Back to school and beyond: How DRT Ambassadors help residents travel with confidence

For some residents, taking transit is part of their everyday routine. For others, knowing where to start can be the hardest part.

As students across Durham Region head back-to-school, many may be navigating transit on their own for the first time. But they aren’t alone. From students or newcomers settling into Durham, to workers starting a new job, to older adults and residents living with disabilities, a little guidance can go a long way.

That’s where Durham Region Transit (DRT) Ambassadors come in.

"Our Community Ambassadors are here to help residents feel more confident and comfortable using transit,” said Deborah Daniel, DRT’s Program Manager for Community Engagement and Change Management. "Whether it's explaining the services available, answering questions or walking someone through how to take a trip on public transit, we want all residents to know that options are available to help them get where they want or need to go."

DRT Ambassadors work throughout the community to raise awareness of the importance of public transit and help residents better understand their transit options. Their knowledge also comes from firsthand experience – all members of the current Ambassador team began their careers as DRT bus operators.

Taking the bus to school for the first time?

Taking the bus to school for the first time can come with a lot of questions, including which route to take, how to pay your fare and how to know when it’s your stop. Students heading back to class can find their route before planning their trip.

DRT Ambassadors work with students across Durham Region to make taking transit feel more familiar. Through partnerships with schools and community organizations, Ambassadors help young riders learn how to plan their route, pay their fare, use transit apps and understand the accessibility features available on DRT buses.

For students, or any resident who could use extra support, DRT’s free Travel Training program takes that help one step further. Ambassadors can work with riders from the beginning to the end of a trip, helping them learn how to navigate each part of their journey.

"We want students to feel confident taking transit on their own and know what to expect along the way,” shared DRT Ambassador, Kamika Walfall. “Travel training helps give that independence, while giving their parents reassurance knowing their child is prepared to take the bus on their own."

The goal is bigger than getting someone through one bus ride. It’s about giving riders the skills and knowledge to travel with confidence.

New to Durham? Transit can help you get to know your community

DRT Ambassadors connect with newcomers through welcome centres and community partners across Durham Region. Through presentations and conversations, they introduce residents to DRT services, answer questions and make the transit system easier to understand.

For someone moving to a new community, learning how to use transit can open the door to more than a bus ride. It can mean getting to work or school, attending appointments, visiting new places and becoming more familiar with the community around them.

Learn more about riding with DRT.

Haven’t taken transit in a while? It might look different than you remember

If you’ve spent years getting around by car, taking transit again (or trying it for the first time) can feel like a big change and intimidating.

DRT Ambassadors also regularly visit senior centres, libraries and other community spaces to help older adults learn about available transit options. Along with answering questions about scheduled and On Demand services, ambassadors connect residents with information about integrated travel and specialized services to help them find an option that fits their needs.

For an older adult who may be driving less or considering other ways to get around, understanding those options can also mean maintaining something important, their independence.

That’s what DRT Ambassador Holly Trotman finds when she works with older adults in the community. “Transit can support a level of independence that people may not realize is available to them or be apprehensive about using it for the first time. I really enjoy helping older adults learn about their options and showing them what’s possible.”

Making transit more accessible

Feeling confident getting around can look different for every rider.

DRT buses include accessibility features designed to support riders throughout their trip.

For residents who would benefit from additional guidance, DRT Ambassadors work with community partners to help people with disabilities become more familiar and comfortable using transit.

The Sunflower Program supports people with non-visible disabilities who may need additional time, understanding or assistance when accessing participating Regional programs or services.

"The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program is another way we can help riders feel more comfortable and supported while using transit,” said Deborah. “It helps the DRT team recognize when someone may need a little more time or assistance along their trip." 

DRT On Demand provides flexible transportation in areas without regular bus service and offers door-to-door service for eligible riders registered with Specialized transit whose disabilities prevent them from using conventional transit. Together with travel training and accessibility supports, it helps ensure residents can find a transit option that meets their individual needs.

Whether it’s learning about accessibility features, practising a trip or finding a service that better meets an individual’s needs, ambassadors can connect residents with the information and support available to them.

Ready for your next trip?

No matter where you’re headed, getting there starts with knowing your options. DRT Ambassadors are helping residents across Durham Region better understand transit, discover available services and travel with confidence.

Ready to get moving? Visit DRT to plan your trip and explore the services available to you.

Questions? DRT Ambassadors are here to help

If you have questions about DRT programs, services or engagement opportunities, please reach out to the DRT Engagement team. For general transit service inquiries, residents can also contact 311 for assistance.