Durham Region Transit purchasing six articulated Nova Buses

Durham Region Transit (DRT) is purchasing six articulated Nova buses for the PULSE 900 Highway 2 route.

“These new buses provide an efficient, cost-effective way to increase capacity along our PULSE Highway 2 route, the backbone of our frequent network,” says Vincent Patterson, general manager. “One in four DRT passengers use our PULSE service every day; the articulated buses will provide a better customer experience, provide service and more seats where it’s needed, and ensure we continue to meet the needs of the growing ridership in Durham Region.”

With a cost of just under C$1 million (US$740,000), articulated or “accordion” buses are new to Durham Region and provide additional space and capacity for passengers to get where they need to go safely and reliably. Compared with a 40-foot standard bus, the 60-foot articulated buses are well-suited for the constant onboarding and disembarking along the PULSE route, as they have more doors through which passengers can safely exit.

“Adding articulated buses to the fleet is both a natural evolution and a significant milestone for DRT, offering maximum volume for routes that have a lot of passenger activity but travel relatively short distances. Compared to double-decker buses that are ideal for longer journeys, acquiring articulated buses also aligns DRT with other transit agencies in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area and allows us to keep up with the growth on the PULSE route,” adds Audra McKinley, Deputy General Manager – Maintenance at DRT.

The articulated buses are expected to go into service in early 2021.