Bus Rapid Transit
A Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system will help Saskatoon Transit accommodate the city’s expected growth while making transit a more attractive option for all. BRT is a premium transportation system designed to improve capacity and reliability compared to conventional bus systems. It allows for more people to move more efficiently through optimized routes and dedicated travel lanes, while retaining the low-cost and flexibility of buses. The BRT system was approved by City Council in April 2019. The final stages of design and development are currently underway.
Benefits of Bus Rapid Transit
- Although BRT stands for Bus Rapid Transit, a more accurate way to describe the system is to use the word Reliable rather than Rapid. These don’t go faster - rather they stop less often and for shorter periods of time, meaning you get where you are going faster and more efficiently.
- Drivers benefit from BRT, as a more efficient and comfortable public system encourages more people to become transit users, reducing congestion and pressure on roads.
- Creating a better transit system will decrease carbon emissions by helping take cars off the road. It is estimated that one full bus takes 27 cars off Saskatoon streets.
Timeline:
- April 2019 - Saskatoon City Council approved the final routing for the BRT system, the cornerstone of the Plan for Growth.
- March 2023 - The bus rapid transit pilot station at the Civic Operations Centre, 57 Valley Road, became operational.
- July 2024 - Bus Rapid Transit (Link) branding report approved by Governance and Priorities Committee, going to Council on July 31.
- July 2024 - Construction slated for summer.