Durham Region Transit riders will be paying a bit more starting July 1, as the agency raises PRESTO single-ride fares and bumps up cash and open-payment prices at the same time. Transit officials say the modest increase is one step in a decade-long plan to expand service, modernize how riders pay, and shift the fleet toward battery-electric buses. PRESTO users will still generally pay less than cash, and specialized-service riders are being promised new trip-management tools in the coming months.
What changes on July 1
In its latest announcement, Durham Region Transit sets the new single-ride PRESTO fares at Adult $3.35, Youth (13-19) $3.00 and Seniors (65+) $2.20. Single-ride cash and open-payment fares rise to $4.35 for adults and youth and $3.20 for seniors, all effective July 1. According to Durham Region Transit, riders can find the full schedule of changes on its fares page. The complete list of single-ride and pass adjustments is posted by Durham Region Transit.
Why the agency says it’s needed
Regional staff and DRT describe the fare hike as a small, predictable adjustment meant to protect planned service investments and support a gradual transition to electric buses as part of a longer-term financing strategy. A staff report presented to council estimated that the July change would add roughly $460,000 to 2026 fare revenue and about $910,000 on an annualized basis. See Region of Durham for Report #2025-DRT-19, which outlines the staff recommendation and impact figures, and consult the region’s budget documents for the wider context. The Region of Durham 2026 Business Plans and Budget By-law lists the estimated transit fare revenues and overall DRT program totals that frame the agency’s budgeting picture.
On Demand and specialized riders
Durham Region has been steadily shifting more bookings onto a mobile platform and has told the Transit Advisory Committee that the On Demand app will be extended to customers registered with specialized transit. Those riders will be able to pre-book, manage and track trips without calling a reservationist. The app store listing highlights live vehicle tracking and other trip-management tools, while regional communications stress that anyone who prefers to use the phone can still contact DRT’s call centre or 311 for reservations and updates. See the Transit Advisory Committee agenda from the Region of Durham and the DRT On Demand app listing from Apple for more detail on rollout plans and features, and check regional advisories for alternate booking options. Notices from the Region of Durham explain how call-in booking remains available.
What riders should know now
The fare changes kick in on July 1. DRT is reminding customers that using PRESTO still offers the best per-trip value, with about a $10 saving every 10 trips compared with paying cash, and is directing riders to its fares page or the DRT Customer Service Centre for a full breakdown or help sorting through the options. Officials say these increases are one part of a multi-year fare-modernization plan that also includes future fare capping and product consolidation as the agency upgrades its payment systems and expands service.
