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“Link” proposed Bus Rapid Transit name and brand
July 10, 2024 - 4:55 pm
Following extensive planning and careful consideration, City officials have proposed the name “Link” to be used for the branding and marketing of the new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. This new bus service will fall under the master brand of Saskatoon Transit, but it will have its own visual identity to reflect the unique service while complementing the master brand.
Research on BRT systems in cities across North America shows early introduction and adoption of a BRT system brand identity is essential to the success of the new transit service. A report will be presented July 17 to the Governance and Priorities Committee of City Council seeking approval for the new Saskatoon Transit BRT brand name and visual identity.
City Administration worked with Entro, a global firm with specialized knowledge in this field, on brand development for the BRT. A comprehensive eight-step process guided the identification of a brand name and visual identity. Steps included a brand and site audit, stakeholder research, visioning, naming, brand development and validation, visual language, and guidelines.
The proposed “Link” brand will refer exclusively to the rapid transit lines (routes) currently identified as the red, green, and blue lines.
Through naming workshops and discussions held with the public and key groups/organizations in Saskatoon, the name was associated with words such as connectivity, welcoming, accessible, reliable, modern and clear/straightforward. Participants also identified that the name embodied concepts of connection, speed and network and was timeless and easy to understand.
If approved by City Council, work on the Link brand, marketing and wayfinding signage will continue over the coming months. This will involve the implementation of a communications and marketing plan aimed to increase community awareness of the new brand name. Communications will be focused on informing the public before there are construction impacts and provide education on the new future transit service.
With the final BRT funding announcement from the Investing in Canada’s Infrastructure Program (ICIP) on June 28, the project can now proceed to the detailed design, procurement and construction phases. The City has retained engineering and consulting firm CIMA+ to complete detailed designs and assist in the tendering and management of construction contracts.
Construction of part of the transit signal priority (TSP) system and the start of construction of 14 of the BRT stations’ concrete platforms is expected to begin this summer. This work will continue with another 30 stations in 2025.
Engagement activities have been ongoing over the last few years on streetscaping design elements, public art components, station design, feeder routes and other project features, and will continue until the system is launched.
For more information on the project, visit saskatoon.ca/brt.
Special event bus service to SaskTel Centre this weekend
July 11, 2024 - 6:00 am
- 6:15 p.m.
- 6:55 p.m.
- 2:45 p.m.
- 3:25 p.m.
Direct service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see the Saskatchewan Rattlers take on the Winnipeg Sea Bears at SaskTel Centre on Thursday, July 11 at 7:30 p.m., is available at the following times:
Direct service from the Special Events Stop to see the Saskatchewan Rattlers take on the Calgary Surge at SaskTel Centre on Sunday, July 14 at 4:00 p.m., is available at the following times:
Post-event drop-off is at the downtown terminal and regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip). Fare can be purchased on your mobile phone using either the TGo or transit app, transfers and passes are also accepted. Typically, buses arrive onsite 30 minutes prior to the end of the event.
Plan your trip to events at SaskTel Centre on Route 333 using the Transit app up to two weeks in advance. Check out the Transit+ feature to help make connections that combine Transit with OnDemand Transit, riide, and Uber. Download the Transit app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
Transit service times for special events at SaskTel Centre and other popular destinations can always be found at SaskatoonTransit.ca/plan-my-trip/popular-destinations. Experience the convenience of using Saskatoon Transit to attend all your favourite events.
Bus service to Rattlers vs Shooting Stars
July 5, 2024 - 6:00 am
- 6:15 p.m.
- 6:55 p.m.
Direct service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see the Saskatchewan Rattlers take on the Scarborough Shooting Stars at SaskTel Centre on Friday, July 5 at 7:30 p.m., is available at the following times:
Post-event drop-off is at the downtown terminal and regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip). Fare can be purchased on your mobile phone using either the TGo or transit app, transfers and passes are also accepted. Typically, buses arrive onsite 30 minutes prior to the end of the event.
Plan your trip to events at SaskTel Centre on Route 333 using the Transit app up to two weeks in advance. Check out the Transit+ feature to help make connections that combine Transit with OnDemand Transit, riide, and Uber. Download the Transit app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
Transit service times for special events at SaskTel Centre and other popular destinations can always be found at SaskatoonTransit.ca/plan-my-trip/popular-destinations. Experience the convenience of using Saskatoon Transit to attend all your favourite events.
Getting around for Canada Day Celebrations: free Saskatoon Transit service after fireworks
June 27, 2024 - 2:00 pm
Skip the hassle of traffic and parking and make first- and last-mile connections with Saskatoon Transit for the downtown Canada Day celebrations.
Saskatoon Transit will run regular holiday service until 9 p.m. (normal fares apply) on July 1.
After the fireworks, free buses will leave from locations on either side of the river–3rd Avenue northbound/north of 19th Street; and Broadway Avenue southbound/south of 12th Street. View the Canada Day 2024 special event bus map.
All Access Transit pickups and drop-offs for the event will be at the temporary stop on 2nd Avenue just north of the Alt Hotel. Access Transit operates until 11 p.m. for customers. Per normal booking procedures, trips must be booked in advance, and subscriptions do not apply on statutory holidays.
Plan your trip before heading out using real-time apps such as Transit or Google Maps Transit.
For Saskatoon Transit information, visit SaskatoonTransit.ca, or contact Customer Service at 306.975.3100 or transit.services@saskatoon.ca.
Local students create art to be displayed on Saskatoon Transit buses
June 25, 2024 - 11:15 am
- Grade 3 Winner:
- Ada, Vera, Skylar, Samar and Juliette
- École Alvin Buckwold School
- Grade 7 Winner:
- Raowha
- Lakeridge School
Saskatoon Transit today unveiled two unique pieces of student artwork for its 5th annual Student Art Contest. These pieces celebrate the vibrance of youth using active transportation and will be displayed on transit buses around Saskatoon. This contest is aimed at students in grades 3 and 7, as public and active transportation is part of the learning plan for those grades.
"We are thrilled to partner with elementary schools on this project and extend a big thank you to all students who participated in this year's contest," says Cory Shrigley, Customer Support and Engagement Manager of Saskatoon Transit. "This artwork captures the spirit of active transportation and its role in our community. Students this summer should take great pride in seeing art created by their peers displayed on the side of Saskatoon Transit bus."
The winning pieces were based on their reflection of the "Active Transportation" theme. They highlighted the importance of integrated transportation modes such as public transit, cycling, walking, e-scooters, car sharing, taxis, carpooling, and ride-sharing.
“Our school division promotes active transportation and encourages mindful choices that support student well-being and our community,” says Jennifer Haywood, Superintendent of Education at Saskatoon Public Schools. “This contest aligns with our curriculum and Move to Grow campaign, advocating for active ways to commute to school.
“Congratulations to both schools for their creative artwork that brings these ideas to life in a beautiful visual, hopefully inspiring others to adopt healthier and more sustainable transportation habits.”
Each winning artwork will be prominently displayed on five Saskatoon Transit buses, totalling ten buses, throughout the city.
Saskatoon Transit frontline employee and customer safety initiatives
June 13, 2024 - 11:00 am
- Streamlined process for reporting an incident to SPS to assist the incident investigation.
- Deployment of the Fire Community Support team to bus terminals and on bus routes with a higher number of reported incidents.
- Running a public marketing campaign featuring frontline employees from Saskatoon Transit to increase the profile of bus operators in the community.
- Developing a process to ban a problem customer from Saskatoon Transit buses and facilities.
- Exploring the feasibility of installing CCTV cameras at the Downtown and Confederation Mall terminals.
- Rolling out the new Workplace Violence Prevention Policy and updated Respectful and Harassment-free Workplace process and introducing the new Corporate Customer Conduct Standard.
- Developing and delivering new customer service and de-escalation training for frontline Saskatoon Transit employees.
- Enhanced mental health support for Saskatoon Transit employees.
- Advocating for tougher sentences under the Criminal Code for assaults against a Saskatoon Transit employee.
Every employee deserves to feel safe at work and Saskatoon Transit is actively taking measures to provide a safe environment for frontline employees and customers.
Saskatoon Transit is working with the Saskatoon Police Service (SPS), Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD), Amalgamated Transit Union Local 615 (ATU) and other community stakeholders to address concerns with transit bus and facility safety. This work is being done as part of a larger community safety strategy throughout our community that the City of Saskatoon, SPS and SFD are actively rolling out.
Bus operators, supervisors and customer service employees have been exposed to more aggressive and violent incidents this spring. Since the beginning of May, Saskatoon Transit has increased security patrols at the Downtown, Confederation Mall and Market Mall transit terminals along with additional supervisor ride-alongs with operators to have an increased uniformed presence on buses and at facilities.
Several other initiatives are underway as part of the Saskatoon Transit Frontline Employee Safety Plan to improve safety on buses and at terminals for employees and riders. The plan will enhance security, improve internal processes, expand employee training, augment mental health support for employees following an incident, strengthen coordination with emergency services and build a stronger culture of safety at Saskatoon Transit. Initiatives include:
Saskatoon Transit will continue to protect its employees and customers through these new initiatives and by working closely with SPS, SFD, ATU and other community stakeholders on the "One City" approach to Community Safety and Wellbeing strategy.
In addition to these new initiatives, all buses have a protective operator barrier and CCTV cameras with visible signage to inform passengers that their actions are being recorded.
Bus service to Clint Black
June 25, 2024 - 6:00 am
- 6:15 p.m.
- 6:55 p.m.
Direct service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see Clint Black at SaskTel Centre on Tuesday, June 25 at 7:30 p.m., is available at the following times:
Post-event drop-off is at the downtown terminal and regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip). Fare can be purchased on your mobile phone using either the TGo or transit app, transfers and passes are also accepted. Typically, buses arrive onsite 30 minutes prior to the end of the event.
Plan your trip to events at SaskTel Centre on Route 333 using the Transit app up to two weeks in advance. Check out the Transit+ feature to help make connections that combine Transit with OnDemand Transit, riide, and Uber. Download the Transit app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
Transit service times for special events at SaskTel Centre and other popular destinations can always be found at SaskatoonTransit.ca/plan-my-trip/popular-destinations. Experience the convenience of using Saskatoon Transit to attend all your favourite events.
Bus service to Rattlers vs River Lions
June 28, 2024 - 6:00 am
- 6:15 p.m.
- 6:55 p.m.
Direct service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see the Saskatchewan Rattlers take on the Niagara River Lions at SaskTel Centre on Saturday, June 29 at 7:30 p.m., is available at the following times:
Post-event drop-off is at the downtown terminal and regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip). Fare can be purchased on your mobile phone using either the TGo or transit app, transfers and passes are also accepted. Typically, buses arrive onsite 30 minutes prior to the end of the event.
Plan your trip to events at SaskTel Centre on Route 333 using the Transit app up to two weeks in advance. Check out the Transit+ feature to help make connections that combine Transit with OnDemand Transit, riide, and Uber. Download the Transit app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
Transit service times for special events at SaskTel Centre and other popular destinations can always be found at SaskatoonTransit.ca/plan-my-trip/popular-destinations. Experience the convenience of using Saskatoon Transit to attend all your favourite events.
Bus service to Rattlers vs Surge
June 20, 2024 - 6:00 am
- 6:15 p.m.
- 6:55 p.m.
Direct service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see the Saskatchewan Rattlers take on the Calgary Surge at SaskTel Centre on Thursday, June 20 at 7:30 p.m., is available at the following times:
Post-event drop-off is at the downtown terminal and regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip). Fare can be purchased on your mobile phone using either the TGo or transit app, transfers and passes are also accepted. Typically, buses arrive onsite 30 minutes prior to the end of the event.
Plan your trip to events at SaskTel Centre on Route 333 using the Transit app up to two weeks in advance. Check out the Transit+ feature to help make connections that combine Transit with OnDemand Transit, riide, and Uber. Download the Transit app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
Transit service times for special events at SaskTel Centre and other popular destinations can always be found at SaskatoonTransit.ca/plan-my-trip/popular-destinations. Experience the convenience of using Saskatoon Transit to attend all your favourite events.
Bus service to Snoop Dogg
June 19, 2024 - 6:00 am
- 5:45 p.m.
- 6:25 p.m.
Direct service from the Special Events Stop (23rd Street and 2nd Avenue) to see Snoop Dogg at SaskTel Centre on Wednesday, June 19 at 7:00 p.m., is available at the following times:
Post-event drop-off is at the downtown terminal and regular fares apply ($3.00 per trip). Fare can be purchased on your mobile phone using either the TGo or transit app, transfers and passes are also accepted. Typically, buses arrive onsite 30 minutes prior to the end of the event.
Plan your trip to events at SaskTel Centre on Route 333 using the Transit app up to two weeks in advance. Check out the Transit+ feature to help make connections that combine Transit with OnDemand Transit, riide, and Uber. Download the Transit app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
Transit service times for special events at SaskTel Centre and other popular destinations can always be found at SaskatoonTransit.ca/plan-my-trip/popular-destinations. Experience the convenience of using Saskatoon Transit to attend all your favourite events.