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Child ridership program a success so far

By Chris Jones/The Oshawa Express

Durham Region Transit is seeking approval from the region to extend its “Kids Ride Free” pilot program.

The program, which was approved by council in May, is a fare incentive pilot program for children 12 years or younger to ride DRT buses for free as long as they are accompanied by a fare paying adult.

DRT is recommending the removal of that condition effective Jan. 1, 2020.

It is also recommending to council all child ticket and pass sales, PRESTO child fares, and the Ride-to-Read program be suspended for the duration of the Kids Ride Free pilot.

According to a report presented to the transit executive committee, child ridership increased during the pilot.

Between April and May, child ridership increased by 3,679 riders, a 42 per cent increase.

It then remained stable in June before increasing another 35 per cent in July with more than 16,000 riders.

While ridership saw a drop in August, DRT acting general manager William Holmes writes it is still notably higher compared to the same period in 2018.

According to Holmes, between April and May children riding free represented approximately 40 per cent of child customers, and by August it had reached 54 per cent.

DRT had previously estimated the pilot program would have an estimated revenue impact of $130,000 between May and December.

However, the actual impact between May and August is estimated at $21,000. With that the revenue shortfall has changed to $41,000 by the end of 2019.

Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter told the committee he’d like to see DRT put more focus on priority neighbourhoods as well, but believes the program has been a success regardless.

“I love this program, I think it’s a really good seed program,” said Carter.

The potential extension will have the pilot end in March 2020.

It now heads to regional council for approval.

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