noting that public transit plays a vital role in connecting residents to employment, education, healthcare, and essential services throughout the region.
“As one of Ontario’s larger transit systems, Durham Region Transit plays a key role in connecting our growing communities,” Henry said. “This partnership enables DRT to expand its fleet and improve service reliability while supporting local jobs and strengthening the regional economy.”
The 10 new 40-foot buses will feature modern technology, including intelligent transportation systems and upgraded fare collection equipment. Replacing older vehicles is expected to improve reliability while helping DRT maintain service levels as ridership continues to grow.
Durham Region Transit serves communities including Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Clarington, Brock, Scugog, and Uxbridge. Throughout 2025, the transit system recorded between 900,000 and 1.2 million passenger trips each month, highlighting the growing importance of public transportation across the region.
In addition to fleet upgrades, DRT will implement new fuel and fluid management software that integrates with existing transit systems. The technology will help monitor fuel consumption, improve maintenance scheduling, reduce waste, and extend the lifespan of transit vehicles and infrastructure.
Transit officials believe the software will also contribute to environmental goals by reducing fuel usage and lowering carbon emissions associated with daily transit operations.
Ajax Member of Parliament Jennifer McKelvie said the investment reflects the need for infrastructure improvements that can keep pace with Durham Region’s rapid growth.
“Durham Region is growing quickly and as more people become part of our community, we need to ensure our infrastructure can keep pace,” McKelvie said. “Investments in public transportation are an important part of building a stronger region now and in the future.”
Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria also emphasized the importance of reliable transit services as communities continue to expand.
Funding for the projects comes from multiple levels of government. The federal government is contributing approximately $4.64 million through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Province of Ontario is providing approximately $3.86 million, while Durham Region is investing just over $3.09 million.
The announcement forms part of broader transit investments taking place across Ontario. Durham Region alone has received more than $174 million through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to support public transit improvements, including more than $79 million from the provincial government.
With new buses and upgraded technology on the way, Durham Region Transit expects the investment to improve passenger experiences while helping build a more efficient and reliable transit system for years to come.
