In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Durham Region Transit (DRT) will not be collecting payment for fares.

According to a media release, the measure is one aspect of some service modifications being made to reflect reduced ridership demands and support the social distancing efforts recommended by the Durham Region Health Department and provincial and federal governments.

As of Thursday (March 19), customers without mobility aids will asked to board using the rear doors only and bus loads will be limited to support customers’ social distancing practices.

“No fare payment will be required for any customer,” the media release reads.

Effective Monday (March 23), a temporary DRT service reduction will be implemented until further notice. Enhanced Saturday service will be in effect Monday to Friday, with regular Saturday and Sunday service operating on weekends.

DRT will be launching a dedicated webpage – durhamregiontransit.com/COVID-19 – on Friday (March 20) to help ensure customers have the information they need to get where they need to go safely.