DRT free for children under 12 starting May 1

Following Metrolinx’s lead, Durham Region Transit is making it easier for families to take public transit.

Starting May 1, children aged 12 and under will ride free when travelling with a fare paying passenger, and once again this summer, monthly passes for youth ages 13 to 19 are 2-for-1 for July and August.

Otherwise, all DRT fares will remain the same again this year, except for adult and youth single trips paid either with PRESTO or a paper ticket, which will see an increase of five cents.

The announcement was made after Metrolinx began to allow children 12 and under to ride their GO Transit without paying a fare as of March 9.

There is no change to the cash or co-fares, and the best value, all-you-can-ride monthly passes remain the same for adults, youth and seniors.

DRT’s announcement was approved in the region’s 2019 budget.

“This budget supports our younger generation by providing new attractive fare initiatives: kids 12 and under ride free, and the youth 2-for-1 summer pass,” said Shaun Collier, chair of the Transit Executive Committee and Mayor of Ajax.