Ajax, Ontario, May 20, 2026 - Canada and Ontario have partnered with the Regional Municipality of Durham to jointly invest $11.6 million in public transit upgrades. As one of the fastest growing regions in the world, Durham Region will benefit from these investments, which will contribute to a modern and efficient public transit system helping more people reach their destinations in Durham and across the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area.

Jennifer McKelvie, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Member of Parliament for Ajax, was joined by Todd McCarthy, Member of Provincial Parliament for Durham, Lorne Coe, Member of Provincial Parliament for Whitby, and John Henry, Regional Chair and CEO of Durham Region, to announce the investment in two projects.

The first project will enhance reliability and efficiency, by replacing buses in Durham Region Transit (DRT) that have reached the end of their usable lives. The 10 new 40-foot diesel bus rapid transit vehicles will also include intelligent transportation and fare collection systems. Modernizing the transit fleet will mean that in the coming years residents can continue to depend on DRT to reach their destinations.

The second project will purchase fuel and fluid management software and install and integrate it in DRT's existing system. The software will help optimize fuel use and maintenance requirements, reducing carbon emissions and extending the lifespan of transit vehicles and infrastructure. By helping reduce overall costs, this investment will contribute to a more efficient public transit system with more resources available to continue operating and expanding.

Every month in 2025, DRT helped between 900,000 and 1.2 million transit riders reach their destinations. As Durham Region continues to grow, more residents will rely on public transit to access opportunities and essential services. Both investments announced today will help make public transit in Durham Region more comfortable, sustainable and reliable.